Courses & Guiding

BC's experts in mountain skills courses & guide service

With 30 years of Sea-to-Sky expertise, MSAA delivers the world’s most comprehensive mountain skills training. Our certified guides pair deep local knowledge with elite curriculum to build a safe, professional foundation. From beginners to experts, we ensure rapid progression and an exceptional educational adventure in every peak.

Prefer less study and more mountain? Explore our Adventures section instead.

Looking to build your skills through structured training? Explore the MSAA Mountain School for climbing, mountaineering, avalanche, backcountry, rescue and wilderness education.

    Rockies Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering

    Mountaineering Courses

    Build a solid foundation for alpine climbing with our expert-led Mountaineering Courses. Our curriculum covers essential skills including glacier travel, crevasse rescue, navigation, and alpine rock techniques. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your systems, our certified instruction ensures you have the knowledge to climb safely and efficiently.

    Guest at top of Blackcomb Buttress

    Guided Mountaineering

    Reach new summits with our Guided Mountaineering adventures. Whether climbing the classic Sky Pilot, exploring the Tantalus Range, or tackling a custom objective, our certified guides ensure a safe and unforgettable experience in the spectacular high alpine of Whistler and Squamish.

    Rock Climbing Course Squamish BC

    Rock Climbing Courses

    Elevate your climbing with our comprehensive Rock Climbing Courses. Whether you’re transitioning from the gym to outdoor crags, mastering Trad and Multi-Pitch techniques, or learning critical Rock Rescue skills, our expert-led programs in Squamish and Whistler are designed to take your ability to new heights.

    An adventurous climber is scaling a rock face in Yosemite National Park.

    Guided Rock Climbing

    Scale the best routes in the Sea-to-Sky corridor with our Guided Rock Climbing experiences. From beginner-friendly single-pitch sessions to iconic multi-pitch adventures in Squamish, our ACMG-certified guides offer safe, customized instruction to help you reach new heights.

    Avalanche Skills Training

    Master essential safety skills with our Avalanche Skills Training (AST) courses. Led by expert educators in Whistler and Squamish, our curriculum ranges from introductory AST 1 to advanced AST 2 and rescue refreshers, ensuring you have the latest knowledge to explore the backcountry safely.

    Woman smiling stood atop a peak backcountry skiing

    Backcountry Ski Courses

    Unlock your full potential in the backcountry with our expert-led ski courses. We offer a complete progression of training, including Intro to Backcountry, advanced Progression Clinics, Ski Mountaineering, and Crevasse Rescue. With specialized options like our Women’s Backcountry Series, we have the perfect program to take your skills to the next level.

    happy clients backcountry skiing

    Guided Backcountry Ski Touring

    Tour the Whistler Blackcomb & Coast Mountains backcountry with professional Mountain Skills Academy guides. Offerings include heli-accessed touring, powder punch cards, and customizable private or group day trips for finding the freshest lines.

    Glacier Travel course roping up on glaicer

    Women’s Backcountry Series

    Empower your backcountry journey with our Women’s Backcountry Series. Designed for women and led by women, our courses—including AST 1 and AST 2—provide expert instruction in a supportive, pressure-free environment, helping you build the skills and confidence to explore the mountains safely.

    Ski Touring Trips

    Escape the crowds and explore the wilder side of the Coast Mountains. Our multi-day hut trips offer exclusive access to some of the best backcountry terrain in British Columbia. Whether you choose the legendary Duffey Lake area or a custom alpine itinerary, experience the ultimate ski adventure with our expert guides.

    Eric Dumerac Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing British Columbia

    Ice Climbing Courses

    Master the art of ice climbing in the spectacular Coast Mountains. From our beginner-friendly ‘Ice Climbing Experience’ to advanced technical training and private instruction, our certified guides offer comprehensive courses designed to take your skills to the next vertical level.

    Instructor briefing students

    First Aid

    Prepare for the unexpected with our professional First Aid Training. Whether you are a weekend hiker or an outdoor professional, our comprehensive courses—including Wilderness First Aid and First Responder certification—provide the essential medical skills needed to handle emergencies safely and effectively in the backcountry.

    Gift Certificates

    Give the gift of choice with certificates available in any amount, applicable toward any of our courses or adventure experiences. A meaningful gift for anyone looking to learn, explore, and venture confidently into the backcountry.

Ready to Just Explore?

Leave the instruction for another day and immerse yourself in the experience. If you are looking for a guided trip focused on breathtaking views and pure adrenaline rather than technical training, discover our full range of guided mountain adventures.

Via Ferrata Whistler group at view point