Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) Program

ADVENTURE TOURISM BUSINESS OPERATIONS

LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN, BC Surrounded by five national parks, the Golden area is renowned for its biodiversity, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

The Kicking Horse River – one of the best rafting and kayaking rivers in the country – is 30 steps from the College of the Rockies campus, and you can see Kicking Horse Mountain Resort from the campus.

Legendary mountain biking and paragliding, pristine white water, and the most back country ski lodges in North America make Golden a mecca for people seeking the most authentic outdoor adventure.

The experience is

We’ve been teaching Adventure Tourism for 20+ years!

• Certificate program began in the 1990’s • Diploma launched in 2006

OUR INSTRUCTORS AND GUIDES

Dave Wan – ATBO Coordinator Don Webster – ATBO Faculty Gideon Smith – Academic Instructor Kendell Duce – Academic instructor Krista Polley - Academic Instructor

Field Course Instructors: • ACMG Guides • SKGABC Guides • BCRCA Instructor Trainers

“During my two years at College of the Rockies, it became clear to me that I belonged in the mountains. The Adventure Tourism Program helped me discover a passion for the outdoors and a very clear career path. The staff watched over me and guided me to greatness. I believe the program set me up for an amazing future and I look back on those years with no regrets.”

Max Kilorn (left), ATBO Class of 2010 pictured with program coordinator/instructor, Dave Wan.

FIRST YEAR CORE COURSES

• Intro to Outdoor Guide Skills • Leadership • Natural Interpretation • Principles of Adv. Tourism • Computer Skills • Backpacking level 1 • English • Risk Management • Wilderness Travel Theory • Wilderness 1st Aid

FIRST YEAR ELECTIVES • Rock Climb level 1 • Ice Climb level 1 • Ski/Snowboard instructor • B/c Winter Travel level 1 • Canoe Guide • Sea Kayak level 1 • White Water Kayak • Raft Guide level 1 • Mountain Bike Ride Guide Level 1

YEAR TWO CORE COURSES • Work Practicum Placement • Adv. Natural Interpretation • Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Tourism • Marketing • Accounting • Small Business Planning • English Travel Writing • Backpacking level 2 • Cross Cultural Tourism • ATBO Capstone 8

YEAR TWO ELECTIVES

• Mountaineering • Rock Climb level 2 • B/C winter travel level 2 • Avalanche Skills Training level 2 • Sea kayak level 2 • Raft Guide level 2 • Swiftwater Rescue • Industry Certification

BEST JOB IN THE WORLD In 2013, ATBO alumnus Greg Snell beat out more than 600,000 applicants from 196 countries to win one of six spots in Australia’s “Best Job in the World” contest as Kangaroo Island’s wildlife caretaker.

For six months, Greg spent his time swimming with great white sharks, snorkeling with sea lions, hanging out with kangaroos and helping to conserve the pristine natural environment of the island.

After leaving Australia, Greg went on to his next best job in the world, launching an online documentary travel series.

Travel Global Think Local, is described as “a documentary travel series which tells powerful stories of extraordinary people in incredible places”.

The focus of the series is community projects that encourage empowerment, sustainability and the actions of people who are making the world a better place.

“I had an amazing job that I loved and my experience in College of the Rockies’ ATBO program helped me get there” Greg Snell, ATBO Class of 2009

“The College gave me the foundation of skills needed to get started in this industry.

I would recommend the ATBO program to anyone considering a career in this field. I am proud to be a part of the COTR family.”

Steve Cloke, ATBO Class of 2014

Through the practicum portion of the ATBO program, Steve began guiding for 1000 Islands Kayaking in Brockville, Ontario. He is now the General Manager of the company and has helped the company grow from 10 boats to a fleet of 85.

CERTIFICATIONS • Advanced Wilderness First Aid – Slipstream • Swift-Water Rescue Technician – Rescue Canada • Canoe Guide – BCRCA • Alpine Ski Instructor – CSIA • Snowboard Instructor – CASI • AST 1 + AST 2 – CAA • Ride Guide – PMBIA • Raft Guide – BCROA • Sea Kayaking Assistant Overnight Guide Certification – • SKGABC • Apprentice Interpreter – Interpretive Guides Alliance • Restricted Marine Radio Operators License – • Canadian Power and Sail squadron

WHY GET A DIPLOMA? Work as an Outdoor Adventure Guide • Managing groups in the outdoor environment • Or using business skills, and working in an assistant manager position Your ATBO Diploma can also articulate into a Degree in Adventure Tourism.

Our academic standards are in accordance with BC Adventure Tourism Diploma Program Core Curriculum Standards.

Also, our program is designed to be in accordance with BC Tourism Management Diploma Core Curriculum Standards.

ADVENTURE TOURISM BUSINESS OPERATIONS

COTR.CA/ATBO