Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing Co-op

Elevate Your Education: Earn Your Degree While Pursuing Your Passion for Skiing 

University will never be the same: You're on your way to earning a valuable degree while spending your winters shredding untouched powder in the breathtaking Cariboo and Monashee mountains. Welcome to the Adventure Studies program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), where we're thrilled to unveil our groundbreaking partnership with Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing (MWHS). 

 

Our program offers a unique opportunity for Adventure Guide Diploma graduates to transition seamlessly into the Adventure Major within the Bachelor of Tourism Management, all while working towards becoming a certified Heli Ski Guide. Here's how it works: 

For Diploma Graduates: 

Diploma students will first complete a series of lower-level courses to lay the foundation for the Heli Ski Guide Coop position. These courses include: 

• ADVG 1580 Mountaineering 1
• ADVG 1560 Ski Tour 1 with Avalanche Canada AST 2
• ADVG 2570 Ski Tour 2  
• ADVG 1590 Avalanche 1 - Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1 
• ADVG 2810 Mountaineering 2
• ADVG 2790 Ski Tour 3 
• ADVG 2450 Alpine Ski Instructor 1 - Canadian Ski Instructor Level 1 

For Degree-Seeking Students: 

Those who choose to pursue the Adventure Major within the Bachelor of Tourism Management can apply for the Heli Ski Guide Coop. The Heli Ski Guide Coop is unique in the world and TRU is the only North American university offering anything like it. Admittance into the coop is competitive and students in the Adventure Major must apply. In addition to your regular studies:  

• ADVG 2250 Mechanized Guide Training Skiing - Canadian Ski Guide Level 1 
• ADVG 4250 Adventure Studies Practicum - an immersive experience that includes participation in MWHS Staff training and an additional 4 weeks living, working and guiding at MWHS’s lodge to  round out the of practicum study. 
• COOP 1117 Coop Work Term - An entire winter season tail guiding at MWHS, gaining invaluable real-world experience. 

 

This program is tailor-made for self-starting, ambitious individuals who dream of guiding and desire a degree as a solid foundation. You'll spend five semesters engaged in a dynamic blend of classroom theory, online learning, fieldwork, and hands-on experience in the workplace. Engaging in online learning during the winter semesters of year three and four of your degree enable students to gain practicum and coop work experience.  

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to blend your passion for skiing with a world-class education. Space is limited, so apply today to secure your spot in this one-of-a-kind program. 

For more information, reach out to the Adventure Studies Department - adventure@tru.ca. 

9 to 5 will never be the same!




MWHS Co-op Course Guide 

MWHS Co-op Progression Chart