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Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy

Why choose Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy?

Timberline Academy is a full-service outdoor adventure college offering unique Gap Year experiences in Banff National Park. Timberline clients engage in skills training programs related to ski/snowboard instruction, mountain rescue, wilderness first aid, avalanche safety and are able to earn industry certifications all while working as paid interns in Banff. Timberline Academy is the only local provider of Gap Year programs in Banff National Park. As a result, Timberline is able to create a truly local experience for their clients that includes trips throughout the rockies, independent housing and industry internships. If you are looking for a unique Gap Year ski season experience choosing a local provider is where you will find the most value and knowledge.

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

We strongly believe in building a more inclusive outdoor community. Timberline Academy recognizes the range of unique experiences held by those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour, in addition to backgrounds that vary by race, ethnicity, religion, and language. Timberline Academy is committed to culturally sensitive forms of support and counselling through tailored mentorship, resources, and cultural awareness initiatives that acknowledge the different experiences of BIPOC participants' wellbeing.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Timberline Academy promotes equal opportunity, respect and success for all participants regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We understand the significance of providing an environment where everyone can thrive authentically and we strive to create a sense of belonging and empowerment within our programs. Community support systems and counselling services are in place at Timberline Academy to ensure participants feel safe and celebrated in their expression of personal identity.

Neurodivergent Support

We recognize that diverse learning styles and perspectives contribute to a rich and vibrant community. Through personalized support, open communication, and a commitment to accessibility, we aim to ensure that neurodivergent participants can thrive in our programs.

Impact

Sustainability

With stunning Banff National Park as our backdrop, our programs are rooted in sustainability. We integrate eco-friendly practices wherever we can and advocate for responsible mountain recreation. Through collaborative efforts, our programs promote environmental stewardship and community engagement ensuring the preservation of Banff's natural and cultural beauty for future generations.

Ethical Impact

We believe that our program participants aren't just participants - they're active community members aware of the role they play in Banff National Park. Timberline Academy prides itself in a program that emphasizes teamwork, community, and environmental stewardship with the ultimate goal of inspiring lifelong connections among participants. This ensures that our presence contributes positively to both individuals and the broader Banff community.

Reviews

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Pia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Timberline Canadaina Alpine Academy

Choosing Timberline do to my ski instructors course during my gap year was one of the best decision's I had made. The level of support in the wellbeing and mental health side of it from the Timberline team was so good and persistent and they had really made a conscious effort to make sure everyone was getting the best Canadian experience. Whether it be a little chat in the local coffee shop to see how your week has gone or a little more support due to homesickness, the staff were always there to support you. No matter how big or small your problem was, you had the help you needed any time. I think what makes Timberline different from all the other ski companies in Canada which are largely British, is that they really do emphasise on the importance of Canadas history to us students with who's land who were on which was offered as an academic class on Wednesday afternoons. Whether you're a current or ex timberline student, the team will always be there for you whether you'll need advice in your next winter season. That's a really important aspect of timberline compared to other companies because you know you can trust them and always have their support.

Pros
  • Nice timberline black arcteryx jacket.
  • Nice accomodation
  • Staff are so nice and always there for a chat.
Cons
  • Banff is cold
  • Accommodation was outside of town so annoying to get back to after a night out.
  • 12 week course dosn't offer the big 3 pass at a discounted rate as you apply later on so your restrcited to just one ski resort.
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Aleid
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience Timberline

I had a great time in Banff, I loved living with people from all over the world and learned a lot from it. Skiing almost every day gave me a perfect structure. It was an ideal balance between skiing and going to bars and clubs. You had the freedom to do almost everything you would like to do. The housing was really nice. I would recommend everyone to do this program.

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Mollie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Winter Skills Instructor Internship

Timberline provided the most amazing experience and I recommend this course to anybody looking for a fun, educational experience making lifelong friends and learning new skills!

Before even arriving in Banff, I had advice with my visa, an understanding of the structure of the course and what to expect when moving to Canada. We had access to support all day, everyday and if we ever needed help it was only ever a text or phone call away. Our training and exams were all taken care of, and Timberline always supported us and celebrated us along our journey. As someone with little skiing experience when joining this course, the family-feel of Timberline was so encouraging and positive and Banff soon felt like a home. As well as developing my skiing skills and working in an amazing, family friendly resort, Timberline also provides photography classes, leadership exercises and education into the indigenous history of the area. The talks we attended were very insightful and we met some really interesting people. The social events provided were such a great way to make friends and also experience life in Banff. In addition, the trips to other resorts provided by Timberline were some of my favourite days over the course.

Thank you for it all Timberline!

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Stella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Timberline Alpine Academy

Timberline provided me with a once in a lifetime experience. I met people who will be in my life for a long time and explored places I hadn’t been exposed to before, it was an incredible opportunity to be working and living in the mountains and something I will never forget. Working as a ski instructor was brilliant, there was such a great group of people working alongside me and teaching was a very rewarding and positive experience. The staff are all amazing people and provided me with a really solid foundation, always going out of their way to help if need be. Banff will always be another home thanks to Timberline and I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a great adventure with even better people.

Pros
  • Meeting amazing people across the world
  • Getting to be in such a beautiful landscape
  • Living independently
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Holly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Timberline

The best experience you could wish for . The support before I left was first class and continued throughout my time in Banff . I have made some amazing new friends, lived in one of the most beautiful places I have been and got qualified as a snowboard instructor. Who could ask for more ! I also obtained extra skills; first aid , avalanche training etc which is what made the real difference. The support from the Timberline community was exceptional and is what really made the difference. The work was so rewarding and I will most definitely be back . Great company !

Pros
  • Support - Timberline commmunity
  • Qualifications
  • Paid work
Cons
  • Expensive town

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Brett Knox

Job Title
General Manager
Brett was born and raised in Canada's nations capital, Ottawa, Ontario, spending most of his early days ski racing, mountain biking, and camping around eastern Canada. His move to the Rocky Mountains a few years ago was fueled by a childhood dream to live in a mountain town and seek out new adventures and untouched snow. He now is a member of the Timberline team in Banff, Alberta and is helping others around the world realize that same dream.
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What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory has to be when I was around 11 years old and my parents decided to take my brothers and I on a cross Canada road trip starting in Ottawa and ending in Tofino, BC.

It was the first time I had spent a substantial amount of time away from my home town and was shocked to see how beautiful and different the rest of Canada is. We spent a few days riding our bikes around Fernie and I think it was then that I knew I wanted to live near mountains for the rest of my life.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have begun to realize that we have put something amazing out into the world that has the potential to have a profound impact on someones life for many years to come. This is what drives me to continuously work with Timberline to help enrich the quality of the programs and the overall experience.

Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?

I believe Kananaskis is probably one of the most underrated areas I have ever explored. There is so much untouched, natural beauty packed into such a small area and it rarely gets the credit that it deserves.

In terms of overrated destinations, I think anywhere you go has something to offer, you just have to be resourceful and dig a little deeper in some places more so then others.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

Timberline is locally owned and operated. The owners live in Banff year round and are the ones who pick you up from the airport, take you out for dinner to celebrate achievements throughout the season, and play pond hockey with you on your off days.

This kind of customer service cannot be replicated by other companies and creates a superior experience unparalleled to anything else.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We recently took our students on a day trip to Kicking Horse Resort in British Columbia. They were immediately blown away by the stunning beauty of the area and one of our students proclaimed, "I am more excited right now then a kid on Christmas day!" It is little comments and reactions like this that reaffirms you are doing the right thing.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Forward thinking. Putting forth the best possible product and always finding new ways to make it better.

Professional Associations

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