The Mountain Adventure Skills Training (MAST) program offered at the College of the Rockies’ Fernie Campus turns education into adventure. From canoeing, mountaineering, and hiking to avalanche training, rock climbing and whitewater rafting, the MAST program is an all inclusive, epic experience that has sent many students on their way in the adventure tourism industry.

Dan Caldwell graduated from the MAST program in 2003. Born and raised in Fernie, he is now the Guiding and Outdoor Operations Manager for King Pacific Lodge, a high end eco-tourism lodge in northwestern BC providing eco-tourism experiences to American and European tourists in saltwater fishing, fly-fishing, bear viewing, whale watching, sea kayaking and heli-hiking.

“To get all the certifications and skills that are provided in the MAST program in one place and within one program is pretty unique,” says Dan, “I’ve used every certification I got, from Swiftwater Rescue to Avalanche Training.”

The MAST program illustrates how BC Colleges are working with communities to prepare the workforce by developing relevant and affordable training close to home.

To learn more about the MAST program click here.