The Whistler Adventure Academy Team
Providing world class ski and snowboard instructor courses in Whistler, Canada

About Us

Our Mission

Our mission at the Whistler Adventure Academy is to offer incredible ski & snowboard instructor courses and outstanding Whistler experiences. We don’t aim to graduate hundreds of participants each season like some of our competitors. We are a small family run business dedicated to each and every individual who partakes in our courses. The focus is always you – whether on the mountain, prepping for exams or planning an awesome weekend adventure in Vancouver – we are committed to making sure your experience with us is unique and amazing!

About Us

After living and working in some amazing places all over the world, we have chosen to make Whistler our home. It is an extraordinary place to work, play and raise our families. We love everything that Whistler has to offer... every season here provides endless opportunities for outstanding adventures on the mountains and off.

Our point of difference is that we are Whistlerites - passionate and thrilled to share our incredible part of the world with you. We don’t fly in to “oversee” your course. We are here before, during and after your course working tirelessly to make sure that your time in Whistler is not only exceptional, but filled with experiences that make you feel like you really know Whistler from a local’s perspective... all of the secret powder spots, all of the coolest places to après, all of the best Whistler has to offer.

The Whistler Adventure Academy is dedicated to offering courses that are filled with the highest levels of education and preparation to provide you with the most rewarding and safe experiences in the incredible mountains of Whistler. For all of our clients, the time you will spend here is also time off well deserved after a long period of study or work. For that reason, we ensure that all of our courses are also packed with fun and tons of adventure so as to make your gap year, career break or spring break an experience to remember.

Accommodation – during your Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses

Another distinction between Whistler Adventure Academy and other companies operating in Whistler is we own our own accommodation. Our centrally located, four star lodge accommodates 14 participants comfortably... with a 54” big screen TV, DVD player, hot tub, wood burning fireplace, large living and dining area, and fully equipped kitchen, there will be little else you could want during your stay with us.

*As we try to accommodate our participants based on age, interests and course type, we cannot guarantee you will be housed in our lodge, but all other accommodation we lease is of a similar standard and centrally located.

Jamie Grant - Director

After attending Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Jamie made his way to Nagano, Japan to coach skiing. After an amazing two years in Nagano, Jamie co-founded an event production company which lead to his owning and operating a live blues club - The Voodoo Lounge - in Fukuoka, Japan.

Seven incredibly successful years later, Jamie moved to Whistler with his wife Theresa in 2002. Since then Jamie has combined his careers as both a tennis professional and a Level 3 CSIA ski instructor in Whistler. Jamie currently instructs and directs programs for all ages and abilities in both sports.

Together with his partners James and Erin, Jamie looks forward to hosting and providing  you with an unforgettable and unique Whistler experience.                        

James McCann - Director

James, Erin & Hannah McCann

James is a qualified chef who trained in Hotel and Resort Management in Switzerland, James has travelled the globe managing, owning and marketing incredible hotels and resorts.

James’ intense passion for skiing started in the “mountains” of New South Wales, Australia where his family took regular ski vacations to Thredbo. As his passion grew, he travelled to New Zealand, all over Europe, Japan and the American Rockies. A trip to Whistler in 1994 sealed the deal and he has been hooked on these incredible mountains ever since.

Erin McCann - Director

Growing up in the Bahamas, Erin didn’t have much of a chance to experience skiing. It wasn’t until she went to Ontario to attend secondary school that Erin first learned to ski on a GOLF COURSE! After moving west to go to University in Vancouver, Erin finally got to experience what real skiing is all about in the mountains of Whistler. 

After managing some of Fiji’s most luxurious resorts and hob nobbing with the rich and famous for a decade, Erin finally set down roots in Whistler and loves her new version of “paradise”!