INTRUCTOR TRAINING

Ride. Train. Certify. Launch Your Career as a Mountain Bike Coach!

ZEP’s Instructor Academy offers the ultimate mountain bike training experience in Whistler. This program is designed to help you launch your mountain bike coaching career, whether you’re looking to work at Whistler or anywhere else globally. Prepare for certification while riding world-class trails, with the potential opportunity to be hired by the Whistler Bike Park for those who successfully complete the program

Learn from top industry instructors, gain valuable skills, and master safe, effective teaching practices. Since 2007, ZEP has been a pioneer in the mountain bike instructor industry, setting the global standard for instructors training camps.

The camp includes three phases: riding skill development, instructor training, and instructor development, where you'll refine your teaching and riding skills to excel as a mountain bike coach.


3 week training program


Make this your best season yet!
ZEP Team Racer Flying on Heart of Darkness

The Instructor Academy program will help you:

  • Improve your riding skills more than you ever thought possible
  • Ride the best trails in the world in Whistler
  • Learn from the most experienced instructor-trainers in the industry
  • Become a fully certified Mountain Bike Instructor & Guide
  • Gain a professional certification recognized globally by leading bike parks, camps, coaches, and insurance companies
  • Access employment opportunities and job interviews with Whistler Bike Park School
  • Strong intermediate to expert riders
  • 6–12 months of experience teaching/coaching in other sports is an asset
  • Riders looking to pursue a career as a mountain bike coach/instructor, whether in Whistler or globally.
  • 10 full day coaching and training sessions led by industry pros
  • Small group sizes for personalized attention
  • Video analysis via Sport Sense app and tailored coaching based on varied terrain
  • Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches - Intermediate Coach Course - 3 days
  • Whistler Bike Park lift pass (during training)
  • Accommodation with Whistler Blackcomb (extendable if hired)
  • ZEP in-resort rep for support
  • ZEP Troy Lee Designs jersey

The Instructor Academy is for anyone looking to improve their riding, get certified, and begin their mountain bike coaching journey.

However, if you're interested in getting hired at Whistler Bike Park after completing the program, here are the details:

  1. You must legally be able to work in Canada (for details on the IEC visa, click here)
  2. Successfully complete a hiring interview with Whistler Bike Park (interviews will be arranged for you)
  3. Successfully pass your certification course and training program with the Instructor Academy
  • Is accommodation provided?
    Yes, accommodation is provided through Whistler Blackcomb for the duration of the camp. If you're applying to work with Whistler Bike Park through this program, you’ll have the option to extend your accommodation for the remainder of the season if hired.
  • Do I need to take a job with Whistler Bike Park or can I just do the camp for personal reasons?
    You can absolutely join the camp for personal development, whether you want to improve your own riding or pursue coaching opportunities at other locations. While some participants choose to pursue employment opportunities with Whistler Bike Park after completing the camp, it's not a requirement. Many riders attend the camp simply to elevate their skills, gain a professional coaching qualification, and continue their mountain biking journey elsewhere—whether that’s teaching at a different bike park, coaching camps, or just riding for fun.
  • Do I need a working visa for the Instructor Training camps if I don’t want to get a job afterwards in Canada?
    No, if you have no plans of working after the camp, you just need a regular Tourist Visa for the length of your stay in Canada, just like you would on any other holiday.
  • What working visa would I need if I want to apply for a job with Whistler Bike Park, ZEP or other coaching businesses in Canada after the Instructor Training camp?
    Regardless of where you're coming from, you'll need an International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa. Apply for this visa before coming to Canada. For more details, visit the IEC page on the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html

    When would my employment begin, IF I am successful in passing my certification, course and the job interview with Whistler Bike Park? Employment would typically begins in the last week of June. There may be some time between the camp finishing and your employment starting.

    If I am offered a job, how much work can I expect in my first season of teaching and guiding? First season employees can expect part-time work, potentially increasing to full-time during the busy July and August periods. Aim for an average of 20 hours per week, at approximately $20/hour.
  • What level of rider do I need to be for the camp?
    Most participants are strong-intermediate to advanced riders. Confidence in getting the wheels off the ground (such as front and rear wheel lifts, drop-offs, and roll downs) is a good starting point. If you're comfortable with small to medium table top jumps, you'll be ready! However, there’s plenty of time to improve your skills during the camp if you’re still working up to jumps.
  • What bike would be best for the Instructor Camp?
    Because the camps are hosted in the Whistler Bike Park, a downhill bike is ideal. Downhill bikes are stronger and better suited for the repeated laps in the bike park. However, an enduro bike with six inches of suspension front and rear, heavy-duty tires, and slack geometry (around 66° head tube angle) is also a solid choice.
  • What preparation can I do before the camp?
    Ride your bike often, get fit, eat well, and rest. Try to gain some experience teaching or leading others, whether it's through public speaking, leading a hike, or teaching another sport. These experiences will help build confidence for becoming a mountain bike instructor and guide. >If I am offered a job, how much work can I expect in my first season of teaching and guiding? >For riding skills, work on drop-offs, small tabletop jumps, and technical descents. Take it step-by-step and build your skills over time.
  • Are there any testimonials I can check out?
    Definitely! Check out Sam’s, Rory’s, and Jo’s testimonials from past programs.
  • How can I learn more about ZEP?
    Visit our About and Press pages for more information about ZEP’s work as the industry-leading coaching provider and pioneers in mountain bike instructor certifications.

DATES & PRICING

DATES PRICE
May 25th - June 14th $3995 + tax

** Release of liability waiver MUST be completed before participating in this activity. **

Receive a 15% discount on any additional ZEP private lessons or swag.