The Willmore Wilderness Foundation’s Traditional Skills Training Centre offers practical, hands-on training rooted in the traditions of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Our courses help build skills for hiking, trail riding, guiding, outfitting, and educational tourism, while strengthening local capacity in the tourism and hospitality sector. Training is designed for people interested in employment, self-employment, and traditional backcountry skills.

Participants learn from experienced Elders, outfitters, guides, trappers, master horsemen, trail cooks, farriers, First Aid instructors, and chainsaw safety instructors through a mix of classroom learning, guest speakers, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.

The Centre also supports Grande Cache’s local economy by attracting visitors who stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants, and shop with local businesses.

– Potential Courses Include

– Horsemanship Clinics

– Starting Colts

– Basic Farrier Courses

– Diamond Hitch / Packing Clinics

– First Aid and CPR

– Chainsaw Safety

– Wilderness Cooking

– Pack Box Preparation

– Horse Saddling and Horse Safety

– Bits, Tack, and Trail Knots

– Trail Network, River Crossings, and Wilderness Safety

– Wilderness Survival

The Traditional Skills Training Centre is a place to learn, connect, and carry forward traditional mountain knowledge.