Ski Resort Operations and Management

2-Year Diploma at Tenth Street, Nelson

Program Calendar

2012

• August 7 - Year 2 Fall term begins
• September 4 - Year 1 Fall term begins
• October 29 - Year 2 Fall term ends, work term begins
• December 21 - Year 1 Fall term ends

2013

• January 2 - Year 1 Fall Winter term begins
• February 18-22 Reading Week
• April 19 - Year 1 Winter term ends
• April 15-19 Year 2 Work Term Reports
• August 6 - Year 2 Fall term begins

*Late applications may be accepted if space is still available.

Program Objectives

The Ski Resort Operations and Management Program provides education and training in ski industry subjects for students who desire a career in the ski and snowboard industry. The curriculum contains specific industry course content not commonly available at post-secondary educational institutions.

The Ski Resort Operations and Management Program is reviewed annually by an advisory committee of senior ski industry representatives to ensure that content is current and that that graduates are equipped with the latest useful knowledge and skills.

The aim of this program is to accelerate the movement of graduates into supervisory and management level positions. The program relies heavily on the ski industry to provide direct exposure to virtually all aspects of indoor and outdoor operations. Close contact with industry operations is provided through field trip visits that introduce students to industry supervisory and management personnel.

Field trips provide students with first-hand exposure to new construction and installations, snowmaking plants, ski lift designs, as well as to consumer and industry trade shows. Direct meetings with ski industry managers and supervisors at resorts visited give students a chance to explore job opportunities for their work semester and after graduation.

During the first three semesters which span 14 months, students take 22 courses focussed on tourism, business, and operational subjects that prepare them for a role in the ski and snowboard industry. Included in these first three semesters are three five-day field trips to different ski regions in British Columbia and Alberta.

During the fourth semester, students undertake a 21-week paid work semester at a ski resort, which may lead to full-time employment. The work term is a co-operative education endeavour that involves both employer and college supervision of the students' work experience. Students choose their work placement and negotiate with employers to determine possibilities for job rotation and other learning opportunities. Students receive one on-site visit from an instructor during the work semester and must complete a major written report and verbal presentation to receive credit for this work term.

Distance Learning Courses

Selkirk College offers ski resort management distance learning courses to students who cannot attend the College on a full-time basis. Courses are available to those who are new to the ski industry and to ski resort employees who want to advance their ski industry careers.

• equivalent of SROM 158 - Ski Area Risk Prevention Management

LIFT 150 - Ski Lift Operations: Train the Trainer

For information about Ski Resort Management Distance Learning courses, contact (250) 352-6601.