This program is designed to prepare the student for a career in the mountain resort industry. Technical and academic study in the classroom is combined with practical, on-the-job experience at Colorado’s world-class mountain resorts to provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the mountain resort industry.
Students must demonstrate college-level proficiency in composition, reading, and mathematics as prerequisites for courses within this degree. Students’ proficiency may affect the sequence of classes in which they can enroll and may also extend the time required to complete this program. For more details, please see the Academic Placement and Testing section of the catalog or contact the Ski Area Operations faculty. Entry into the program requires a physician completed medical form. Additionally, to participate in many courses a valid drivers license is required.
The Ski Area Operations (SAO) program requires a minimum of sixty-three (63) credit hours for graduation. Forty-eight (48) of these credits are required courses described below, of which seven (7) credits are earned during a paid, on the job, cooperative work experience. Typically, this work experience will occur during the 3rd and 4th semesters. For additional information concerning the work experience, contact a member of the SAO faculty.
The remaining fifteen (15) credits are chosen by the student to meet the student’s individual career goals. The elective groups are: Slope and Trail, Patrolling, or Ropeway Operations and Maintenance. Students may choose electives from any individual or combination of elective groups. For details, see listing below.
There are several options for Ski Area Operations students wishing to pursue a four-year degree. For additional information concerning this, contact a member of the SAO faculty.
Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Ski Area Operations. The SAO program faculty will assist the student in the development of the student’s individual schedule.
The Ski Area Operations degree program is offered at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville. Some courses may be available at other CMC locations and as web-based courses. CMC also offers certificates in Ropeway Maintenance Technician , Ski Patrol Operations , and Slope and Trail Maintenance .
Learn more about the Ski Area Operations Program
