Ski Area Operations Faculty
Colorado Mountain Instructors have International Connections and Expertise
Your teachers know what it takes to succeed on the operations side of the ski industry. They have worked on international projects and made valuable connections that stretch across the globe.
Jason Gusaas
Assistant Professor, Ski Area Operations719-486-4229 | jgusaas@coloradomtn.edu
2023 CMC Faculty of the Year, Leadville
Education
- AAS Ski Area Management, Gogebic Community College
Professional Certifications and Awards
- Terrain Master of the Year 2002, Colorado Ski Country USA
- Certified Snowmobile Safety Instructor, State of Colorado
About
Jason began his career in the ski industry by aiding in the construction of Huff Hills, a small ski area in North Dakota. He was the foreman on all phases of construction from the ground up, including installing the snowmaking system, lifts, clearing trails, as well as building the chalet and shop. After completing the Ski Area Management program at Gogebic Community College, Jason headed out for an internship at Copper Mountain and never left. He was the Terrain Parks and Half Pipes Foreman at Copper Mountain for 11 years and was the first recipient of the Terrain Master of the Year award presented by Colorado Ski Country USA in 2002.
See story: CMC work backbone of Leadville ski joring course
Jason has taught at Colorado Mountain College Leadville since 2009 and enjoys the close proximity to so many outdoor activities that Leadville provides. His hobbies include spending time with his family, snowboarding, hunting and fishing.
What Students Say
“Jason was very influential in my success in the Ski Area Operations program. He’s been in the industry for a long time and has tons of knowledge to share with students.” – Alex Ranz
Brian Rosser, J.D.
Adjunct Faculty719-486-4228 | Berosser@coloradomtn.edu
Education
-
Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.), Ski Area Operations, Colorado Mountain College
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), East Tennessee State University
- Doctor of Law (J.D.), Regent University
Awards & Certifications
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider Instructor, American Heart Association
- ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Magnetic Particle Testing (ACCP-MT)
- Licensed to Practice Law
- Licensed Insurance Adjuster
- NREMT, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
- Outdoor Emergency Technician and Instructor, National Ski Patrol
About
Brian started his career in the ski industry in 1995 and has a diverse background in ski area operations and management. He is an experienced leader with progressive experience in resort development, operations and management.
Over the years he has performed lift maintenance, made snow, patrolled and has worked directly with or for all phases of Mountain Operations with a proven record of success. He has established relationships within the ski industry as well as with the insurance business and other allied industries.
Rosser, who is an attorney, was previously the Risk Manager and Human Resources Director at Loveland Ski Area. Prior to working at Loveland he was employed as a professional ski patroller at Copper Mountain and Ski Cooper. Additionally, while working in the ski industry he has worked as an adjunct professor at Colorado Mountain College in the school’s Ski Area Operations (SAO) program, served as the Chair of the Advisory committee for the SAO program, and is also a graduate of that program.
Before coming home to Colorado Mountain College, Brian served the MountainGuard team as Director of Risk Management and Education. Rosser was responsible for the continued development, coordination and execution of enhanced loss control service plans to provide proactive pre-loss risk management expertise to benefit MountainGuard's valued clients.
Brian has been with Colorado Mountain College for two years and is responsible for a joint venture with the National Ski Areas Association providing Ropeway education to its member ski areas from Maine to Alaska.
Brian is a state of Colorado EMT and NREMT, is a voting member of ANSI B77.1, on the NSAA Risk management committee, and is a member of the National Ski Patrol.
Paul Molnar
Assistant Professor Ski Area Operations719-486-4228 | pmolnar@coloradomtn.edu
Pronouns: He/Him
Hablo Español
Education/Relevant Experience
- BA Biology, University of Colorado Boulder
- EMT-B
- 32 years ski industry experience, including 26 years ski patrol
Awards/Recognition
- 2001 Ski Country Colorado Snowmaker of the Year
Personal Interests
I love mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Spending time with my son is my source of joy.
About Colorado
I'm a born and raised Colorado Native and I am frequently amazed by how many new authentic experiences and beautiful places this state holds for me! Endless adventure here.
Role at CMC
I seek to share my knowledge of the broad range of opportunities to learn and grow in the ski industry so students can work towards a sustainable and engaging career in the mountains.