Ski Area Operations Lift Maintenance class at Steamboat

Ski Area Operations Programs

Educating the next generation of ski area professionals

Ski Area Operations AAS

Launch your career in the ski industry with the AAS in Ski Area Operations. You’ll gain real world and academic experience in ski patrol, lift maintenance, and snowmaking and grooming as you prepare to not only work in the industry but be a leader in it.  CMC alumni often begin their careers in these areas of focus, and quickly advance into management roles.

Ski Area Operations AAS

Ropeway Mechanical Maintenance Technician Certificate: Level 1

Begin your career as a lift mechanic with this new intensive program at CMC and get straight to work at a ski area. For spring 2024, the intensive will be offered from mid-May through mid-June at the CMC Leadville campus. This 4-week program includes 12 college credits and gets students ready to start working as lift mechanics. Ski industry partners will work with CMC to support this program and hire strong students into their lift mechanic teams at the end of this intensive. 

Ropeway Mechanical Maintenance Certificate: Level 1

Hybrid Options

Resort partners may choose to put their employees through various CMC programs. CMC can offer the Ropeway Certificate in a hybrid option where students may complete the 12 credits without leaving their home resort.  Resorts must commit to providing the lab portion of the course and there are various financial options depending on the resort’s location and agreement with CMC. CMC can also partner with resorts to support students seeking the AAS in Ski Area Operations.

Other Programs

CMC is currently building Level 2 of the Ropeway Mechanical Maintenance Technician program as well as working with industry partners on an apprenticeship pathways for Ropeway Electricians.  Both of these programs are under development and CMC is eager to partner with resort partners interested in supporting students on these paths.