Ski Area Operations
Launch your Ski Area Operations career at America’s premier ski industry training program
The best way to learn ski area management is to experience it first-hand. Drive a snow groomer. Help build a new ski trail. Repair a gondola. Colorado Mountain College's epic locale and hands-on philosophy give you the chance to actively work on some of the most notable slopes in the nation.
Hands-on opportunities to:
- Work on major ski competitions such as the World Cup races
- Be involved in large-scale international events
- Network with high-level ski and snowboard professionals
- Intern at any winter resort in the world
- Use state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology
Real experience on campus and at world-class resort partners
Students complete the Associate of Applied Science in two years. The first year, you’ll learn on a small on-campus ski hill at CMC’s Leadville campus, which serves as a practical lab with grooming equipment on campus and multiple ski resorts nearby. Students learn the essentials aspects of snowmaking, grooming, lift operations and ski patrol, in addition to other administrative aspects of the industry.
The second year, you’ll complete coursework while getting paid to work at one of our many partner mountains. This required internship takes students to their choice of any winter resort in the world. As an intern you are paid regular wages and can expect guidance and supervision from both ski area management personnel and your Colorado Mountain College Ski Area Operations instructors.
Due to increased demand, the Ski Area Operations program at Colorado Mountain College will now have limited seats moving forward. To learn more about the application process and secure your spot, contact Annette Johnson or an admissions representative.
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The Ski Area Operations (AAS) is offered at:
- Leadville: One year in person on campus. Your second year includes online course work while working at a partner mountain
Program Learning Outcomes are what we expect each student will learn while earning a degree or certificate. Meeting these learning outcomes is how we assess our performance as a college. Our learning outcomes support both important career skills and future success as a student.
Upon completing the Ski Area Operations (AAS) program, CMC students will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional collaboration and teamwork.
- Successfully perform defined operational tasks and technical skills associated with mountain operations.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills, with emphasis on professional radio communication.
- Demonstrate professionalism as appropriate to the ski industry.
- Identify and manage risk associated with mountain operations.
Colorado Mountain College Ski Area Operations is an accredited State of Colorado Career Technical Education program.
CMC graduates land ski resort jobs and move up to higher positions
More than 90 percent of the graduates of the Ski Area Operations program have found jobs and careers in the field within the first year. Of these, 80 percent have advanced their employment status within the second or third year of their employment. Because of their broad knowledge of ski resort operations and management work, our graduates are promoted more quickly and often to higher positions than those who just learn on the job.
Bottom line? An affordable, practical education at Colorado Mountain College puts you ahead of the game.
Ski Area Operations graduates are working throughout the world as
- Mountain managers
- Lift managers
- Ropeway mechanics
- Customer service and installation managers for major ski lift companies
- Snowmaking managers
- Snow groomers
- Grooming managers
- Snow vehicle mechanics
- Risk managers
- Patrollers
- Guides
- International ski area construction consultants