The business behind powder days

Gear up for a cutting-edge program that will groom you to guide tomorrow’s ski industry

Ski goggles set against a white background representing our Ski Resort Operations certificate

Supremely located within driving distance of world-class ski resorts, FLC’s Ski Operation Certificate program invites you to turn your passion into a career. Learn the ins and outs of on-mountain and headquarters- based responsibilities as you gain the skills you’ll need to lead the future of the ski industry, including capitalizing on emerging target markets and navigating climate change.

Bel Young, Business Administration, ’21, on our Ski Resort Operations certificate program

"This certificate-based program allows students to identify and pursue their specific passions within a broad industry. I appreciate Fort Lewis College for offering these kinds of focused courses!"

Bel Young
Business Administration, ’21

How it works

Skier in a jump through a forested slope representing our Ski Resort Operations Certificate
  • Three online courses and one internship
  • Complete the certificate in 2-4 semesters
  • Start in Fall or Spring semesters
  • Open to anyone interested in ski area management, no course prerequisites
  • Full-time students pursuing a bachelor's degree may add the certificate at no extra cost

To apply

If you are already enrolled at FLC

Simply add the certificate as you would declare a major or minor.

If you are not currently enrolled at FLC

You will be asked to submit supporting documents when you apply for the Ski Resort Operations Certificate.

  • If you have earned no college credits, you'll need your high school transcript and test scores when you apply.
  • If you have earned fewer than 24 college credits, you'll need your high school transcript, test scores, and official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  • If you have earned 24 or more college credits, you'll need official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  • If you have earned a bachelor's degree, you'll need official transcripts indicating the degree you earned from all colleges attended.

*Please note: seeking the Ski Resort Operations Certificate alone will not qualify you for any state or federal financial aid.

Courses

  • Introduction to Resort Management
  • Ski Resort Operations
  • Ski Resort Management
  • Electives
Introduction to Resort Management

BA 131 - Introduction to Resort Management

An introductory course covering the scope, organization, and environment of resort operations. The course focuses on an analysis of the physical, financial and human variables involved in the operation of a destination resort.

Ski Resort Operations

BA 335 - Ski Resort Operations

Ski Resort Operations covers the on-mountain operations of a ski resort. This course will focus on the various departments and how each contributes to the ski area experience as a whole. These include ski school, rental and retail operations, food service, lodging and guest services. Topics include service quality, productivity, forecasting, inventory and supply chain management, and regulation compliance challenges that influence the performance of ski resorts.

Ski Resort Management

BA 336 - Ski Resort Management

Ski Resort Management covers the management or activities that drive the mission of a ski resort. Topics include leadership, communication, culture, teams, decision-making, motivation, sustainability, strategic planning, and branding in the context of ski area management. This course will focus on the management concepts and challenges that affect ski area management in various departments including marketing, reservations, finance and human resources.

Electives

Select three (3) credits from the following list of electives:

Course No. Title Credits
AE 242 Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue 2
AE 243 Avalanche Level 2 1
BA 330 Tourism/Hospitality Management 3
BA 334 Sustainable Tourism 3
BA 430 Critical Issues in Tourism and Hospitality Management 3
BA 447 Ski Resort Internship 3
BA 499 Independent Study 1-6
GEOG 235 Weather and Climate [LAC-SC2] 3
GEOL 470 Snow Science 4

 

  • Questions? Contact us with the form below.