Ski Area Management
The Ski Area Management Program at GCC is one of the nation's most comprehensive training programs for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the snow sport industry. Technical and academic study is combined with a practical internship which is conducted at major resorts throughout Coast to Coast. Students spend their freshman year and the first eight weeks of their sophomore year completing prerequisite courses. During this period, the Mt. Zion Recreation Complex is utilized as a training laboratory. Mt. Zion is our college-owned and operated winter sport complex located on campus which is open to the public.
The Cooperative Work Experience assignment (Co-op) is the capstone of the Ski Area Management Program. All sophomore students participate in the five month internship where they gain important operational experience in an actual resort environment.
GCC’s graduates, placed at resorts nationwide, succeed with knowledge and skills provided by the program. Employment opportunities look very good into the future. Placement assistance is available through GCC’s Career Placement Office with assistance from the Ski Area Management Department. Through appropriate course selection, students may opt to pursue a Bachelor Degree through an articulated agreement with Northern Michigan University and the Walker L. Cisler College of Business and obtain a baccalaureate degree in Ski Area Business Management. This transfer agreement will enable students to begin their program at either institution and will further enhance their future career opportunities.
Associate of Applied Technology - 2 years:
| Prefix | First Semester Courses | Credits |
| COL 102 | College & Career Readiness | 1 |
| SAM 100 | Introduction to Ski Area Management | 3 |
| SAM 101 | Ski Area Layout | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I or | 3 |
| ENG 105 | Technical English | 3 |
| SAM 104 | Ski Equipment Mechanics (8 week course) | 2 |
| SAM 106 | Snowmaking Fundamentals (8 week course) | 2 |
| PED 202 | Responding to Emergencies | 2 |
| PED 220 | Fundamentals of Ski Instruction | 1 |
| ACC 150 | or 201 Accounting | 4 |
Second Semester Courses |
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| SAM 103 | Ski Lift Construction and Design | 3 |
| SAM 105 | Ski Area Maps (8 week course) | 1 |
| SAM 107 | Slope Grooming Fundamentals (8 week course) | 2 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology or | 4 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology or | 3 |
| HS 104 | History of World Civilization from 1440 | 4 |
| *Limited Electives | 6-7 | |
Third Semester Courses (8 weeks) |
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| SAM 200 | Ski Area Operation/Cost Analysis | 3 |
| SAM 202 | Risk Management and Related Issues | 2 |
| SPE 105 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| SAM 205 | Applied Industrial Skills | 2 |
| SAM 230 | ***Co-op Work Experience (2nd 8 weeks) | 3 |
| CPL 200 | Introduction to Computers & Microsoft Office -or- | 2 |
| CIT 161 | Microsoft Office Essentials | 4 |
Fourth Semester Courses |
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| SAM 231 | ***Co-op Work Experience | 12 |
| Total Credits: | 64-68 |
A valid driver’s license is required for completion of this program.
*Limited Electives: select from BUS 101, BUS 130, BUS 133, BUS 185, BUS 210, BUS 215, BUS 230, ACC 151, ACC 202, ECO 201, ECO 202, ENG 102, ENG 250
***Students complete internships at participating ski resorts or ski shops. A 2.0 cumulative GPA (C) is required in all SAM courses as a prerequisite to enrollment in SAM 230/231 Co-op Work Experience Program.
NOTE: Curriculum is subject to change without notice or obligation.
For more information contact the Admissions Office
Phone (906) 307-1207