This course is designed to provide students with an overview of ski area management and the ski industry, particularly within a North American context. Focus is on the historical development of the industry, and the maturation of the sport over the years. Key industry trends and societal influences affecting the growth and future trajectory of the industry are also examined. This is in addition to industry consolidation and the rise of the mega pass, the push towards year-round mountain resort development, and the importance of improving beginner trial, conversion and retention is also emphasized. A look to the future also examines the importance of taking a more proactive approach to globalization, mobility, technological advancement and other drivers, particularly as guests continue to demand greater convenience, quality, and accessibility from their travel experiences.
Important Information
While students must have earned an undergraduate degree before applying to the Ski Area Management Certificate, individual courses can be taken by undergraduate students. This can be to satisfy the requirements of an undergraduate degree or as a part of the Ski Area Management Graduate Certificate. Keep in mind that if credits from this course are counted towards an undergraduate degree, it is not possible to also count them towards the Ski Area Management Graduate Certificate.
Undergraduate students should consult an Academic Support Coordinator or Student Financial Services prior to enrollment to determine how this course may affect the cost of your undergraduate degree and financial aid status.
Textbooks and Materials
Please check the CSU Bookstore for textbook information. Textbook listings are available at the CSU Bookstore about 3 weeks prior to the start of the term.
Instructors
Sunshine Swetnam
sunshine.swetnam@colostate.edu
Dr. Sunshine Swetnam is a Colorado Native, long time skier, wilderness lover, and educator who believes in the empowerment of others. She is learner-centered, with the philosophy of stewardship at her core. She hopes to educate more people about the environment, the earth, and sustainability with the intent that they fall in love enough to want to take care of our home. She has worked in the ski industry as a ski instructor and in middle management as an assistant ski school director at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona and Mount Aleyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska.
