Students with Colorado Mountain College Leadville’s Ski Area Operations program are getting hands-on experiences that most ski industry pros are never even able to experience. Last week they assisted at The Mighty Argo Gold Mill & Tunnel with installing over 80,000 pounds of cable spanning more than two miles, working directly with ropeway systems in action as they’re being installed.
Colorado Mountain College’s Ski Area Operations program allows students to receive first-hand training and experience with ski area management, including operating a snow groomer, building new trails, and maintaining gondolas.
Their hands on education prepares students for a variety of ski-related jobs and activities, including working on major ski competitions like the World Cup races, getting involved in large-scale international events, networking with high-level ski and snowboard professions, using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology, and interning at winter resorts around the world.
Students in the program receive an Associate of Applied Science in two years, learning on a small on-campus ski hill at CMC’s Leadville campus during their first year and completing coursework while getting paid to work at one of their many partner mountains through their second year.
