SNOW RESORT OPERATIONS
Program Outline
Major: SROP
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters, plus 2 Work Terms
Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Effective: 2011 - 2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall
Description
Snow Resort Operations (SRO) is a two year diploma program for people who love to ski or snowboard and who want to make a living doing so. SRO offers students transferable, practical skills and knowledge for successful careers in the snow resort industry. SRO also offers students a healthy, active way of life; adventure, challenge and variety; connectedness with the outdoors; excitement and satisfaction; and skills and knowledge they can use to find success in other fields or in further studies. The program is closely aligned with snow industry partners who offer two paid co-op work placements in the winter as well as hands-on learning opportunities during the off-season periods. Four academic semesters provide students with mandatory industry specific courses along with elective courses which allow them to tailor their program to specialize in a particular aspect of the snow industry.
Career Opportunities
SRO grads are Snow School Supervisors, Pro Patrollers, Risk Managers, Terrain Park Builders, Lift Mechanics, Event Co-ordinators, Grooming Operators, Group Sales Co-ordinators, Rentals Supervisors, Retail Managers, Marketing Assistants, and Entrepreneurs.
While most grads work full-time seasonally in combination with a complementary summer occupation, many grads have secured full-time year-round employment.
Numerous SRO grads have gone on to use their SRO diplomas as the basis for further studies at college or university.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- utilize effective communication and problem solving skills to facilitate outstanding customer service;
- work effectively and collaboratively as an individual and as a team member in a variety of settings and situations;
- utilize/employ supervisory principles and exemplary leadership skills;
- competently apply standard ski and snowboard industry practices in a variety of workplace situations;
- maintain job currency with respect to industry knowledge and skills, trends and technologies, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt to change;
- apply risk management practices, policies and procedures necessary to maintain a safe, healthy and attractive snow sport and recreational operation;
- apply basic financial and accounting principles appropriate to the snow sports industry;
- develop and implement basic sales and marketing tools, ,promotional plans and activities;
- develop and implement departmental business plans;
- exemplify professionalism and competencies that reflect an ethical personal philosophy;
- participate in society as an informed citizen, and pursue an enriched personal and professional life.
Practical Experience
Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College; it has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with paid work experience related to their program of study. This integration affects much more than simply earning a salary, including the adjustment to the work environment and the development of professionalism. It also reinforces skills and theory learned during academic semesters, develops professional contacts, job knowledge and career path, improves human relations and communication skills and promotes personal maturity and financial independence.
Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar. Co-op policies and procedures can be located on our website: www.georgianc.on.ca/careers/for-students/
Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Program Progression
Fall Intake
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Work Term 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Work Term 2 - Winter 2013
Sem 4 - Summer 2013
Summer Intake*
Sem 1 - Summer 2012
Sem 2 - Fall 2012
Work Term 1 - Winter 2013
Sem 3 - Summer 2013
Sem 4 - Fall 2013
Work Term 2 - Winter 2014
*contact Office of the Registrar to confirm Summer intake
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants also require Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U), or equivalent.
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Applicants are invited to attend an information session or pre-arrange a visit to the Hospitality and Tourism area of Georgian College.
Graduation Requirements
11 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
8 Optional Courses
3 General Education Courses
2 Co-op Work Terms
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
COMP1003 Microcomputer Applications
FNCE1001 Understanding Accounting
MGMT2003 Human Resource Management
MGMT2011 Management Issues and Trends
MKTG1000 Introduction to Marketing
SKIR1001 Resort Profit Centres
SKIR1002 Resort Design Concepts
SKIR1004 Snow Safety
SKIR1008 Resort Operations Skills
SKIR2003 Programs and Events
SKIR2010 Risk Management
Options
BUSI2007 Entrepreneurship and Small Business
MKTG2016 Marketing Strategies
SKIR1005 Lift Functions and Regulations
SKIR1006 Resort Sport Product Knowledge
SKIR2001 Snow School Management
SKIR2005 Resort Sport Technician
SKIR2006 Terrain and Trail Design
SKIR 2009 Snow Making and Grooming
TOUR1000 Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism
TOUR 1008 Introduction to Hospitality Services
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
Co-op
COOP1019 Snow Resort Work Term 1
COOP2016 Snow Resort Work Term 2
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BUSI2007 Entrepreneurship and Small Business 42 Hours
This course will deal with creative and administrative elements and management concepts that impact a hospitality and tourism entrepreneur who wishes to establish a practical and viable small business. The required skills and aptitudes for small business management will be explored. The business background in which small business operates in Ontario and Canada will be studied to provide a solid basis for decisions regarding the undertaking of small business opportunities.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
COMP1003 Micro Computer Applications 42 Hours
This course introduces the student to database, spreadsheet, and presentation software. The student with be provided with a working knowledge of the most common business computer application software. This course provides the student with hands-on learning and independent study.
COOP1019 Snow Resort Work Term 1 560 Hours
Co-op provides valuable work experience which allows students to gain industry specific knowledge and skills and explore career options while enrolled at Georgian. Students could work in outside operations, snow school, guest services, administrations or marketing. In all positions an emphasis will be placed on professionalism and service excellence. Co-op placements are paid and usually run from December to April. The co-op hour CPHR 0001 supports the co-op process and students are expected to attend and encouraged to participate.
COOP2016 Snow Resort Work Term 2 560 Hours
Building on previous co-op experience students will continue to gain valuable industry know how and skills necessary in today's work environment. Many students will use this opportunity to continue along their chosen career direction where they will enhance and expand their skill set, while others will explore new opportunities within the industry. In all instances students should be developing a solid reputation in the industry maximizing their opportunity to network
FNCE1001 Understanding Accounting 42 Hours
This introductory course is predicated on the need for non-financial personnel to understand the accounting and financial procedures necessary to operate a successful business. Revenue and cost control, the accounting cycle and basic understanding of financial statements will be covered in this course.
MGMT2003 Human Resources Management 42 Hours
This course examines strategies and techniques used by effective managers in the hospitality and tourism field. Psychological, operational and legal considerations are analyzed in areas such as: human resource planning, information systems, employment equity, occupational health and safety, workforce stress and labour management relations. Specific emphasis will be placed on creative thinking and problem solving. Simulated problems will provide students with the opportunity to investigate and practice successful strategies.
MGMT2011 Management Issues and Trends 42 Hours (New)
This weekly management seminar will cover classic management issues, current industry trends and developments through presentations, simulation and case studies. Topics will include but will not be limited to social, legislative, environmental, governmental, economic and technological issues. Students will play a role in determining topics and seminar formats. This course will encourage creative and entrepreneurial approaches to management and will assist students determine future career directions.
MKTG1000 Introduction to Marketing 42 Hours
This is an overview course with primary focus on marketing products and services to the ultimate consumer. Emphasis is placed on the basic marketing premise that customer needs must be satisfied in order to achieve company objectives. The student gains insight into the complex and interdependent variables involved in developing successful marketing strategies. The strategic marketing planning process is introduced, along with the specific concepts and principles involved in the four key components of the marketing plan - Product, Price, Distribution, and Promotion Strategies.
MKTG2016 Marketing Strategies 42 Hours
This course will give students an in-depth understanding of all marketing fundamentals including advertising, promotion, public relations, event and cause-oriented sponsorships, publicity, and media relations. This course will cover all media, their strengths and weaknesses and their relationships with the ski and snowboard markets, how to plan and buy the relevant media, as well as an overview of the successes and failures experienced in Canada. The impact and role of e-commerce will be addressed.
SKIR1001 Resort Profit Centres 42 Hours
This course provides an overview of four inter-related profit centres within a ski resort. Students will learn about the roles of these operations, and will develop the essential skills required to effectively deliver products and services to the customer. Topics will include store layout, displays, processing sales, maintenance and repair. The practical component of the course will be in the field assessing these factors and applying new skills.
SKIR1002 Resort Design Concepts 42 Hours
This course will introduce the students to the basic concepts underlying the sustainable design and development of resorts and their facilities. The challenges and opportunities presented by the natural, societal, and economic environments will be discussed in terms of resort type, location, layout, complexity and infra-structure. Site visits, case studies, and in-class discussions and presentations will encourage critical analysis of these concepts.
SKIR1004 Snow Safety 42 Hours
Emergencies on the snow present operators great challenges and this course will teach strategies to ensure snow safety such as education programs, crowd control, management of competitions and special events, communication and enforcement of rules. Strategies required in dealing with emergencies as effectively as possible will include rescue from trails and slopes, rescue off serial ropeways and crowd management. Handling injuries through first aid procedures will be reviewed. Weather conditions and other elements will be discussed. Handling the delicate task of dealing effectively with the media will also be addressed.
SKIR1005 Lift Functions and Regulations 42 Hours
This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in SKIR 1000, Resort Operations Skills. A brief history of lifts, designs and innovations is followed by an intensive study of the anatomy of a basic lift system and the required infrastructure. The management of lift operations, lift maintenance, maintenance schedules and related legislation complete this course.
SKIR1006 Resort Sport Product Knowledge 42 Hours
An introductory study of winter sports equipment including hard goods and soft goods, which will include common terminology, construction, materials, bio-mechanics, manufacturing & production standards, selection, fit, repair and equipment care.
SKIR1008 Resort Operations Skills 42 Hours
This course gives students the opportunity to acquire and practice skills that are of basic importance in a snow resort setting. These include: Basic First Aid; Basics of Customer Service; Basics of Workplace Health & Safety; WHMIS; operation of snowmobiles, ATV's and other powered equipment; Radio Communications; Basic Accident Investigation. Students will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of these basic skills as well as recognized certificates such as First Aid and WHMIS.
SKIR2001 Snow School Management 42 Hours
This course explores the different roles and functions of the ski/board school at a resort, emphasizing its role as a center of customer service excellence, while generating revenue for the operation. Effective staffing, programming, marketing and community relations will be discussed. Equipment and industry trends and instructional activities for skiers with disabilities will be presented.
SKIR2003 Programs and Events 42 Hours
Resorts must accommodate visitors by providing more than snow, lifts, cafeteria food and a chalet. Planned social, recreational, instructive and competitive programs must be offered on site to appeal to a diverse group of visitors. Resorts need to develop strategies for off-season recreational and social programs as more areas are moving towards accommodating destination travelers and visitors interested in adventure recreation. A variety of services for first time and return visitors will encourage them to return again. The course will address these issues and students will learn what the appropriate recreational programming is and how it can be effectively delivered.
SKIR2005 Resort Sport Technician 42 Hours
An in-depth review of the equipment and merchandise associated with snow sports. Equipment specifications, features, performance and appeal will be reviewed and analyzed. New designs and trends will also be addressed. This course will help coaches, instructors, retail sales managers and retail/repair technicians provide exceptional customer service.
SKIR2006 Terrain and Trail Design 42 Hours
This course will explore the evaluation, planning and management parameters for on-slope skier carrying capacity, 'area balancing' to compare the ski area trail development with the apparent proportions of the skier markets, the International Trail Standards, as well as the industry's accepted skier skill classification levels. Case studies of North American, European and Asian snow sport resorts will be used to demonstrate slope and trail design applications and their different response to market and cultural demands.
SKIR2009 Snow Making and Grooming 42 Hours
This course reviews the concepts of snow science, physical and environmental factors affecting snow and how the properties of snow change over time and usage. Meteorological factors, the mechanical processing of snow and the preparation and maintenance of slopes and trails used by skiers, snowboarders and Nordic skiers of all levels will be addressed. The construction and maintenance of terrain parks and snow features will be discussed in depth. Strategic decision-making and risk management will help students understand how to prepare and schedule safe snowmaking and groom activities over the ski/snowboard season.
SKIR2010 Risk Management 42 Hours
This course builds on knowledge and skills gained form courses in Health and Safety in the Workplace and Snow Safety and focuses on the importance of risk prevention and management in the winter resort context. It includes risk identification, mitigation of risk, risk management practices, developing a culture of safe practice, emergency planning and management, and insurance and litigation. Learners will have ample opportunity to assess and discuss concepts through a case study approach.
TOUR1000 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism 42 Hours
The hospitality and tourism industry is exciting, challenging, dynamic and growing on a world wide basis. There are many businesses, associations and partnerships that must work together for the industry to thrive. This course provides students with an introduction to the sectors of the Canadian hospitality and tourism industry and the many career opportunities that exist.
TOUR1008 Introduction to Hospitality Services 42 Hours
This course develops essential knowledge and skills in core food and beverage services common to hospitality, tourism, and recreation operations. Students have the opportunity to gain specific practical experience required to work in this industry. Guest service procedures, and effective customer service skills and attitudes will be developed and practiced to meet the high level of service quality desired in this niche area of food and beverage service.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.