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Description

This program prepares graduates for a number of different careers in the ski and snowboard industry by providing education and training in ski resort operations subjects not commonly available in academic institutions. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to become competent ski industry professionals with strongly developed service attitudes and management potential. This is achieved through a unique blend of classroom learning, seminars, laboratories, field work and applied learning in real world settings.

The program also works closely with industry partners to provide students with real experience with outside operations, snow schools, events, risk management, retail and rental operations, as well as guest services and marketing.

Over four academic semesters, the curriculum focuses on the general and industry specific hospitality practices and technical knowledge relating to the ski and snowboard industry. Elective selections allow students to orient their program to suit their particular interests and to specialize, if they so choose, in a specific facet of the industry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can expect to find rewarding careers in one of many areas of the industry, as full-time employees, with the skills and attributes necessary for supervisory and leadership roles. They are flexible and multi-faceted, with the right combination of transferable and technical skills to be employed year round.

Typical jobs include: lift operators/apprentices and supervisors, snowmakers, groomers, terrain park supervisors, snow school staff, pro patrollers, guest service providers, rental/repair technicians, resort sporting goods sales staff, event staff, and marketing and promotions assistants, to mention a few.

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;
• demonstrate 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;
• apply all skills and knowledge developed from two co-op work terms;
• demonstrate 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.

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

Sem 1 - Fall l2009

Work Term 1 - Winter 2010

Sem 2 - Summer 2010

Sem 3 - F all 2010

Work Term 2 - Winter 2011

Sem 4 - Summer 2011

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Information can be found on Georgian’s website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations.

Admission Requirements

Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG 4C, ENG 4U). Resume is recommended.

Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic admission qualifications, may be considered for entrance as mature students. 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 requested, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's license.

Do you need Academic Upgrading?

You can take Academic Upgrading courses at Georgian College, please visit www.georgianc.on.ca/coned09/areas-of-interest/college-and-career-preparation.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on the following:

* Academic grades

* Relevant industry experience

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

COMP1034 Computer Applications

FNCE1001 Understanding Finance

MKTG1000 Introduction to Marketing

SKIR1000 Resort Operations Skills

SKIR1001 Resort Profit Centres

SKIR1002 Resort Design Concepts

SKIR1004 Snow Safety

SKIR2010 Risk Management

SKIR2011 Capstone Project

TOUR1000 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism

TOUR2001 Supervision in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Options

BUSI2007 Entrepreneurship and Small Business

ENVR 2009 Sustainable Resort Development

FOSR1010 Mixology

MGMT1000 Retail Management

MKTG2016 Marketing Strategies

SKIR1005 Lift Functions and Maintenance 1

SKIR1006 Winter Sport Product Knowledge

SKIR1007 Back Country Snow Safety

SKIR2001 Snow School Management

SKIR2003 Programs and Events

SKIR2005 Resort Sport Technician 1

SKIR2006 Terrain and Trail Design

SKIR2007 Lift Functions and Maintenance 2

SKIR 2008 Digital Media

SKIR 2009 Snow Making and Grooming

TOUR1003 Front Office and Guest 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

COMM1000 College Communications

COMM1001 Communications at Work

COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communication

COMM1006 Professional Writing

COMM1007 Oral Presentations

COMM1012 Visual Analysis and Communication

Co-op

COOP1019 Ski Resort Work Term 1

COOP2016 Ski Resort Work Term 2

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BUSI2007 Entrepreneurship and Small Business 42.0 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.

COMM1000 College Communications 42.0 Hours

Effective communication skills are essential for success in college and career. This entry level course promotes development of college level skills related to information literacy and current communication technology. Students focus on writing, researching, presenting, editing and proofreading. They incorporate writing conventions, analyze and evaluate information, and prepare and deliver ideas orally. In addition, they edit and proofread their own and others’ writing.

COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 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.

COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communication 42.0 Hours

Computers are revolutionizing our ability to communicate for the purposes of learning and conducting business. This project-based course develops skills to communicate effectively using electronic media. Hands-on experience is combined with an examination of the characteristics of computer-mediated communication, its role in society, and its use in the workplace. Prior experience with basic Internet functions and Web page construction is strongly recommended.

COMM1006 Professional Writing 42.0 Hours

Professional writing skills are required in all service, technical, and business environments. In this advanced course, students develop researching, planning, designing, and writing skills used to prepare workplace materials. Individually and collaboratively, they learn and practice the processes involved in producing such information as policies, written instructions, training materials, and online help. Experience with word processing is expected.

COMM1007 Oral Presentations 42.0 Hours

This advanced communications course is designed to further students' proficiency in verbal communication in both individual and group presentations. Students develop their delivery and presentation skills while working on a range of oral communication activities that start with short, informal introductions and comments and work up to more researched, persuasive, multimedia presentations.

COMM1012 Visual Analysis in Communications 42.0 Hours

In the modern visual world, the way messages are viewed and disseminated has changed dramatically with technological advances. In this course, students develop their theoretical and practical communication skills at an advanced level by investigating the power of visual imagery. Students focus on interpreting, analyzing, and critiquing a broad range of visuals in terms of intention and effectiveness. In addition, students complete research projects including presentations.

COOP1019 Ski 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 Ski 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

COMP1034 Computer Applications 42.0 Hours

This advanced computer course builds on word processing and Internet skills and develops application and analytical skills in database management, spreadsheets, and presentations. Students will study current industry-specific software applications, and will design and develop a simple web page.

ENVR2009 Sustainable Resort Development 42.0 Hours

In an age of environmental activism and awareness, all resort operators and employees should be aware of the real impact of recreational activities, including snow sports on our environment. This will allow them to apply environmentally safe and ethical business practices in all areas within a resort, from preliminary site selection to ongoing operations. This course will explore potential environmental issues at snow sport resorts and will discuss examples of excellence in environmental responsibility and the legal consequences of poor practices. Case studies are used extensively to illustrate how environmental regulations are applied in real situations.

FNCE1001 Understanding Finance 42.0 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.

FOSR1010 Mixology 42.0 Hours

This course focuses on the skills used on bar operations, as well as the duties and responsibilities of bar staff and their role in customer relations. Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge relating to the production, preparation and presentation of "mocktails", spirits, wines and beers. This course will afford students the opportunity to acquire Smart Serve Certification which addresses the legal responsibilities and obligations of serving alcohol in a licensed establishment.

MGMT1000 Retail Management 42.0 Hours

This course will enable students to develop decision making skills related to retailing. Topics may include merchandise and expense planning, store layout, product line and resource determination, pricing, promotional strategies, customer service, financial planning and control. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

MKTG1000 Introduction to Marketing 42.0 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 42.0 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.

SKIR1000 Resort Operations Skills 42.0 Hours

This foundation course introduces students to the many aspects of resort operations, and develops the skills essential to be effective in operating equipment, working in teams, and solving everyday challenges in a safe and customer oriented manner. Emphasis will be placed on lift operations and snow science. Field trips, group discussions, case studies and presentations will enhance the development of student competencies.

SKIR1001 Resort Profit Centres 42.0 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 42.0 Hours

This course will introduce the students to the basic concepts underlying the 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 42.0 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 Maintenance 1 42.0 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 round out this course.

SKIR1006 Winter Sport Product Knowledge 42.0 Hours

An introductory study of winter sports equipment including hard goods and soft goods, which will include common terminology, construction, materials, bio-mechanics, manufacturing and production standards, selection, fit, repair and equipment care.

SKIR1007 Back Country Snow Safety 42.0 Hours

This course gives students significant on-mountain experience and training to allow them to travel safely in mountain and back-country settings. Course content includes two days of skiing/snowboarding at mountains in the Quebec City region, followed by two days of avalanche training and two days of back-country travel in the Chic Choc mountains of the Gaspe region. Avalanche training and back-country travel are provided and co-ordinated

by qualified guides, certified by the Canadian Avalanche Association.

SKIR2001 Snow School Management 42.0 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 42.0 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 1 42.0 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 42.0 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.

SKIR2007 Lift Functions and Maintenance 2 42.0 Hours

This advanced course covers performance testing of lift systems, lift inspection, diagnosis and repair procedures, lift construction specifications, project management and the application of codes, standards, standard operating procedures.

SKIR2008 Digital Media 42.0 Hours

This course will address the explosion of digital media available to the everyday user and specifically to resort operators and managers. Topics include trends in media and communications technology, and the application of this media in the snow sport industry and specifically in marketing. Students will actively learn how to capture, store and deliver the different media, based on what the media is intended to do. Students will learn how to use leading software such as Photoshop to manipulate the media and will also discuss the cost-benefits of different digital products in the context of the snow sport industry.

SKIR2009 Snow Making and Grooming 42.0 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. An insight into the behaviour of snow will be essential to understand how to maximize snow management for a fun, safe skiing and riding environment for all guests. 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 42.0 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.

SKIR2011 Capstone Project 42.0 Hours

This capstone project, offered to students in their final semester, requires students to apply their knowledge and skills to authentic industry issues and challenges. This problem based learning experience will develop meta-skills (including teamwork, oral and written communication) critical to their professional life and marketable industry competencies.

TOUR1000 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism 42.0 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.

TOUR1003 Front Office and Guest Services 42.0 Hours

This course will prepare the student to work in a front office of a lodging establishment.

Guest relations, servicing, hospitality computer systems and front office procedures are the main focus of this course.

TOUR2001 Supervision in Hospitality and Tourism Industry 42.0 Hours

Using a variety of approaches including case studies and role play, students will be introduced to supervisory practices for first-line personnel in the hospitality and tourism industry. To help develop the skills necessary to perform as effective supervisors, students will examine topics such as establishing a positive work climate, employee training, motivation, evaluation and discipline, and personal management skills like problem solving, ethical analysis, and organization.

How To Apply

Last Update: July 28, 2011.