Recreation Resource and Ski Resort Management

John DeLeo, Professor
Catherine DeLeo, Professor
Rodney Zwick, Professor
T. Kelly Rossiter, Instructor

B.S. Recreation Resource and Ski Resort Management:
Ski Resort Management
Natural Resource GIS Mapping and Planning
Adventure-Based Program Management

A.S. Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning Systems
Minors: Applied Group Leadership, Foundations of Social Research, Rural Community Organization and Administration

Program Mission Statement

The Recreation Resource & Ski Resort Management Department has a threefold educational purpose:

to provide academic preparation consisting of a broad-based liberal arts foundation, a professional core and specialization in Natural Resource GIS Mapping and Planning, Ski Resort Management, or Adventure Based Program Management
to serve as a community resource and advocate of improved quality of life through the promotion and direct service of leisure experiences and education
to facilitate the scholarly growth of faculty and students through research and professional development

The Recreation Resource & Ski Resort Management Department’s mission is to maintain a caring environment in which to prepare leaders who are intellectually capable and competent in the management of recreation resources and in the delivery of leisure services. The department strives to develop responsible and confident individuals who are independent and logical thinkers with socially and environmentally sensitive values.

Program Goals

The program goals of the Recreation Resource & Ski Resort Management Department bond the three concentrations of Adventure-Based Program Management, Natural Resource GIS Mapping and Planning, and Ski Resort Management across a core curriculum. Students who graduate from the program will have:

strong written and verbal communication skills
an understanding of leisure needs and behaviors of diverse populations
an environmental awareness and appreciation
sound resource management skills
an ability to think logically and critically
knowledge through applied experiences and problem solving
individual, group, and organizational leadership skills
the ability to design, conduct, and analyze research
a commitment to community service
an appreciation for the importance of a sound work ethic

Goals for the program include gaining the knowledge, skill and appreciation necessary for the profession. Goals are assessed throughout the curriculum.

Course Requirements

The Department offers three concentrations in the baccalaureate program: Ski Resort Management, Natural Resource GIS Mapping and Planning, and Adventure-Based Program Management. All three concentrations require 46 credits of core courses, which include content in: leisure history and philosophy; planning and development of programs and services; management principles and practices; research methods and implementation; recreation resource management policy and practice; leadership applications; and computer skills including Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) and Global Positioning System (G.P.S.) mapping skills. As a part of the core, students participate in a common outdoor education practicum, as well as sophomore field practicum and senior internship experiences specific to their concentration. In addition to core requirements, each concentration includes a sequence of specialized courses.

Concentration Requirements and Career Opportunities

Ski Resort Management students engage in more than 360 hours of sophomore field experiences at various resorts throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. They may choose to specialize in Mountain Operations, obtaining a Vermont Lift Attendant Level I qualification, or in Mountain Services, focusing on Service Marketing and events. An additional minimum of 450 hours is spent in a senior internship at a resort matching the student’s career interests. Introductory courses orient students to resort operations and functions. Ski resort seminars focus on industry trends and issues. Students may choose to graduate with an additional Associate of Science degree in applied GIS/GPS or Business Administration. Graduates find careers in marketing and sales, administration, and a variety of mountain operations.

The Natural Resource GIS Mapping and Planning concentration includes classroom and extensive field experiences that provide a theoretical and practical understanding of planning and management techniques for land and water-based recreation resources. Students obtain an experience-based understanding of environmental policy and law, recreation-related environmental issues, the impact and management of human activity on recreation resource areas, and the use of G.I.S. and G.P.S. Graduates of the natural resource GIS Mapping concentration obtain positions as recreation planners and managers in natural resource agencies and organizations. A Minor in Natural Science is strongly recommended.

The Adventure-Based Program Management concentration prepares students to work in organizations that utilize adventure activities as a process for learning outdoor skills and for enhancing individual and group/team development. Classroom experiences provide students with a theoretical understanding of adventure education, experiential learning, leadership, and group dynamics. In addition, students learn the skills of outdoor leadership, team building, program development, and risk management. Field-based courses, practicum, and internship experiences provide students with opportunities to develop the personal characteristics and technical skills necessary for the practice of safe, high quality adventure programs. Opportunities are available for students to obtain essential leadership experience through involvement with the LSC Adventure Program, including challenge course facilitation and leadership of a variety of outdoor activities. The Green Mountains of Vermont and White Mountains of New Hampshire serve as natural learning laboratories. Graduates prepare for career opportunities as outdoor instructors, expedition leaders, or program directors and administrators in commercial adventure-based programs, outdoor and environmental education centers, recreation departments, and other public and private organizations.

Student Outcomes for the Major

Upon graduation, recreation majors will be able to:

plan, implement, and evaluate a program to meet diverse leisure needs served by the public and private sectors of the recreation industry;
apply appropriate use of current technology for recreationfield related problems;
conduct research consistent with the scientific methods to objectively solve problems within the recreation profession; and
identify strategies which lead to sustainable environmental practices.

Associate Degree in Applied GIS/GPS

This degree program follows the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) guidelines for college programs. Upon completion of this program students should be employable at entry level GIS and GPS positions for companies and industries using either or both of these technologies. Students will possess a basic understanding of the principles and concepts of spatial analysis and georeferencing techniques as well as applied field and lab experience using existing software and hardware. Although not as technical in breadth as other spatially analytical college programs, this program is rich in practical Natural Resource field-based applications provided through collaborative opportunities with Federal, State and Local government agencies and local civic groups. Students will be involved in the planning, implementation and delivery of both GIS and GPS projects. This program is designed for the active student that enjoys working in small groups and sharing their knowledge with others.

Minor Programs

The Department offers minor programs in Applied Group Leadership, and Foundations of Social Research. The minor programs draw students from a range of academic departments including Psychology, Education, and Business. We also offer certificates of completion for ski lift functions and maintenance.

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