Welcome to the exciting world of snow sports! Skiing and snowboarding are staples
of Michigan recreation and tourism in the winter months, especially in the beautiful
landscapes of northern Michigan. Careers in hospitality services supporting this
industry abound and Ferris State University is excited to be offering an opportunity
in partnership with Boyne Mountain Resort for high school students residing in this
winter wonderland. Junior and Seniors are invited to gain education and experience
in the world of snow sports and Michigan hospitality in the most dynamic Ski Resort
Management certificate program in Michigan.
Since 2016, Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, MI has been the educational site
for delivery of the Ferris State University Hospitality Management Program’s HSMG
302 Ski Recreation Management course. In Fall 2021, we expanded our partnership by
taking the entire Ski Resort Management Certificate north for delivery through a blend
of online discovery and onsite education at Boyne Mountain Resort. Students participating
in this dual enrollment opportunity will complete four courses designed to identify
industry standards for hospitality service delivery and demonstrate knowledge of successful
ski recreation operations specific to the acclaimed Michigan experience. Onsite education
is deeply enhanced as students become employees of Boyne Mountain Resort as ski and
snowboard instructors in the Boyne SnowSports Academy and trained service professionals
in resort operations. With curriculum designed to blend structured online education
with onsite work experience, this certificate delivers effective and fun engagement
in learning for our students.
Students in the program will complete the following courses:
Development of Michigan's past and its place in the present. State and local events
as they mirror larger national trends; what is both unique and universal about the
Wolverine State. This course meets General Education Requirements: Cultural Enrichment,
and new Fall 2017 Culture.
This course focuses on the strategies, staffing, and systems behind excellent guest
service. Students will discuss hospitality service concepts and principles, explore
problem solving techniques and best practices, analyze ethical issues, and utilize
case studies to understand what it means to exceed guest expectations and create the
“Wow” experience.
HSMG 300 Hands-on Learning Areas (About two to three hours each)
Resort Tour Housekeeping Maintenance Front Desk Food and Beverage Management
This mixed delivery course is presented through online, classroom, and field study
components. Students will learn aspects of ski area management including lift ticket
pricing and sales, ski rental and repair facilities, retailing, staffing, risk management,
ski patrol responsibilities, lift operations and maintenance, snow making and grooming.
Students will visit various Michigan ski resorts for training. Ability to ski or snowboard
is not necessary but recommended. Prerequisites: Recommended ability to ski or snowboard.
Meets General Education requirements for Collaboration and Problem Solving.
HSMG 302 Hands-on Learning Areas (About two to three hours each)
Rental Mountain Ecosystem Tour Ski Patrol Adventure Center Grooming
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of risk management
which are applicable in personal life as well as throughout an enterprise. Students
receive a framework and process for managing hazard, operational, financial, and strategic
risk, and are exposed to data analytics and technologies aiding the process. Tools
for modeling and analyzing risk are introduced, and various risk treatment methods
are explored. As a common risk treatment method, insurance concepts and terminology
are also introduced.
Additionally, students will have an opportunity to:
Become paid employees of Boyne Mountain Resort
Earn a 12 credit university certificate in Ski Resort Management
Gain important work experience and develop critical professional skills
Enjoy dynamic and hands on education to prepare them for work in a variety of career
field
For more information, please contact Amy Dorey, Hospitality Management Program Director
at [email protected] or (231) 591-2383.
Contact
Office of Transfer and Secondary School Partnerships
901 S. State Street, STR 313 Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 591-5983
