Success Through a Canadian Education
Americans Find Ski Resort Success Through a Canadian Education
Zach Baldasare from Mansfield OH and Robert Hoskinson from Coeur d'Alene ID are aspiring ski resort managers who are reaping the rewards of education. Both will graduate this spring from the Ski Resort Operations and Management (SROAM) program at Selkirk College in Nelson British Columbia. Zach is completing his work semester co-op as Assistant Rental Shop Manager at A-Basin in Colorado, while Robert has his hands full with his job as Guest Services Manager at Silver Mountain in Idaho.
The curriculum of the SROAM program is designed by ski industry leaders to accelerate a student's advancement into supervisory and management level positions. Program Instructor, Bob Dodge, a 1984 graduate of the program, says that since the program began in 1980, numerous graduates have reached senior management positions in major resorts across Canada. "We have only recently been discovered by American students as a great bargain in education. The exchange rate makes the cost of living here and tuition very affordable for US citizens."
Robert says that Nelson was the ideal college town for him. "Its a mecca for hardcore skiers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The terrain and powder at nearby Whitewater Resort draws a great mix of young people from all over the world." He readily admits that the skiing and social atmosphere of the town occasionally distracted him from his studies but says that with good planning you can enjoy it all and still do well in school.
Zach sums it up well with his comments. "Selkirk College and Nelson provided me with an abundance of knowledge, incredible powder and huge fun. The program instructors are great and the town can't be beat. It was the best decision I ever made."
For more information about the SROAM program visit www.selkirk.bc.ca/tourism or call 250-352-6601.