University of Maine Farmington

[klrskiah]

Going to be a senior Geology/Geography major at UMF in the fall, so if you have any questions shoot me a PM and hopefully i can help. Everything that ECPH said is still pretty spot on. Right now the entire UMaine system is in a bad place financially and UMF is suffering as a result... To the point where they have proposed demolishing all stick frame buildings on campus to save $$ on oil and maintenance.. Regardless of all that it is a great small school if you take it for what it is Unfortunately this was the last year for the ski industries program and to my knowledge there are no courses offered in architecture, so if that is what you are set on you're not going to find it here, but if you're undecided definitely check it out.. The newest program is Outdoor Recreation and Business administration which may have some aspects of the old ski industries program rolled into it.

 

[dcarbs]

I shied away from the liberal arts programs like Lyndon's because the focus is really on a 4 year business degree, which happens to be tied into the ski industry. You'll come out there best suited for the administrative positions. You will learn to be a business man, and you'll learn how the fundamentals of business management apply to resort operations. What you won't get so much of is how to adjust air/water mix for the best snowmaking, or how to choose tiller settings for different snow, or what a swash plate is, or the difference between an Akja and a Cascade toboggan and how to safely run each rig, or why an AC VFD prime mover is more efficient and offers 100% torque at 0-100% speed, etc. You probably won't come out with OEC certification, Avalanche cert, or certs from the Rocky Mountain Lift Association.

I have to disagree with this. I am sophomore at LSC in the Ski Resort Program and while Lyndon probably caters more towards the overall business side of the Industry than the two year programs do, the first two years of our program are focused on the operations side of the industry. We have a sophomore practicum class which runs all year long and is composed entirely of working on and learning the skills that you listed above. I also have gotten my OEC cert, AVY 1 Cert, and a VT Lift Mechanic Cert from classes that I have taken. Also because Burke is so close to Lyndon and has many graduates and undergraduates from the ski resort program there it is very easy to find a job working at Burke to gain more experience. Also it is very easy to get a minor or AS in Business and a Bachelors Degree wouldn't require too much extra either. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about Lyndon or if you come up here and want a tour of the area.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

I have to disagree with this. I am sophomore at LSC in the Ski Resort Program and while Lyndon probably caters more towards the overall business side of the Industry than the two year programs do, the first two years of our program are focused on the operations side of the industry. We have a sophomore practicum class which runs all year long and is composed entirely of working on and learning the skills that you listed above. I also have gotten my OEC cert, AVY 1 Cert, and a VT Lift Mechanic Cert from classes that I have taken. Also because Burke is so close to Lyndon and has many graduates and undergraduates from the ski resort program there it is very easy to find a job working at Burke to gain more experience. Also it is very easy to get a minor or AS in Business and a Bachelors Degree wouldn't require too much extra either. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about Lyndon or if you come up here and want a tour of the area.

Glad to hear it. Maybe things have changed a bit since I last researched it. That would be excellent if LSC is placing significant emphasis on operations.

Edited to add: a big factor in my decision-making process was looking at the specific course offerings. Where LSC offers your introductory course, and then the 4 credit field practicums, CMC was offering 1-4 credit courses devoted entirely to each specific operational aspect. I graduated from college with 42.5 ski area operations-specific credits.

Anyways... not saying one is better, just explaining what worked for me, and my logic in choosing a school.

 

[sullydog]

I'm curious as to what these schools are looking for as far the gpa goes, my unweighted gpa is TERRIBLE. Also, I'm looking into the Air Force

 

[riverc0il]

I'm curious as to what these schools are looking for as far the gpa goes, my unweighted gpa is TERRIBLE. Also, I'm looking into the Air Force

You are an Out of State applicant thinking about college in a bad economy. These institutions all are faced with the tough challenge of not wanting to be a diploma mill and providing good education but also getting enough tuition to pay the bills. Many places might over look bad grades but put you into a first year program with extra attention to make sure you get the grades up the first year of college. Don't be afraid to apply for colleges if you don't have great grades in high school. Especially places that are not big names. If you can't get in, you can always take some community college credits to prove you can get the work done.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

I'm curious as to what these schools are looking for as far the gpa goes, my unweighted gpa is TERRIBLE. Also, I'm looking into the Air Force

GPA is one of the major criteria admission folks look at but your SAT scores plus extracurricula activities count too. When my daughter applied at schools a few years I chuckled at this section of the app in boldface it advised the applicant that "hanging out with friends is not an activity". lol

You can go to a local CC get great grades and then transfer to a 4-year college.

 

[severine]

I'm curious as to what these schools are looking for as far the gpa goes, my unweighted gpa is TERRIBLE. Also, I'm looking into the Air Force

I would also recommend community college for 1-2 years to bring up your grades. Colleges will want to see that you're dedicated to performing well in their programs if they're going to take a chance on you. I was able to transfer just about all my credits from my A.S. to my B.A. at UCONN. I didn't do it because of grades but because I wasn't sure what I wanted to study and didn't want to spend big bucks on the gen-eds I could have taken locally anyway.

 

[sullydog]

Here's the thing, my gpa is currently just under a 2.0, its a 1.9, but i'm in an ap class, a good amount of honors classes, and will have a good SAT score(just got back from my sats). My adjusted gpa will be above a 3

 

[hrstrat57]

Green Mountain College has a Ski Area Management program too.....the main campus is in Poultney and the ski area program is at Killington.

Worth a visit too.....very eclectic place....my kid liked it at first and then decided a little more diversity was wanted....school size only 900 I believe.

I think Plymouth State, Castleton State and Lyndon State should make your short list along with UMF......

Castelton and Green Mountain are 5 minutes apart just west of Rutland.

We looked at all of these schools, all have their pluses and minuses......

My kid was a fairly strong student and then bombed Jr year has average SAT's but has a strong list of activities, and has made a nice comeback refocusing as a Sr.

Was accepted at all of the above mentioned schools....was rejected by UNH.

Enjoy your quest it is an exciting time for you!

(all these schools could run you big $$$ btw you need to work out your budget and be very clear on the costs)

 

[riverc0il]

I think Plymouth State, Castleton State and Lyndon State should make your short list along with UMF......

PSU does not have a ski area management program but they do have an Adventure Education program. Nice program but it does not focus on ski areas as far as I know. Though good skiing is only 40 minutes away.

 

[bigbog]

....ok...some TOG(team old guy) crap.... All the negative crap in high school will be gone..along with having to answer to mom & dad 24x7, and life will be open for you to choose. You'll be surprised how continuing on with a few of the basic subjects...math/business? or technology(a little electronics/computer-eze) with new people in the seats around you can make it seem like a new beginning!(wherever you go)...and mixing in some of your interests will help you see the so-called forest from the trees...sorry for the smaltz.it's nothing heavy...lol.

 

[sullydog]

I've also got paperwork from Plymouth State, just because of their location, however they don't seem to have any kind of recreation management, aka ski area management, nor do they have architecture, at least from what I can tell. Right now the two main colleges are Lyndon State, Umaine, and Boston Architectural. The good news is I'm only a junior and have some time.

 

[deadheadskier]

To give you some reference, out of UVM, U Maine, and UNH, with regards to academics and reputation, I'd put UNH first, UVM second, and UMaine third (but close). It also depends on what you want to do with your life....I was able to do what I wanted to and still skied at Sugarbush and other great places!

I'd recommend that you keep this opinion to yourself should you ever meet my wife.

deadheadskier = UVM grad 2000

the mrs = UNH 2005

 

[legalskier]

Just got back from the Boston National College Fair and I spoke with someone, an admissions counselor from UMaine Farmington. It sounds like a great school, just wondering if anyone on AZ has any experience with this school.

Would this be the same university where students yesterday marched topless for gender equality?

Topless women go bonkers over inequality in Maine
FARMINGTON, Maine — A forecast of sunny skies in April in Farmington, Maine, seems like the perfect time to put the top down. But a drive in an open-air convertible isn't what female residents have in mind.
On Friday, nearly two dozen women marched topless through the college town to protest a double-standard that allows men to take off their shirts on a hot summer day.
It's already legal for women to bare their chests in public in Maine. But the protesters want it to also become socially acceptable.
Friday's event was organized by University of Maine at Farmington student Andrea Simoneau. She participated in a similar event earlier this month in Portland and decided to try it in Farmington.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

 

[sullydog]

So long as my girlfriend doesn't see that story I should be fine lmao

 

[deadheadskier]

question

you mentioned ski industry management or architecture.....two very different things. Is your desire to work in the ski business or live near a ski area?

 

[sullydog]

I want to be in it.

 

[deadheadskier]

here's my two cents or thirty

Graduated UVM with a degree in Private Recreation Management - closest thing to 'resort management' they had at the time. It did have one ski area management course and some resort marketing sales courses. Also minored in small biz management.

Getting a decent gig at a ski area is tough. I entered through the F&B side as I worked in restaurants throughout college and those jobs appeared to be the highest paying for entry and middle management positions. One thing to understand is most jobs in the business are very low paying, especially considering the cost of living. Many of the people I know who work in the business and own a home, either own in town because they have family money or 45 minutes away as it's the closest they can afford property.

The hours worked during season are brutal too. I averaged 80+ hours per week during the ten busy weeks of the season. The two years I did ski resort jobs, I skied less than I do now away from the business. After 80 hours a week, you're beyond tired and on your one day off you might get out for a few hours, but then have errands to do and what not that are hard to accomplish during the work week. Other sectors of the job seemed to have a bit more time on the slopes, especially marketing and sales jobs. Ski School / Patrol obviously sees more time on snow, but get payed pennies. BushMogulMaster is going the ops route. Most ops guys work nights and can ski during the day. I personally wouldn't want to be raising a family and in a snowcat all night long. To each their own though. Also to consider is if holidays are important to you. In working at ski resorts and hotels, I literally went a decade without spending thanksgiving, christmas, New Years, Easter with my family and friends.

I'm not trying to discourage your decision, just painting the reality of what you might expect. It's not all skiing and partying all the time. Well, it can be if you get a good bartending gig, but the best ones in town are usually very competitive and people who acquire those jobs tend to keep them for a long time. They sacrifice benefits though. I wish someone gave me the straight truth when I was entering college. I loved to ski and thought what better life than to work at a ski area.

Given the opportunity for a do over, I'd have gone a different route. I have many friends and know plenty of people who are living in ski towns doing very for themselves as doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. They often ski more than those working at the resort and make far better livings. That path is probably the one I would've set out on if I knew then what I know now.

Again, not trying to discourage you. Just feel like sharing my perspective as someone who has been there, done that and got out because it was nothing like what I had dreamed of when I entered to college.

 

[hrstrat57]

here's my two cents or thirty

Graduated UVM with a degree in Private Recreation Management - closest thing to 'resort management' they had at the time. It did have one ski area management course and some resort marketing sales courses. Also minored in small biz management.

Getting a decent gig at a ski area is tough. I entered through the F&B side as I worked in restaurants throughout college and those jobs appeared to be the highest paying for entry and middle management positions. One thing to understand is most jobs in the business are very low paying, especially considering the cost of living. Many of the people I know who work in the business and own a home, either own in town because they have family money or 45 minutes away as it's the closest they can afford property.

The hours worked during season are brutal too. I averaged 80+ hours per week during the ten busy weeks of the season. The two years I did ski resort jobs, I skied less than I do now away from the business. After 80 hours a week, you're beyond tired and on your one day off you might get out for a few hours, but then have errands to do and what not that are hard to accomplish during the work week. Other sectors of the job seemed to have a bit more time on the slopes, especially marketing and sales jobs. Ski School / Patrol obviously sees more time on snow, but get payed pennies. BushMogulMaster is going the ops route. Most ops guys work nights and can ski during the day. I personally wouldn't want to be raising a family and in a snowcat all night long. To each their own though. Also to consider is if holidays are important to you. In working at ski resorts and hotels, I literally went a decade without spending thanksgiving, christmas, New Years, Easter with my family and friends.

I'm not trying to discourage your decision, just painting the reality of what you might expect. It's not all skiing and partying all the time. Well, it can be if you get a good bartending gig, but the best ones in town are usually very competitive and people who acquire those jobs tend to keep them for a long time. They sacrifice benefits though. I wish someone gave me the straight truth when I was entering college. I loved to ski and thought what better life than to work at a ski area.

Given the opportunity for a do over, I'd have gone a different route. I have many friends and know plenty of people who are living in ski towns doing very for themselves as doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. They often ski more than those working at the resort and make far better livings. That path is probably the one I would've set out on if I knew then what I know now.

Again, not trying to discourage you. Just feel like sharing my perspective as someone who has been there, done that and got out because it was nothing like what I had dreamed of when I entered to college.

Great post......should be made a sticky for all of the ski town college recommendation threads in ski forums.

I know golf pros who rarely hit anything other than a demo shot or two, they have no time to take to the course for their own enjoyment, hitting nothing but range balls as time permits to keep their demonstration skills sharp . The business side takes over and the customer always has to come first if you expect to make a living.

 

[AdironRider]

I second Deadheads comments.

I went to St. Lawrence University and majored in economics. I moved to a ski town originally just for a season and it has turned into three. I myself got in with the Four Seasons, and have made it up to management very quickly given my educational background and work ethic. You will work long hours, for little pay. Im not doing poorly working for the Seasons, dont get me wrong, but in a ski town, not just Jackson, good money isnt as good for the reasons he mentioned above. I live over Teton Pass in Idaho to try and save up coin to buy a house, certainly not in Jackson, ideally somewhere in the North Conway, Bethel, Franconia diameter.

Since I graduated I have yet to see my family on one single holiday. You work in the service industry, everyone elses vacation means your busiest time of the year. Get used to not only missing Christmas dinner, but working an 18 hour double, especially if you are in management.

At the same time however, at least for me in F&B, the ski time has still been spectacular. Last season (I tore my Achilles tendon on Dec. 20th this year and still got close to 20 days in) I went riding 137 times. You sacrifice sleep for this, not going to lie, but the opportunity to ride everyday is only something someone who lives in a ski town can achieve. Most people in ski towns actually dont ride 100 days a year like I do. You become a snow snob. Everyone does. You ride the same groomers everyday, you're not that motivated to go ride them again when it hasnt snowed for a week, or its ten below, or you're just not feeling it. Unlike the weekend warrior whos been stuck in a cube for 40 hours over five days, and will ski one run all day long and love every second.

All that being said, I wouldnt trade it for the world. I love managing restaurants. I love being able to get up early, ride a couple hours of knee deep blower pow, then walk in and run a four diamond restuarant doing 150 covers a day. When its clicking, guests are happy, youve got a sick goggle tan, life is good.

There is bullshit involved no matter where you live. Remember this. Work will somedays really feel like work, regardless of what it is. I dont care if you're a ski patroller, or a backcountry guide, its going to suck somedays. I found that its more important to live and work in a place that makes you feel the best you can as much as possible. Life is to short to worry about the coin you're bringing down.

Besides, the way this country is headed you can screw around all day long and uncle Sam will support your ass till the holes dug 6 feet deep. Live it, love it, make it your own.