Education and Training

Programs across the state offer everything from internships and full-time enrollment to on-the-job work and apprenticeships.

Ski Lift Mechanic Apprenticeship Program

A three-year program including 6,000 hours of work experience and classroom instruction.

This three-year program, overseen by the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL), consists of 6,000 hours of work experience including related class instruction of 75 hours for each level, with individuals becoming VT Trade Qualified Ski Lift Mechanic.

Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA) in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Labor, oversees the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) portion of this apprenticeship program. Together with instructors and industry professionals, they continue to update the program curriculum. Any individual 18 years or older working in lift maintenance for a Vermont ski area may participate as a registered apprentice or can choose to take the classroom training as a non-registered individual.

If you're interested in participating contact your ski area employer, look at available ski area jobs, or email info@skivermont.com.

See VT Dept. of Labor Apprenticeship Info Here

“My wife convinced me to move to Vermont from Louisiana after only visiting once. I was able to enroll in the ski lift mechanic apprenticeship program, which helped me adapt my previous oilfield experience to working on ski lifts. After completing the program and gaining more experience, I began to teach the course to help prepare lift maintenance personnel in Vermont to provide an exceptional experience for the skiing community."

- Joseph Demidow

Education Pathways Into the Ski Industry

Certificates and degrees for career changers, resort employees, and students.

Hospitality Management Certificate - University of Vermont

Gain the skills required to advance into hospitality management jobs in the travel, tourism, and event industries with our customizable five-course hospitality management certificate. Get ahead with one of the only programs to offer a paid internship.

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Resort & Hospitality Management, Bachelor's of Science - Vermont State University

In the Vermont State B.S. in Resort and Hospitality Management program, you’ll gain the management and decision-making skills you need to excel and make an impact in an exciting and fun field. And you’ll do it in a place of unforgettable natural beauty — Vermont. There’s no better place to dream big than Killington, the largest winter resort in the eastern U.S., and that’s where you’ll get valuable on-mountain experience.

A variety of hands-on opportunities will help prepare you to be a leader in resort management and hospitality management careers and to adapt to industry changes. Whether you choose to work on a mountain, in a valley, or somewhere else, you’ll start your career with a great network of connections to support you.

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Snowsports and Outdoor Adventure Recreation Professional Certificate (SOAR) - University of Vermont

The UVM Snowsports & Outdoor Adventure Recreation (SOAR) Certificate is a 15-week online program that builds business, operations, and sustainability skills for the outdoor industry. Learn from Vermont’s recreation leaders and prepare for careers in ski resort management, outdoor marketing, and adventure tourism.

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Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) - University of Vermont

PACE functions as the non-degree / extension arm of the university, connecting UVM’s academic resources to learners who aren’t in traditional degree programs.

Pre-college Opportunities: High school students can enroll in PACE credit courses (dual enrollment), with possible tuition reduction options.
Offers both credit and noncredit offerings. Can take courses through PACE that count for UVM credit, and other courses that are for professional development/certificates without being part of a degree
Example with Ski Industry Relevance: 24 Construction & Trades Programs, like Online Maintenance Technician

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Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism, Bachelor's of Science - Vermont State University

Want to lead expeditions, work in ski and mountain resort management, become a mountain guide, or lead others in a therapeutic recreation setting, or chase another career in the outdoors? The Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism program at Vermont State University equips you to jump into an array of management roles in the outdoor field. Learn about environmental science, education, biology, and psychology while you play in Vermont. Become an expert backpacker and canoeist while working toward national-level certifications in areas like rock, ice, and alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, ropes course leadership, and more.

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The Pipeline Project

Connecting Schools & the Ski Industry

The Pipeline Project is a year-round workforce initiative connecting schools, educators, resorts, and industry partners to build the next generation of mountain professionals.

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