As with ski lift technology, the evolution of slope grooming machinery and slope maintenance practices has profoundly affected the ski industry. As numerous ski industry customer service surveys indicate, snow conditions are a primary determinant of skier satisfaction. Thus, slope grooming technology and operations play a major role in providing a high quality skiing experience and creating high levels of skier satisfaction. In SROM 173 you will study the basic design and functioning of slope grooming vehicles and implements designed specifically for the ski industry, particularly the slope grooming machines supplied by the two major slope grooming vehicle manufacturers, Kassboher and Prinoth. You will examine the main components and general maintenance requirements of a slope grooming vehicle, including the engine and its various systems, the tracks and suspension system, and the drive system. You will also study the main slope grooming implements including the blade system, snow tillers, and half pipe grinders. You will review grooming operations, including snow properties in relation to slope grooming, slope-grooming objectives and functions, slope grooming methods and techniques, slope grooming operating plans, and slope grooming expenses and budgeting. Slope grooming human resources management topics include operator training, motivation, and compensation. Practical sessions will allow you to examine grooming equipment in the field, and you will have the opportunity to participate in on one or more 'ride-along' sessions at Whitewater ski area. By the end of the course, you will have gained some understanding of how slope grooming personnel can run efficient and cost effective grooming operations. The Park Building curriculum includes industry trends as well as an on-snow portion participants build a terrain park and cross track features from the ground up. The intention is to allow participants to learn through guided discovery while maintaining an aspect of creativity in the design.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: None
Crosslisted: None
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | 3.00 |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- outline the history and evolution of ski area slope grooming up to the present state of the art, including changes in slope grooming technology, operating practices, and standards;
- describe and explain grooming operator training techniques, operator motivation methods, and operator compensation programs; and
- describe general park construction, terrain park safety, park design, building a learners park: befits/purpose, features, construction and management.
- describe and explain the main objectives and functions of slope grooming operations;
- identify and describe the main features of grooming vehicle design and grooming vehicle mechanical components and their functions;
- describe the mechanical features of various grooming implements and explain their functions and uses;
- identify the features of winch cats, specialized park grooming vehicles, and pipe grinder implements;
- describe grooming methods and techniques, including responses to snow conditions and ski run design and terrain factors;
- identify and describe the main contents of a slope grooming manual;
- identify and explain grooming priorities and explain the main elements of a grooming plan;
- describe the main elements of a slope grooming vehicle maintenance program, including grooming operations and maintenance record keeping;
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 95 - 100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 90-94 |
A |
4.00 |
| 88-89 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 85-87 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 80-84 |
B |
3.00 |
| 78-79 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 75-77 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 70-74 |
C |
2.00 |
| 68-69 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 65-67 |
P |
1.00 |
| 64 and below |
F |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.