Swap the Classroom for the Slopes at Saddleback Mountain

Dates: March 15–19, 2027 (Spring Break)

Location: Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, Maine

Credits: 3 Credits

Course #: BUS 386/BUS 277

Partners: University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) & University of Maine at Farmington (UMF)

Instructors: Dr. Tracy Michaud & Meghan Price

Overview

Looking for a Spring Break experience that builds your resume while you are on the mountain? Join the THOR Institute, UMPI, and UMF for BUS 386: Alpine Recreation and Resort Management—an immersive, residential 3-credit field intensive at Saddleback Mountain. This course is open to all students in the University of Maine System.

Over five days, you will step into the shoes of an emerging resort management analyst. Live on-site in Rangeley, gain behind-the-scenes access to industry executives, and explore how a major four-season resort balances operations, guest experience, and sustainability within Maine’s outdoor economy.

What You’ll Do

1. Daily Executive & Department Shadowing

Shadow department heads and industry leaders across all core areas of resort operations:

Hospitality & Guest Experience: Food & beverage, lodging management, guest services, and retail operations.
Mountain & Trail Operations: Lift operations, grooming, facilities, safety protocols, and outdoor programming.
Resort Strategy & Business: Human resources, seasonal workforce planning, marketing, risk management, and resort finance.

2. On-the-Ground Field Observation

Spend afternoons on the mountain conducting real-world research. Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, or participating in accessible non-sport field analysis, you will evaluate guest flow, wayfinding, accessibility, and environmental stewardship in real time.

3. Interactive Problem-Solving

In the evenings, collaborate with your cohort to analyze authentic business challenges facing four-season resorts. You will formulate data-driven solutions that balance financial viability, community impact, and environmental sustainability.

Why Join?

Earn 3 Credits in 1 Week: Complete the residential intensive during Spring Break, followed by a final integrative report due one week later (March 26, 2027).
Build Executive Connections: Work directly alongside Saddleback Mountain leadership and industry professionals.
Resume-Building Experience: Gain actionable, hands-on experience in Maine’s growing Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) sectors.
Flexible Field Participation: Recreational activities are tailored for learning rather than athletic proficiency; accessible observation options are available for all participants.

Program Requirements & Format

Pre-Course Prep: Complete introductory online coursework prior to arrival.
On-Site Intensive: March 15–19, 2027 at Saddleback Mountain. *Students should plan to arrive on March 14.
Final Deliverable: Final Integrative THOR Analysis Report due March 26, 2027.
Food & Lodging: Offered at no cost to students
Student Fee: TBD (*Rental fee for ski equipment)
*No ski/snowboard experience required