SROM 173 Ski Resort Slope Grooming Operations. 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.
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 | |
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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
- 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
Teaching and Learning Approach
This is a student-centred approach which will blend together theory and practice. Experiential opportunities will
be had within the classroom, online, community and in an industry setting where possible.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introductions Who has groomed Why is grooming important to ski areas Hand out course outline PP- Slope Grooming Vehicle Overview PP – the evolution and development of slope grooming vehicles and methods Assign questions
2. Recap the evolution of grooming. Take up questions PP- slope grooming vehicle history and development Assign reading Assign questions
3. Recap slope grooming history and development Take up questions PP- objectives Assign questions
4. Field trip to Whitewater to look at grooming requirements
5. Recap slope grooming history and development Take up questions PP- track Components and functions In class demo Assign questions
6. Recap track components and functions Take up questions Assign components and parts identify the part Take students to bone yard PP- suspension systems Assign questions
7. Recap suspension systems Take up questions PP- snow science Assign questions Review for exam
8. Mid term exam
9. Hand back exam go over. PP- slope grooming implements assign questions assign reading assign final project
10. Recap grooming implements Take up questions PP- grooming vehicle hydraulic systems Assign questions PP- hydrostatic drive systems Assign questions
11. Recap grooming vehicle hydraulic systems Recap hydrostatic drive system Take up questions Prinoth web site on electric/hybrid grooming vehicle PP- slope grooming engines Assign questions
12. Recap Engines take up questions PP- preventive Maintenance Assign questions
13. Field trip to whitewater to look at shop and go over snowcat parts
14. Recap field trip Recap preventive maintence PP- terrain park construction guidelines Assign questions
15. Recap terrain parks Take up questions PP- winch cats Assign questions Take up questions Review for exam
16. Final examAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Assignments and Quizzes; 4 Matching Quizes 2.5% each | @ 1,2,3,4,6 | 10% |
| Vehicle Comparison | 2,3,4,5,6,7 | 20% |
| Midterm Test | 1,2,3,4,6 | 20% |
| Final Test | 2,3,4,5,6,7 | 20% |
| Calculate coverage | 2,3,4,5,6 | 20% |
| Professionalism | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 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.