Featured Image: Gogebic Ski Area Management Program. Credit: Gogebic Community College
Nestled in Ironwood, Michigan, Mt. Zion at Gogebic Community College is home to a long-standing and continually growing Ski Area Management program. This unique mountain community is not only dedicated to cultivating a strong mountain culture but also prioritizes accessibility and education on the slopes.
Although Mt. Zion is a modest hill with just one chairlift and two tow ropes, its impact is anything but small.
The mountain plays a vital role in the community. Gogebic Community College provides hands-on learning opportunities in all aspects of ski area operations. They also offer programs for all ages by collaborating with local schools and organizations to expand outdoor access.
The Ski Area Management (SAM) Program
For nearly half a century, the Ski Area Management (SAM) program has been a launchpad for students aiming to break into the ski industry.
Whether a student is passionate about grooming, resort design, lift maintenance, business management, marketing, hotel operations, or leading entire ski schools, the SAM program provides diverse pathways into the ski industry.
With a legacy steered by director Jim Vanderpool (now approaching 50 years of leadership), the program is so established that Josh Bremer, Assistant Director, stated, “If you go to a mountain and don’t find a SAM alum, that’s unheard of.”
What sets the program apart is its hands-on, all-encompassing curriculum.
In the student’s first year, they not only work on-mountain jobs that align with their class schedules but also build a complete resort proposal, down to topographic planning, lift calculations, and cost analysis.
In the second year, they take that knowledge on the road through internships at resorts across the U.S. and beyond.
“We try to give them a bit of everything,” Josh stated. “By the end, whether you want to specialize in terrain park design, snow gun tech, or become a sales rep for industry gear, you’ve had the exposure.”
The program’s signature Lift Maintenance course, open to industry professionals, lets students build a functioning lift control board from scratch. And there’s only one core professor: the director himself, backed occasionally by industry experts, alumni, and guest instructors.
“Jim knows everything. He’s the kind of guy who could build a lift blindfolded,” Josh joked.
A Community Initiative with Team Z
The SAM program also supports community initiatives like Team Z. Team Z is a youth ski race and terrain park program that hosts free, public alpine races and terrain park competitions.
Josh stated, “I think the biggest thing for the community is the local kids are constantly excited to be here.”
He continued on a personal note, “My biggest thing is that it keeps them [youth] out of trouble because a lot of these kids get dropped off by the school bus or by their parents, so they’re able to just have a fun place to be.”
Saturday Alpine Races
Every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., the race run opens to public registration, free of charge, for anyone who wants to race.
Josh explained, “We build a top-to-bottom course on the whole hill. It’s a great time and always fun.”
From there, kids can advance into regional competitions, including the team’s home fundraising event, King of the Hill, a high-energy, all-day race drawing teams from across the Midwest.
Friday Night Fights—Terrain Park Jams
Team Z also hosts lively Friday Night Fights, which are laid-back terrain park jams where kids from ages 4 to 18 gather for tricks, friendly battles, and fireside hangouts.
“It’s not about being the best skier,” Josh stated. “If someone throws a 360, everyone goes wild. It’s just a vibe.” The night wraps with medals, stickers, and sometimes cookies, which are small moments that kids look forward to all week.
More than Just Snowsports
Team Z is more than just snowsports; the team, community backing, and events provide something essential: a safe, inclusive space in a low-income area.
“Kids get off the bus and head straight here. It keeps them active, out of trouble, and surrounded by mentors who care,” Josh shares.
With ultra-affordable lift tickets, gear rentals, and lessons, the team’s mission is clear: make skiing accessible, fun, and deeply rooted in the community.
For more information about the SAM program, Team Z, events, or how to volunteer, connect with Josh Bremer: JoshB@gogebic.edu.
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
