Trying to create a lasting career in the ski industry? In need of some extra college credits? Dying to have a one-up on the goggle tan for the next North American winter? You can acquire all these things, and much more — Avi 1 Certification, photo/film skills, freeskiing pointers from the pros, and conversational Spanish — all while working towards a degree, at SGT’s College Program in Bariloche, Argentina. Summer school has never been so good…

SGT — SASS Global Travel — Argentina teamed up with Sierra Nevada College (SNC) for their third-year of partnership for a two-session college program. The program is “the most unique opportunity for shred-addicted college students to combine their passion for skiing or snowboarding with a legitimate, accredited class schedule.” — SGT

Sierra Nevada College, of Lake Tahoe, Calif., runs all college courses in-house, and offers transfer credits for most colleges and universities. Financial Aid is offered to most who apply, so go for it. These classes will only enhance your experiences in the mountains. Learn to shred like pro skier Michelle Parker, who’s slated to instruct a freeskiing course. For college credit you're asking? Yes. Truly, this isn’t a joke.

“I majored in ski business and resort management so this was a great opportunity to get some first-hand experience on my resume and have fun doing it. When I got down there I was taking a ski class with the wonderful Miss Michelle Parker,” said SNC student, Graham Gilmour, who attended the SGT Argentina College Program last summer, "I was receiving two credits for two weeks of skiing and coaching by a professional skier."

Learn important backcountry safety skills in AIARE Level 1 course with avi expert Travis Feist, who has been working in the outdoor industry since 1993, guiding and instructing for Colorado Outward Bound School, ski patrolling at Monarch Pass, Squaw Valley, and Heavenly, and also teaching Wilderness Education classes.

Learn how to get the perfect shot, in professional snowboarder and photographer, Andrew Burns’ winter adventure photography and video course.

Another great program offering is an internship for credit:

“You could choose to do any internship you could imagine…from marketing, guiding, photography, or sales. I personally chose to work in the terrain parks and learn what it takes to put together a successful terrain park,” said Graham, “I got to work with the locals and learn some Spanish, but I also learned what it takes to manage a team, point people in the right direction and create a solid final product. I also got to work with the snowcat. I feel that this internship was a big part of getting me my winter job for last winter grooming at Squaw Valley USA.”

Like Graham, students can fulfill language requirements with a hands-on Spanish course taught by native Argentinians, who utilize local activities, such as cooking, on-mountain jobs and shopping excursions to beef up your speaking skills

“It’s actual conversational Spanish,” said Nicole Ferguson, Director of Financial Aid and Information Technology at SNC.

Attendees can knock off up to 12 college credits in just a month, while skiing during the North American summer, rubbing shoulders with industry professionals, and interacting with the local people of San Carlos de Bariloche. It is the ultimate opportunity, and experience, for any aspiring professional ski bum; just ask Graham.

“I would suggest this experience to anyone out there that is in school or going into school or anyone that is looking to ski real snow in the summer… to build lasting friendships and to benefit your future in the long run,” said Graham. “It made my ski bum dreams officially come true and allowed me to gain my status of professional ski bum a semester early.”

This summer’s first session will kick off July 23 – August 5, 2011 and the second August 6 – August 19, 2011. Spots are still available, but are quickly filling up.

SNC Course Listing

For more information and pricing visit:
sassglobaltravel.com/argentina/sass-college

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