Skip to content.
Skip to section navigation.
This web site has been built using XHTML 1.0 and CSS. It is necessary to use a standards-compliant browser in order to see the page as intended, although page content is accessible to all users regardless of browser. We have provided more information about standards, a list of standards-compliant browsers and links to free browser downloads.

Outdoor Leadership and Resort Management Courses 2008-2009

Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.

OLRM 182 Introduction to Leisure and Recreation 3 credits
An introduction to the history, philosophy, and principles of recreation and leisure, the agencies providing programs, and an investigation of professional employment opportunities in recreation.

OLRM 189 Principles of Outdoor Recreation 2 credits
An exploration of the characteristics of wilderness and backcountry environments in terms of potential hazards and human capability for adverse impact on resource lands. The course is designed to prepare students for the outdoor pursuits program and to enhance their knowledge of and appreciation for the natural environment so that safe, responsible, and enjoyable outdoor adventures are possible.

OLRM 197 Special Topics 1-6 credits

OLRM 220 Computer Applications in Recreation 3 credits
Students are exposed to the use of technology and computer applications in academic and professional settings. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web design, Sabre and other programs with applications specific to the recreation field. A minimum skill in typing is required.

OLRM 283 Recreation Leadership 3 credits
A study of recreation leadership, including leading activities and managerial leadership. Emphasis is placed upon appropriate theories and techniques for specific clientele and the different populations that are encountered as a recreation professional.OLRM 297 Special Topics 1-6 credits


OLRM 330 Hotel and Resort Management
3 credits
An investigation of the growth and development of the hotel industry as it relates to ski resorts. Aspects of management are addressed, including personnel, accounting, sales, and tourism. Information is given on careers and the importance of a service industry. Fall offering only. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 331 Food and Beverage Management (with laboratory) 2 credits
Prepares the student for management of sales, food cost controls, beverage cost controls, labor, personnel, sanitation, and market analysis as they relate to the ski industry. Spring offering only. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 332 Rental and Retail Management (with laboratory) 2 credits
An introduction to operating rental and retail-profit centers as part of a corporation involved in the ski industry. Includes managing personnel, equipment, training, traffic flow, buying, forecasting, and accounting. Spring offering only. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 333 Recreation and Sport Marketing 3 credits
A survey of recreation and sport marketing topics: buyer behavior, segmentation, positioning, demand analysis, information and research, pricing, promotion, channels, “product” policies, destinations, sponsorship, endorsement, merchandising, and fundraising. Prerequisite: admission to the Program, admission to the Exercise and Sport Science Program, or instructor permission.

OLRM 334 Ski Patrol / Avalanche / Snow Safety/Mountain Planning (with laboratory) 3 credits
Addresses ski-patrol techniques, mountain planning, ski-patrol management, risk management, and public relations. A ski proficiency test is required for entry into this course. Not offered every year. Prerequisites: admission to the Program or instructor permission; 21 years of age; and pass the ski proficiency test.

OLRM 335 Alpine Skiing, Beginner to Advanced (with laboratory) 2 credits
Addresses the American Ski Technique with theory and practice in alpine skiing. Ski mechanics, courtesy codes, progressions, bio-mechanics, and international differences are also included. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: admission to the program or instructor permission.

OLRM 336 Ski Instructor Training, Adults/Children/Handicapped (with laboratory) 2 credits
Theory and application in the instruction of adults, children, and special populations. A ski proficiency test is required for entry into this course. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 352 Ecosystem Management and Interpretation 3 credits
Provides students with an understanding of the ecosystem as a dynamic and interrelated system. Emphasis is placed on federal land management in the United States, natural resource economics, the fundamentals of environmental law and policy, and wilderness management. Applied projects are an integral aspect of the course, and a field trip may be required. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 364 Entrepreneurship and Commercial Recreation 3 credits
This course offers analysis of the types of commercial and private enterprises, along with the qualities of the entrepreneur specific to recreation businesses. The student is also exposed to small-business management practices as they relate to commercial recreation. Case study analysis and field investigation methods are emphasized to provide the student the opportunity to learn through active participation. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 391 Experiential Education Theory and Pedagogy 3 credits
An introduction to the historical, theoretical, and pedagogical foundations of experiential education. Teaching opportunities in the classroom and/or in the outdoors allow students to hone facilitation styles and effectiveness. Course topics include the experiential learning cycle, reflective learning, feedback, edgework, communication techniques, and multiple intelligences. Prerequisites: minimum junior standing and instructor permission.

OLRM 393 Outdoor Pursuits Education—Water Based (with laboratory) 3 credits
Water-based outdoor leadership, skill development, and rescue techniques in rafting and kayaking. Field trips required. Summer offering only. Prerequisites: admission to the Program, swimming competency, and instructor permission. Consult with instructor prior to registration week.

OLRM 395 Outdoor Pursuits Education—Snow Based (with laboratory) 3 credits
Snow-based outdoor leadership, skill development, and rescue techniques in winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and winter camping. Field trips required. Spring offering only. Prerequisites: admission to the Program and instructor permission. Consult with instructor prior to registration week.

OLRM 396 Outdoor Pursuits Education—Land Based (with laboratory) 3 credits
Land-based outdoor leadership, skill development, and rescue techniques in mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, and caving. Field trips required. Fall and summer offering only. Prerequisites: admission to the Program and instructor permission. Consult with instructor prior to registration week.

OLRM 397 Special Topics 1-6 credits

OLRM 398 Program Planning (with laboratory) 3 credits
Equips students with a variety of program-planning methodologies and skills. Emphasis is placed on the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs. Theories are applied in an experiential setting. Prerequisites: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 454 Psychology and Counseling for Outdoor Leaders 2 credits
A seminar covering psychological theories to enable students to better understand their own motives in outdoor pursuits and allow them to cope more effectively with those needing special treatment. Spring offering only. Prerequisite: senior standing; admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 464 Travel and Tourism 3 credits
An introduction to trends of travel and tourism, with specific emphasis on the western United States and the international market. Topics include travel motivations, tourism development, travel research, adventure travel, group travel operations, and careers in tourism. Field visits are required. Spring offering only. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 466 Facilities Management 3 credits
A study of management, clientele considerations, facilities, outdoor area planning, and operation. Also addressed are personnel, finance, architectural and environmental barriers, plus equipment as related to recreation areas and facilities. Field visits required. Prerequisite: admission to the Program or instructor permission.

OLRM 468 Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits 3 credits
A focus on the implementation of outdoor pursuits programs, planning and leadership components, outdoor adventure-based administrative techniques, leadership competencies, therapeutic/ adaptive considerations, and risk management. Field trip required. Prerequisites: admission to the Program; OLRM 391 and OLRM 398; OLRM 393, OLRM 395, or OLRM 396.

OLRM 473 Wilderness Education Association Expedition Leadership / Steward Course 1-5 credits
The purpose of the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) is to certify graduates of the National Standard Program for Outdoor Leadership and the Steward Program. The course is an expedition (approximately three-and-a-half weeks) and is experiential in nature, taught in a wilderness environment. Expedition skills are taught to enable students to lead others safely, using minimum impact techniques to preserve the environment. Summer offering only. Prerequisite: instructor permission. Graded Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory only.

OLRM 474 Outward Bound School Course 1-12 credits
The purpose of OBS is to enhance students’ personal qualities through wilderness adventure. Courses vary in length and are offered at various Outward Bound schools around the country. Registration and credit for these courses is offered through the Extended Studies office. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.

OLRM 475 National Outdoor Leadership School Course 1-12 credits
The purpose of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is to enhance students’ outdoor leadership skills and technical knowledge through wilderness adventure. Courses vary in length and are offered through NOLS. Registration and credit for these courses are offered through Extended Studies.

OLRM 490 Capstone: Recreation Philosophy and Ethics 3 credits
An exploration of recreation philosophy from Plato to Petzoldt and its implications to professionals in the field. Designed to prepare recreation majors for the ethical challenges and time use dilemmas of the 21st century. Prerequisites: admission to the Program and senior standing; corequisite: OLRM 491.

OLRM 491 Outdoor Leadership and Resort Management Capstone 3 credits
A small group of graduating seniors pursue a practical project necessitating professional levels of problem solving, research, written and oral prowess, critical thinking, and familiarity with core curriculum. Final projects are of high quality, so they can be used by professionals and decision-makers in the field. Prerequisites: admission to the Program and senior standing; corequisite 490.

OLRM 492 Independent Study 1-4 credits
A course open to qualified upper-division students who have specialized interests in a particular area of advanced study in Recreation. Prerequisite: admission to the Program.

OLRM 494 Research 1-4 credits
Provides students the opportunity to pursue research in the field of recreation. A minimum of three credits is needed to fulfill the Capstone Course Requirement for the Contractual Emphasis. Prerequisite: admission to the Program.

OLRM 496 Field Experiences 1-6 credits
Provides students with directed field experiences in teaching, coaching, and laboratory settings. Guidelines for the field experiences are provided and agreed upon prior to registering for the course. Prerequisite: admission to the Program. Graded Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory only.

OLRM 497 Special Topics 1-6 credits

OLRM 499 Internship in Outdoor Leadership and Resort Management 6-9 credits
A course providing full-time concentration on a specific practical experience at an approved agency. It allows for comprehensive involvement in an agency program with faculty and on-site supervision. Prerequisites: senior standing, completion of all required OLRM courses, and instructor permission.

  • Administrative Assistant: 
    Terri Stinson
    970.943.2010
    tstinson@western.edu
  • Department Chair:
    Kevin Nelson
    970.943.7132
    knelson@western.edu
  • Address:
    Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management Program
    Gym 209
    Western State College of Colorado
    Gunnison, CO 81231