91探花

Ski Industry Professional Development Trip | January 2026

Join the Outdoor Recreation Management program for a trip exploring the ski industry in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

Previous trips have included tours of the National Ski Patrol (NSP), National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), National Ability Center, Doppelmayr, and Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors headquarters (PSIA-AASI)’s Headquarters.

Read about the January 2023 trip to Salt Lake City, Utah

Austria and Switzerland | March 2026

Join Outdoor Recreation Management this spring break for an incredible backcountry ski/snowboard expedition in the spectacular Silvretta mountain range, an Alps paradise that runs along most of the border between Austria and Switzerland. Lifts run out of the Austrian village of Ischgl that quickly reach the edge of the backcountry. Straightforward travel with light packs takes us up and across passes and to some incredible ski mountaineering summits over 3,000 meters. Students will learn all of the necessary safety skills to effectively backcountry ski or snowboard, including avalanche training.

Course fee includes all transportation (including airfare), food, lodging, lift tickets, backcountry ski or splitboard equipment, etc.

No backcountry ski or splitboard experience required. Ski or snowboard skills are required. Instructor approval required before registration.

Students must be enrolled in ORM 399 Expedition Travel. This course will meet weekly in the Spring 2026 semester.

Western National Parks | May 2026

Join Outdoor Recreation Management this May for a multi-sport adventure exploring National Parks along the western coast. Begin by camping and hiking in Sequoia & King's Canyon National Park's largest trees on earth and the tall mountains and peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Climb, hike, raft the Merced River, and meet with park rangers at Yosemite National Park, home to granite monoliths and spectacular waterfalls. Hike and stargaze in Lessen Volcanic National Park, where you'll see a variety of volcanoes and a range of hydrothermal features. Explore the pure blue water of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US. In Mount Rainier, you'll hike and climb and meet with Rainer Mountain Guides. Flatwater kayak and hike the glaciated mountains, temperate rainforests, and wilderness coastline of Olympic National Park.

Students will learn all of the necessary safety skills to effectively travel and camp in a variety of environments and terrain.

Spain Cultural Immersion | May 2026

Spend two weeks exploring Spain through a cultural and historic lens. Activities include the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, Museum of the Americas, a visit to the University of Cadiz, a Spanish Civil War tour, a flamenco show, La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, FC Barcelona Stadium and Museum, and more. 

Students will have the opportunity to add a one-week extension to Barcelona. 

There are no prerequisites for this trip, but you must have a passport. You can apply online or at the Banner Elk Post Office.