Winter Gap Program

Winter in the Rockies

ENJOYING THE MOUNTAINS
LIVE IN YURTS
SKI OR SNOWBOARD
BEAUTIFUL SUNSET ON CAMPUS
ENGAGE IN RESORT TRAINING
ENJOY THE IDAHO SKI SEASON

Overview

The Winter in the Rockies Gap Program focuses on outdoor adventure, and leadership training while giving participants valuable outdoor industry training in the Rocky Mountains. In addition, students learn valuable leadership and communication skills by working with inspiring leaders in the outdoor industry and have the opportunity to complete a Culminating Leadership Project. Learn more about the Culminating Leadership project here.

Ages: 18-22
Length: 45 days + Alumni Support/Programming
Season: Winter
Tuition: $8,800 

Dates: February 3 – March 19

Enroll by December 1st*

*Scholarships and financial aid are available. Late enrollment may be possible depending on space and availability.

Outdoor Adventure and Training

Earn industry-recognized certifications and learn the skills needed to work in the winter sports industry.

With its rugged mountains, the Rockies offer the perfect playground for winter in Idaho. The Winter in the Rockies program offers adventure for participants of all abilities. Our team of highly-skilled instructors and local partners will guide you through multi-day skiing experiences in beautiful locations. Along the way, you will earn valuable certifications and learn necessary skills to work in the winter sports industry. In addition to technical experience, you will learn how to manage risk, group dynamics, and medical emergencies and develop the skills to facilitate transformative experiences in a variety of environments.

Students have the opportunity to gain the following industry-recognized certifications:

  • PSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor or ASSI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • American Red Cross – CPR and AED

We welcome all skill levels

You are not required to have experience in snow sports before you join us.  We would love to teach you!  Each cohort is a mix of students with varying experience levels in the outdoors.

We are able to differentiate to a variety of skill levels by choosing appropriate activities for the group.

Accommodations

During the program, participants will have the opportunity to stay in cozy yurts at our Idaho campus. Learn more about our Idaho campus here!

MAIN IDAHO CAMPUS BUILDING
IDAHO CAMPUS YURTS
BUNKS INSIDE YURTS

Itinerary Overview

A gap program with Alzar Gap is packed with memorable experiences.  Here is a basic overview of what your adventure might look like. Click on each location to find out more. 


Please note that although our itineraries are powerful and well-thought-out, they are subject to change.

We begin the semester on our Idaho Campus, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the West Mountain Range. During the day our students head to the slopes of our local resort to ski or snowboard fresh powder and learn about the winter sports industry from ski patrollers, snow sport instructors, and resort managers. Each evening, we return to campus for a hot shower and begin stoking the wood-burning stoves in our yurts. During this component, students have the opportunity to take their PSIA Level 1 Ski/Snowboard Instructor exam, and gain entry to the winter sports industry.

In preparation for our remote adventures, students will take a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Adult CPR and AED, as well as Epinephrine Auto-injector Administration course. The Wilderness First Responder certification is the recognized industry standard for people who work in remote environments including wilderness guides and trip leaders, camp counselors, research expedition members, and search and rescue team members. The WFR course is also an excellent option for individuals who are seeking intensive medical training in order to be prepared during personal wilderness trips or extended expeditions, as well as those considering studying medicine in their university career.

Our final week consists of a short expedition planned and executed by our student group. This expedition could consist of a multi-day backcountry ski trip to a local mountain yurt, nordic skiing to Idaho’s famous hot springs or another epic adventure planned by our students under the guidance of instructors.