Montana State (bozeman) vs. CMC steamboat Springs

[RIGrida3]

Aight guys I need a college to attend, I would pay out of state rates at both. I'm interested in CMC cause of the ski industry programs, more specifically slope/trail maintenance and ski and snowboard business, possibly guiding too. MSU on the other hand would provide a wider range of degrees and its well known academically. That's where my parents want me to go but I think I need an interactive career in the mountains. Any ideas/advice? Shoot me a pm if you want!

 

[jensen]

I lived in Steamboat for 8 years, Bozeman for the past 5, and have gone to both schools. I left Steamboat for a reason, and that was to go to school. I had more fun shredding in Steamboat, but CMC is a joke. It works great for taking basic classes to transfer to a university, but as far as the ski business program goes and any degree from there, you're better off not going to school and going out to find a job and meet people.

What else do you want to know?

 

[RIGrida3]

thanks a lot, i have a lot of questions haha but ill start with what kind of certificate did you get from cmc and what did you do to make moneey for the 8 years you lived there?

 

[jensen]

I didn't get a degree from CMC, but transferred 30 credits to MSU. Every single class I took at CMC transferred without a problem. I went to high school in Steamboat, stuck around for a couple years after while I worked on park crew at the mountain and took classes part time. I have had lots of friends get degrees from CMC and I really don't believe the degree helped them get where they are now. The ones who went to CMC and work in ski industry now do so because they went out and took the initiative to meet people and gain experience on their own.

I have taken some of the best classes of my life at CMC, but also some of the worst. It can be really hit or miss. The problem that I have seen happen before is that you are banking on a class being offered at a certain time, then they are unable to find someone to teach the class and you are screwed. That doesn't happen at a university like MSU. Plus, most of the kids at CMC are there for skiing, not school. That makes for a fun time but not very conducive to learning. Also, my personal opinion of a lot of CMC kids is not too high... most of them are a bunch of joey's who come out to a ski town, act like they are hot shit, make an ass out of themselves and end up wrecking shit for the locals (ie. partying on the mountain for gaper day).

Steamboat is an awesome town though and I totally love it there. I'd still like to end up back there, but only after I get some experience and education that you can't get in Steamboat.

Long story short, I recommend, don't go to CMC for a degree. It is a good place to go if you need a ski fix while taking classes, but transfer somewhere else after, don't plan on staying there. However, I am not sure of the cost for out-of-state but I can't imagine it being worth it. Even though it sounds like your parents are paying for your school, do them a favor and make their money go towards something more valuable.

What I would really recommend is moving out to a ski town, not going to college until you know why you want to be there (which you'll learn quick when you start paying for your own shit), then going to a university for a degree.

 

[RIGrida3]

Thanks man this is really good advice. I guess some of my options include going to MSU and then moving out to a ski town in colorado once i have a degree that i will have for the rest of my life. Another would be moving out there and getting residency so i can go to cmc cheaply. This would mean i would have to purchase a car, find a job, and a place to stay for cheap. Moving and taking a year off to work wouldnt satisfy my parents but at least i would make college more affordable for myself (they probably wouldnt help me out if i choose this path) Otherwise im also looking at western state college of colorado. so basically if i go to college right after school my parents will help me but i would still be like 20,000 in the hole (MSU or WSCC). if its CMC i would pay it myself therefor would want to save money and gain residency for a year and then transfer to a U after 2 yrs.