Bears on Boards: Morgan’s Hospitality Management Students Explore Opportunities in Snowsports Through New Collaboration

This past spring, while many students were focused on final exams and commencement, a group of adventurous Bears journeyed to Colorado for a one-of-a-kind experiential learning excursion. Through a new collaboration between Morgan State University, the National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS), Vail Resorts and Colorado Mountain College, students from the School of Business and Management’s Hospitality Management Program at Morgan explored ways to expand access and opportunity within the outdoor recreation industry.

From March 31 to April 5, 2025, Hospitality Management students traveled to the Centennial State for an immersive and transformative week in the mountains. The experience combined ski and snowboard instruction, behind-the-scenes resort tours, and classroom sessions with hospitality professionals. For many students, it was their first exposure to snowsports — made possible through the generous support of partners, including the outdoor products and experiences company Mammut, which provided gear, and resort staff, who provided expert instruction.

Throughout the week, students engaged in learning opportunities on diverse topics, including mountain safety, sustainability practices and resort operations. Guided by mentors from Vail Resorts, Colorado Mountain College and NBS, students gained knowledge through hands-on activities and saw themselves reflected in an industry where representation of many groups is still growing.

This initiative marks more than just a field trip to Colorado; it’s the foundation of a movement to bridge cultural and geographic gaps in outdoor recreation and establish sustainable career pathways for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Building on this momentum, Morgan State is exploring the development of a ski and snowsports course or certification program to equip students with industry-recognized credentials. Plans are also underway to formalize internship and employment pipelines with Vail Resorts and other industry partners.

Rooted in inclusion, access and education, this collaboration signals a bright future not only for Morgan students but for the broader outdoor recreation industry. Together, Morgan State, NBS, Vail Resorts and Colorado Mountain College are carving a new trail toward a more diverse and equitable future.

Morgan State University’s School of Business and Management continues to lead in hospitality education, offering Maryland’s only M.S. in Hospitality Management and standing as the only HBCU ranked in Bloomberg’s 2024–2025 Best B-Schools list. The school is also ranked first in producing African American graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Hospitality Management in Maryland, and third (B.S.) and second (M.S.) nationwide.