UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 02 | Jan. 25, 2001

Executives to head for Whistler slopes

Initiative could well be match made in Seventh Heaven

Whistler is recognized as one of the world's premier ski resorts.

But for executives and business professionals, it may soon be seen as the ideal setting for a training session on leadership or corporate strategy as well, courtesy of a new partnership between the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration and Intrawest's Whistler/Blackcomb resort.

Beginning this May, UBC@Whistler will offer a new executive training series entitled Adventure Learning Programs.

The programs will combine classroom study with outdoor physical activity to provide a unique training experience for business people.

Sessions on entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, finance, strategic management, information technology and e-business will be taught by leading UBC business professors and instructors.

All seminars and conferences will be held in existing facilities at Whistler and will average three days in length.

"We will provide a learning environment for our participants which will showcase the best that both UBC and Whistler/Blackcomb have to offer -- world-class education at the premier mountain resort in North America," says Commerce Dean Daniel Muzyka.

"One of our goals is to create an innovative, leading-edge mountain institute for learning and research that embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

"This institute will help management build and strengthen critical leadership and teamwork skills, in addition to enhancing knowledge base."

"From following ski patrol in a rescue simulation to adventure racing, the activities will permit participants to challenge their ideas and limits in a new context," says Intrawest chair, president and chief executive officer, Joe Houssian.

The program sessions will kick off in May with a three-day seminar on leadership by Prof. Peter Frost.

In addition to the program, forums on leading business and industry issues will also be held at Whistler as a result of the new partnership.

For more information on how to register for the program, call 604-822-8893.