OpenFieldColorado Mountain College - Leadville Campus
Colorado Mountain College Leadville, situated at 10,152 feet above sea level, is the highest-elevation higher education college campus in North America, renowned for high-altitude physiology, ski area operations, avalanche science, and ecosystem restoration.
Academic overview & excellence
Nestled between Mount Elbert and Mount Massive in the high Colorado Rockies, CMC Leadville delivers world-class bachelor's and associate degrees uniquely integrated with the alpine environment. Home to the historic Timberline Campus, the college houses the National Avalanche Center partnerships, the natural resource management field station, and the nationally acclaimed Ski Area Operations (SAO) academy. Students study real-time climate dynamics, sub-alpine watershed ecology, and mountain rescue logistics.
Research admissions & criteria
CMC Leadville offers rolling admissions with open access for high school graduates and transfer students. Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science & Stewardship candidates require high school or college biology and algebra with a 2.5 minimum GPA. International students must present certified high school or college transcripts, evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61), and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for F-1 visa issuance.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science and Ecological Restoration
Four-year field-intensive degree examining mine site revegetation, subalpine hydrology, wildfire recovery ecology, and wildlife conservation in the Upper Arkansas River watershed.
Associate of Applied Science in Ski Area Operations (SAO)
Industry-leading two-year polytechnic program training mountain resort directors in ropeway lift mechanics, snowmaking thermodynamic automation, trail design, and slope safety.
High-Altitude Physiology & Alpine Extreme Medicine Fellowship
Four-month research fellowship at 10,152 ft investigating acute mountain sickness (AMS) etiology, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and cold weather field resuscitation.
Leadville 100 Legacy Foundation Mountain Scholarship
Endowed community scholarship awarded to Leadville campus students dedicated to Lake County civic volunteerism, trail conservation, and academic persistence.
Rocky Mountain Avalanche Forecasting & Snowpack Mechanics Practicum
Five-month winter fieldwork observing snow pit crystal metamorphosis, Rutschblock shear stability testing, and regional backcountry hazard bulletin modeling.
Associate of Science in Outdoor Education and Backcountry Wilderness Leadership
Two-year wilderness leadership program providing Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Leave No Trace Master Educator, alpine mountaineering, and swiftwater rescue certifications.
Certificate in High-Altitude Solar PV Microgrids & Remote Battery Energy
Eight-week technical training course in off-grid solar installation, extreme cold temperature battery chemistry (LiFePO4), and mountain microgrid power telemetry.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Matthew Gianneschi
Chief Operating Officer and President of Colorado Mountain College · Executive Leadership & Mountain Education Policy
Dr. Matthew Gianneschi is Chief Operating Officer and President of Colorado Mountain College in the Executive Leadership & Mountain Education Policy at Colorado Mountain College - Leadville Campus, conducting advanced research in Rural Higher Education Access, Alpine Campus Economics, Workforce Dual Enrollment.
Kelly L. Erb
Associate Professor of Avalanche Science and Ski Operations · Department of Ski Area Operations & Mountain Safety
Kelly L. Erb is Associate Professor of Avalanche Science and Ski Operations in the Department of Ski Area Operations & Mountain Safety at Colorado Mountain College - Leadville Campus, conducting advanced research in Snowpack Metamorphism, Avalanche Hazard Modeling, Ski Area Ropeway Systems.
Dr. Nathan Stewart
Professor of Ecosystem Science & High-Altitude Restoration · Department of Natural Resource Management & Ecosystem Science
Dr. Nathan Stewart is Professor of Ecosystem Science & High-Altitude Restoration in the Department of Natural Resource Management & Ecosystem Science at Colorado Mountain College - Leadville Campus, conducting advanced research in High-Altitude Forest Ecology, Mine Waste Phytoremediation, Alpine Hydrology.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Colorado Mountain College - Leadville Campus.