Work at a Ski Resort for Winter Fun!

If you're considering a career in the ski and snowboard industry, then you've come to the right place. Sliding around on the snow is one of the best feelings in the world. You're outside in the mountains, the winter breeze blowing in your face, and the mountain is covered in a white canvas of snow. Just thinking about a day on the slopes is exciting, especially when the mountains will be your new office.

 

It's not uncommon to develop a passion for skiing and snowboarding. People all over the world go on holidays and vacations to amazing destinations like Aspen, Whistler, Park City, Stratton, or Squaw Valley. Ski resorts are located all over the world, and most people don't have to travel very far to go skiing. Some take an annual trip to shred the powder, others take weekend trips. For many the ski and snowboard industry opens up opportunities for full time or part time seasonal work. Many even make skiing or snowboarding into their incredibly cool full time career.

 

Fresh faces and youthful spirit are what keep the ski resorts running. Every year ski resorts need hundreds or thousands of people. While some people make a career in the winter sports world, others only stay for a season or two. There are fun entry level and career opportunities for every person seeking work in a winter resort.

 

Just be sure to apply early if you want to spend next winter on snow. Whatever job path you choose, everyone's there for the same reason...to slide around on snow.

 

In the following pages, this short guide to jobs in the ski and snowboard industry will cover:

• Jobs At Ski Areas
• Working As A Ski Instructor
• Ski Instructor Training
• Working As A Snowboard Instructor
• Getting Hired At A Ski Resort

Did you know? In 2011, there were a total of 471 ski areas operating in 37 different US states. New York led the way with 47 areas, Michigan with 36, Wisconsin with 35, Pennsylvania with 31, and Colorado with 29.

Jobs at Ski Resorts

If you love snow, there are opportunities for you at every ski area. Ski areas are multifaceted hospitality and tourism businesses that cater to snow seeking guests. That means there are many different job niches that must be filled - Mountain Operations, Rentals, Ski School, Ski Patrol, Hotels, Restaurants, Retail Stores, Town Operations, or Management. Don't forget that whatever niche you choose, everyone's goal is to ski as much as possible.

 

Think about all the jobs that are needed to successfully run a ski resort. Where do you fit in?

 

People who are great with people and are natural teachers may thrive as a ski instructor. People who want to own their on-snow time may be best working in hotels or retail. People destined for career work may want to focus on climbing the management ladder. People who don't need much sleep may want to work at night in bars or on the slopes grooming. People who want a free pass might only want to work part time.

 

Most of winter resort jobs are flexible, fun, and always an adventure. This guide will help you decide what ski and snowboard industry job is best for you.

Picking The Ski Resort For You

Once you have an idea about what you want to do in the snow industry, it's time to decide where you want to do it and apply for jobs. You need to determine what mountain is the best mountain for you.

 

Do you pick a high-end resort like Deer Valley where you might make more money? A small hill where you can do weekend work near your home like Jay Peak or Eldora? Do you want a mountain where you can push it like Jackson Hole? Do you go to the mountain you grew up visiting on vacation like Vail? Do you want to go to a mountain that's off the beaten path like Wolf Creek or Taos? Do you go where the powder is legendary like Steamboat? Do you go someplace with a big city near by like Alta? Do you spend the season in a place where the nightlife rocks like in Breckenridge or Whistler? The options seem to be endless.

 

There are hundreds of mountains to choose from. Each mountain has a unique personality and offers it's employees something cool and different. The one thing they all have in common is they all need workers who love to ski and ride.

 

Did You Know? It's not uncommon to ride the chairlift with a local who only came out to ski for one season, but a decade later he's there, and loving it.

If you're ready to head to the mountains for a winter of fun, take the time to read the next section about ski area jobs.

Summary

• It can be hard to decide where you want to work and what you want to do.
• The work atmosphere is typically laidback, casual, and flexible.
• Every ski mountain has entry level and career opportunities.
• If you go for only a season, plan on staying for at least two. Or more.
• Apply early if you want a good job.

 

Working at a Ski Area >>>