mikemon

Hey guys/gals, looking for advice if you work at or have in the past worked for a major resort ex. Stratton, Vail, Mammoth, Tahoe, etc. etc.

I'm really interested in working for a resort - in just about any capacity.
I've heard its a great life experience regardless but if you're into riding/skiiing I can imagine its that much more awesome.

Any tips on how to get in with some good resorts?

What do they look for in an employee? Previous experience? Skills?

Best times/ways to apply? (obviously for this winter((if you can call it winter)) I'm late) but I'm not opposed to working in the spring/summer to get the clout and experience to be worthy of next winter.

How'd you deal with housing?

A lot of Russian people ski/ride in the east where I live so I'm guessing being fluent could help

This is a pretty thick topic I know..so I'll take straight-up answers or just your own experiences and stories. I'm sure I'm not the only one interested. I'm an intermediate snowboarder - started last year - but I've been progressing and I really want to get better.

Thanks in advance!

RockyMTNsteeze

Vail Resorts | Jobs.VailResorts.com

This is Vail's job site. They still have many jobs posted for this season, probably temp for spring break. The other resorts probably have sites too but I am not familiar with them. You should look into jobs at other places on their websites. Vail does phone interviews.

I originally worked for keystone my first few seasons. They had low pay, but after a year I had good affordable health insurance. Arapahoe Basin probably has the best employee benefits. I lived in employee housing my first season and moved out in the spring with some friends. Employee housing is like dorms in College. Most major resorts offer employee housing. I moved out to Colorado after I secured a job at one of Keystone's job fairs. They hold them in the fall in major cities. I missed the one in Atlanta, but drove to Asheville NC for the next one.

It's pretty easy to get a job. They have many different ones available. I think having Food and beverage expedience is helpful since there are a lot of those jobs.

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mikemon

Thanks! I'll check it out.

NoOtherOptions

The life of a snow carny, ahh..how cute. Good luck man! I'm sure it'll be fun.

jdmccright

Waiting for BA to come in and crush his dreams.

bordsmnj

the most important thing is to decide where to go and JUST GO. throw your shit in your car and GO.

WasatchMan

Do a search on this forum - there have been many LONG and detailed discussions on this subject...

If BA isn't tired of talking about this subject, I'm sure he can give you some solid advice.

RockSteady

First of all working at a ski resort is questionable...but if your gonna work for them, might wanna be a night snowmaker this way you can ride everyday you want. I think having a night job such as a waiter, bartender, night stocker, even host would be a lot better and more money. Resorts treat their seasonal employees like a joke, a serious joke

mikemon

yeah so I just finished reading these hilarious stories on angryboarder.com about the carny life, had me shaking my head thinking yeahhh better to just get a flexible job that pays well where I live (NYC) and be able to go ride with complete freedom hah west coast is just so far though

RockSteady

Your right on the money, working and riding sux, I like to go off when I ride, which doesn't put you in good shape to work afterwards. I'm ready for the hot tub and bong...I just save my money in the summer, live as cheap as possible, work hard and then I just snowboard and smoke herb and live like a king in the winter. I tried the whole night work thing for a while but just didn't get the quality riding I was looking for.

PS
WORK SUX BALLS