Do you want to be a ski bum? Here are some tips from Skidmore College grad Dave Kovall who has spent the winter in Whitefish, Montana and experienced the life of a true ski bum.
- Have a resume - in fact, have a folder of resumes.
- Good ski bum jobs include front desk at a hotel at night, bell hop at night, bus boy, cook, or waiter. Another thought is working at the ski resort - from food services to the rental store, there are many jobs available. Don't forget about retail jobs in local ski stores, too.
- Dress nicely when you ask about employment or have an interview. While your clothing doesn't have to be fancy - in most ski towns, you don't need to wear a tie - try to look neat. Guys should shave and girls should wear minimal makeup.
- When you first get to the town of your choice walk around town and apply everywhere - even apply to places that you'd rather not work at.
- Consider your goals and what kind of job is ideal. If you want to ski during the day, you can't work at an office job - generally you want a job where you can work at night.
- Don't plan on making enough money to support yourself unless you get a job as a waiter at a nice place.
- Every resort is a little different, but generally working for the ski mountain has the advantage of a free ski pass, but you will probably not get to utilize the pass much. Nevertheless, do apply to work at the mountain because you might find that you need that free pass and it will likely be fun.
- Remember - the job of a ski instructor is not an ideal ski bum job.
