Ski resorts basically offer two kinds of ski jobs, on the snow and service jobs. Both types of positions cover various categories but as far as becoming employed there are different avenues of approach for the job seeker. For any job it is important to remember that, as glamorous as working at a ski resort may sound, first and foremost the resort owners are running a for-profit business and always look for the most competent and most reliable personnel. It is important to have a good work ethic and helpful to have a good reference as to your dependability. Remember that although the majority of jobs available are seasonal you should be prepared to commit to working the entire season.
Hospitality Jobs
Most ski resorts have overnight and vacation facilities on or near the resort. Applying for employment for jobs in the service side of the business means being able to work in any of the basic hotel / restaurant positions. The available jobs would cover food preparation, waiting and bussing tables, bartending, ski shop staff and janitorial work among other services. The hotel positions would cover reservations, check-in, valet and room service, maintenance and janitorial staffing. The positions that become open on a seasonal basis are usually at the entry level and don't require a lot of past experience so the main criteria is good grooming, good personality and again, most importantly - dependability.
Finding a Ski Job
Securing a position in this area of the ski resort business is not all that difficult. If you have a real interest to work the season you should be able to find you a job in one of three ways . One, apply early - late summer or early fall by either hand delivering a resume or mailing one with an offer to come for a face-to-face interview. Second, if you know someone who already has a position and will return, or was offered an opportunity to return for another season by all means have them speak on your behalf. Management almost always trusts the recommendation of good help. Third, and least reliable but very often a lucky approach to find an opening is just to show up at the resort during the season and be ready to start immediately. By showing up in season don't expect a choice, if any, of too many jobs but you may get lucky.
Ski Resort Perks
Of course you are looking for a job there not just for the money, but for the perks. In fact, many times the perks may outweigh the wages but that's what you are there for anyway. Usually, a position comes with the equivalent of season ski or snow boarding pass (valid as long as you work there), ample time in the work schedule for skiing and some discount on services (food and beverages), equipment and lessons. A few resorts have something akin to a "six inch rule" - if it snows six inches of new powder snow the day shifts are broke up so everybody gets to ski the good stuff. On this side of the industry do a good job and almost a hundred percent of the time you will be welcomed back next season or if the resort is year round, you may be asked to stay right through the summer.
