Hit the Slopes!

If you've ever dreamed of being a ski bum, now is the time for action. As the ski season ramps up, ski areas have trails snow-filled and groomed, and resorts are busy hiring staff in a variety of capacities. Spending a season or so on the slopes is often an excellent way to fill time between graduating from college and that first "real" job. It can be a mind-clearing sabbatical from the corporate world, or even a way of life when coupled with seasonal summer employment.

Who's Hiring

Resorts from California to Vermont are filling downhill, cross country, and snow boarding positions as well as many support staff jobs in snow making, ticketing, marketing, hospitality, lift operations and transportation. In addition to a paycheck, many of these jobs offer perks like free or discounted lift tickets and ski lessons, and food, beverage or retail discounts.

If you are interested in ski instructor positions, it's not enough to be an excellent skier. Certification by the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) is often a hiring requirement. For ski patrol positions, the National Ski Patrol provides courses and certification. Similarly, the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) provides snowboarding certification. For support positions experience is often not a requirement - flexibility and a willingness to learn are most important.

Where to look for jobs

Our directory of Ski and Snow Jobs has information and ski job listings for the United States and abroad.

What next?

Consider a spring or summer seasonal position or a short-term experience to hold you over until the snow flies again...