Misconceptions About Working at a Ski Resort

This video was made to provide clarity regarding misconceptions about working at a ski resort. This information may be different depending on the mountain you work on, specific resort you work at or your personal experience.

However, I am hoping to help clear up some things you thought were true, or ease your mind about, when it comes to applying for and taking a chance on working at ski resort/for a ski season.

Time Stamps:

0:41 You need to know how to ski.
1:45 It’s the only way to get a free ski pass.
2:25 You won’t make or save a lot of money.
3:59 It’s a job for when you are young.
5:04 It’s only good for a gap year.
5:52 Resorts only run in the winter.
6:55 You spend all your time on the slopes.
7:51 You get to travel around.

Other Helpful Blog Posts...

[markbrodrick]

I did not know how to ski when I moved to a ski area. Worked at the ski area year around for 42 years as a lift mechanic, I loved my job. I would recommend working at a ski area to anyone looking for a great adventure.

[Skiallday]

Thank you for the information!
I am starting my first season at Aspen this upcoming winter and can’t wait to start!

[DigitalTiger]

I'm about to graduate with an engineering degree and all I want is to work at a ski resort. I am so excited to finally be able to apply to winter positions and hopefully work at a ski resort in BC or Alberta. I don't care if I'm payed in nickels, if it means I get to snowboard more than twice a season, I will do anything for it.

[raysegura]

I started working at Kirkwood and then went to heavenly then Sierra ski ranch then squaw valley then Park City then deer valley all of those years of my life going downhill it was tragic

[TruthSeeker]

Thanks for the information! I am an army veteran, just turned 30. After working such a high-stress career for many years, I want to do something I really enjoy and I have been skiing my whole life, so this really calls to me. Where I live, ski instructors make about 24-40 an hour, depending on certifications and what-not. I am wondering though, if it is full-time, 40-hour work weeks or just 2-3 hours here and there. Also, what kind of jobs I could look in to for off season. Thanks again!

[medwards]

Lifty at Park City here. Going into my third winter. Wrapping up my second summer, going into fall operations in a couple of weeks.

[DigBaddyTaylor]

Thank you so much for giving me this extra bit of confidence in my decisions... I'm putting myself in A LOT of debt to study Ski Business and Resort Management at Sierra Nevada University.

[janpedersen]

thanks you. I just discovered skiing but want to do it all the time if possible. im almost 30 but want to do it more

[timmo]

I am 33 thinking to go do a ski season, I did it when I was 19 but I been kinda lazy lately and just want to take a season break to work somewhere again. The ski job I had at 19 was kinda bad, I would work in a big town, and prob try to split it with a bartending or barista job. and try and get part time just so i can get a lift pass and free rental also.

[Crazy_Alex_]

I just wanna go up in the engine and do stuff there and be a lifty cause it looks cool

[imagreatguy]

Hey loved the video! What’s your top 3 best ski towns to take a gap year at? Looking for somewhere not too expensive

[abertv]

I just worked to get a job at a ski school. Working conditions were terrible, pay terrible, full time really just meant stand by. It wasn't as fun as I imagined at all.

[ndrzzon]

I work both night time work, and daytime at a skiresort

[tommydays]

Did you work with any retirees? I’m planning to work part time after I retire from my current job and thought working a seasonal job would be great. I love skiing and have lived in a mountain community before (many years ago). Thanks for your insight and for sharing your experience.

[jshdbbdhdbdbndn]

Do they provide housing cause i don’t want to drive 3hrs to work

[blueprintwebdesign]

How many ride breaks do lifties normally get?

[staceybabin]

which resort did you or do you work at?

[donovanevans]

Hi, do they provide meals at a ski resort for free? 🎿🍔🍟