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To become a ski bum

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Uah
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 176
Where in the world is the best place to become a ski bum?

Cheap food/rent and good skiing would be the main selling points
Aug 19 2012 6:10PM
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Bateman
Posts: 8591 - Karma: 8,600
Maybe Czech or something similar? Food and stuff is cheap, and they have some pretty crazy parks and powder paradises
Aug 19 2012 6:11PM
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SketchyVan
Posts: 26 - Karma: 3
I just took a poop,














































but forgot to wipe.
Aug 19 2012 6:11PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
Depends what kinda bumming your doing.
Are you just wanting to go somewhere for a month and ski everyday? Or you looking for a mountain to stay at for a season and work/ski?
Aug 19 2012 7:16PM
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sneds
Posts: 349 - Karma: 26
simply double penetrate an asain lady and you will become a ski bum
Aug 19 2012 7:20PM
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NotGhood
Posts: 2809 - Karma: 1,255
inb4 Hood
Aug 19 2012 7:21PM
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roddy116
Posts: 10627 - Karma: 7,423
hood or utah
Aug 19 2012 8:56PM
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Uah
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 176
Looking for a mountain to stay at for around a year. Hood is definitely looking pretty prime.
Aug 20 2012 3:52PM
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tdollo
Posts: 3771 - Karma: 18,544
+K
Aug 20 2012 3:59PM
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HamFaceGirl
Posts: 5242 - Karma: 2,676
I like you
Aug 20 2012 9:08PM
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Uah
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 176
Nows a good time to bleach your butt hairs, and also recommend a place to go ski and live for cheap
Aug 20 2012 11:26PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
I work in at Buttermilk in Aspen,CO. Employee housing is pretty cheap (525 a month) and get a pass to 4 Mountains.
If your trying to work there this year better move fast. You need a visa. Defiantly still openings at the hills.

Also whistler would be sick. I've heard they got good employee housing also.

Thought about working this season at Grand Targhee resort cause they have pretty good employee housing as well.
But Im getting a raise if I go back to Buttermilk. Another year in Aspen for me.
Aug 20 2012 11:50PM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
Fuck there was an online publication I had bookmarked for the longest time that you should really read. It was a very good piece of writing on the practicality and sustainability of ski bumming. I will try to find it. It has a lot of interesting information and was a good read. Something I think anyone who is actually considering ski bumming should check out!
Aug 21 2012 12:20AM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
Well that was easy... first result on Google.


It is a long read but if you are actually considering ski bumming even at all, read it. Or else you are an idiot.
Aug 21 2012 12:22AM
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SlurrP
Posts: 172 - Karma: 26
I moved out to Vail because I was bored with my office job and wanted to do something fun for a couple of months. That was 6 years ago now. I didn't read that article. I hope that doesn't make me an idiot.

The key is getting a job that doesn't work days. I don't care what anyone says, being a busser/dishwasher/bar back at a cool place is a way better gig than doing hotel concierge, being a ski instructor, being a lifty (which is probably the worst job in a ski town) or any other job around town. You have days free, they generally pay well, and they are easy/stress free on your mind and body. That's big.

Here in Vail passes are cheap (650) and lots of employers will purchase for you. Housing is also cheap (you can find places here with utilities for around $450 if you're willing to live in old shacks) which is a huge plus. There is a free bus line which is awesome for getting to/from work as well. Something you should check into regardless of where you end up. Proximity to hill and difficulty of traveling to and from.

One thing I'll say about not only being a ski bum but living in a ski town, is that there are no girls. More importantly, whatever girls there are, they aren't willing to hang out with you. They already have a boyfriend or are waiting to move back to whatever city is closest to get back with their old one. So mentally prepare yourself for that.

I'm sure plenty of people will have loads to say about how shitty Vail is and how great Tahoe is or PNW or Utah. But Colorado snow is fucking awesome, there are 4 other resorts I can be at within 45 minutes (that I have a pass to) and summers here are great. So all of those people can suck a dick.

Good luck!
Aug 21 2012 1:04AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
great call, a friend of mine spent 10 days in a 4star hotel over there and he didn't spend more than 300$ on the entire trip (that is incl. plane tickets, lifttickets, boozing, etc....)

pretty much a skibum paradise from what i heard ...
Aug 21 2012 4:24AM
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Boooshank
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 160
My guess is somewhere without internet. Ski bum's don't need that shit.
Aug 21 2012 4:28AM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
JH

Remember the most important thing is the mountain you are on, and the snow!
Aug 21 2012 7:19AM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
I was jplayyiinnnng and it was directed towards OP who doesn't know where to start
Aug 21 2012 8:20AM
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JsNeagle
Posts: 1405 - Karma: 1,576
From personal experience - Mammoth.

From what I've heard - France.
Aug 21 2012 8:42AM
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Bonzalo
Posts: 2593 - Karma: 1,812
PBR, then you become a real skibum.
Aug 21 2012 8:49AM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
laughing at those claiming $525 and $450 is cheep rent. Do you guys even get your own room, or are you sharing a room at that price?

I haven't paid more than $400 for rent in my entire life. Not exactly living in a shithole either.
Aug 21 2012 12:06PM
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SteepAnDeep
Posts: 81 - Karma: 82
I agree with this! Also, each town is gonna have a little different vibe to it, whether its in Colorado, Tahoe, Jackson, etc. Do you have a car? You may want to road trip & stop & stay where it feels good.

Start looking early my friend as housing & jobs go quick.
Aug 21 2012 12:18PM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
Living in Jackson/Teton Village is stupid expensive, unless you find an employer who offers free employee housing.

A couple buddies of mine lived in a house with 5 people at the base of BCC and their rent was $320 a month. From what I remember, utilities were pretty cheap, too.

It seems like Utah is the best bang-for-your-buck place. They were 15 mins from Brighton/Solidude and 25 from Alta/Bird. My only issues with living there would be the fact that you're in a huge city that is filled with smog and oppressed people. Also that the road closes every time there is more than a few inches of snow. It's not exactly a "ski town", but it's super cheap and pretty damn close to the mountains.
Aug 21 2012 12:34PM
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BrainstormSkis
Posts: 6 - Karma: 10
sugarhouse salt lake city.  around 300 for rent, lots of places to work, 40 minutes from like 8 ski resorts, college parties, girls, homies!  its a cool place to chill for a while.  cool nation parks pretty close too- rock climbing, mountain biking and camping in the summers. 

ski seasons usually from mid october- mid may. 
Aug 21 2012 5:03PM
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3mania
Posts: 2613 - Karma: 10,361
Night jobs only, and buy your own pass. That way you don't loose your pass and your job.
Aug 21 2012 5:32PM
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skiingonskis
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 262
BOOM, from the master himself.
Aug 21 2012 7:38PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Yea, I get free lodging at two different places from both jobs. One at the village and the other in town. You can 'easily' find 300-400 rent in town tho. I lived in a balling house for 300 a month. It was great. JH is one of the best ski towns and mtns in america!!
Aug 21 2012 11:10PM
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Uah
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 176
I don't know why, but my heart tells me that whistler is beckoning. This seems like a very bad place to live "cheap", but I think I might do it :P
Aug 22 2012 7:41PM
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so_gangk
Posts: 530 - Karma: 94
christchurch new zealand with a chill pass, you base yourself in christchurch get a casual job to pay rent or something and ski clubbies all day er day
Aug 22 2012 7:50PM
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Uah
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 176
new zealand would be so sick, how is the terrain park there at christ church?
Aug 22 2012 8:03PM
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so_gangk
Posts: 530 - Karma: 94
terrain parks are pretty average in canterbury, the area around christchurch. mt hutt has oen and i would probably give it a 5 or 6 out of ten if you want to ski terrain park go to wanaka. canterbury clubbies are gnar
Aug 22 2012 8:15PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
uh, yeah... whistler is one of the most expensive places in the world to be a "ski bum". while you're at it, give St. Moritz, Switzerland a try.


I'm not saying you can't be a ski bum in Whistler, I know many how have/do, it just takes a bit more effort and your living arrangement might not be as... peaceful if you will.
Aug 22 2012 11:55PM
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dayinthelifepc
Posts: 242 - Karma: 88
Somewhere that it's cheap to live and ski because ski bums generally make almost no money unless theyre pro. If you want to be a real ski bum and ski everyday that is.
Aug 23 2012 11:43AM
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Uah
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 176
Wanaka is looking pretty prime, although leaving Canada is a bit more risky
Aug 24 2012 2:39PM
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VertBoi3000
Posts: 44 - Karma: 165
Go to Chile and live off the land. Give up money altogether, start a school for ninjas and tape your exploits. After all is said and done, report back to this thread.
Aug 28 2012 3:46AM
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tom.ch
Posts: 102 - Karma: -15
Dude, Wanaka is looking prime simply cause theres snow there now.  You won't be saying that in a couple months when you have to spend another zillion dollars and like 3 days getting back to Canada.  Why move somewhere that has a winter half the length of where you already are?
Aug 28 2012 4:14AM
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E__
Posts: 5751 - Karma: 4,635
Click for larger image
Ran into this on Tumblr, all you need is a rooftop carrier for skis and clothes etc.
Aug 28 2012 7:09AM
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E__
Posts: 5751 - Karma: 4,635
Click for larger image
Ran into this on Tumblr, all you need is a rooftop carrier for skis and clothes etc.
Aug 28 2012 7:10AM
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ChucklesNorman.
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 719
It is possible to live in whistler on a tight budget. As long as you find a cheap place to live and know how to cook cheap meals it's not too bad.

Be prepared for overpriced groceries and beer. I also recommend coming to town with enough cash to last a while until you find a job. It can be really difficult or really easy depending on your timing.
Aug 28 2012 6:12PM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
Couple issues with that.

1: Drying clothes. No one wants to put cold damp shit on in the morning.
2: Ventilation. Don't seal the car shut.
3: Heat. It's doable, but extremely better to have heat. Which brings us back to ventilation.

Car camping can be done, but works a hell of a lot better in the summer/fall since you can just crack your windows, and you don't have to worry about condensation or freezing to death. Definitely not feasible for an entire winter without a few more accommodation.

IF you were to do it, get a 4" microcell foam pad to put under you. without it, you loose a lot of body heat through the floor. Get in the sleeping bag, and then put a tarp over that. That way you have less space to heat up. Even though it is winter, you should crack a window so you don't suffocate yourself.

I saw a picture where someone made a bed frame out of plywood and 2x4s that was just tall enough to clear the wheel wells. That way there is ample head room, you don't have to worry about rolling into the wheel wells, and then you have storage beneath the bed.
Aug 30 2012 10:50PM
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ZavierV
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 100
South america: http://beyondboarding.org/
Aug 31 2012 5:26PM
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Jib_High
Posts: 189 - Karma: 224
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0T9JecUM6c
Go to 5:05 and you will be inspired
Sep 2 2012 1:20PM
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imakestickerz
Posts: 477 - Karma: 673
also you can save a ton of money if you cook your own food. buy a portable camp stove and only buy food from a grocery store and you can live off about $150 a month for food
Sep 2 2012 1:59PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Depends on your definition of a ski bum.

I work as little as possible to ski/travel as much as possible. I sold my car. Pretty much everything I own (outside of ski gear and bedding) fits in 1 large suitcase. A large ski bag would hold everything else (this excludes my book collection/tax records which every year or 2 I send a box to my parents house so that one day I can reclaim my fairly large book collection).

But, I live in a fully furnished 1 bedroom 800 sq foot apartment within walking distance to the gondola. I also make 30 to 60 an hour and can work as many hours as I'd like. Soooo I lead a pretty luxurious ski bum life.

i've taken up residence in Mammoth. Only other places in the states I'd go for a similar life are Squaw, Crystal/Baker, or JH. I skip Utah cause although i find it beautiful, the mentality found in so many there is just too difficult for me.

Aside from that, bell hop is a pretty rad start to ski bum career. Solid tips and you typically work 3 - 11pm shifts. You can also usually get a position for the mountain at one of their lodges, so you get the ski pass too. And if you work in a classy establishment, you get to meet some really interesting people.
Sep 2 2012 2:15PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
go to community college, even at state college rates i have student debt out the ass which is keeping me from 'bumming'...sad life
Sep 2 2012 2:54PM
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willysworld
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 5,485
Montana I've done many seasons in Switzerland , France, whistler Japan,mammoth, and by far the best place to e a ski bum is Montana , Namley Bozeman cheap accom , you can buy a pass at bridged bowl for super cheap ( the skiing there is so sick do one season there and you will become a much better skier) food is cheap , big sky is right there and that mountain combine with moon light is amazing , there's heaps of chicks, a couple of strip clubs, also all the modern amenities of a small city, Jackson isn't too far away and if you can get a sled Cooke city is epic.. I'd highly recommend Montana if you wanna live cheap ski sick terrain and still get laid and drunk at the same time.
Sep 2 2012 4:32PM
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SelfTitled
Posts: 39 - Karma: 11
One does not simply forget to wipe.
Sep 2 2012 11:44PM
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Gnarbangalakazoo
Posts: 561 - Karma: 262
this.
Sep 3 2012 12:36AM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
I'm just gonna go ahead and say probably not on this one. Bozeman isn't exactly cheap living, and definitely not Heaps of girls. Big sky is about an hour from Bozeman, so not quite right there.

Then again, you said you were in Switzerland and Whistler, so I guess Bozeman would be relatively cheap
Sep 3 2012 1:38AM
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