DFJCould you describe some of the "mountain op" jobs you know about and what the pros/cons are?
Yeah no problem. I can say these are soley based on my experience doing this jobs.. I'm sure others will chime in if they think of something..
Snowmaking
Pros:
-get to drive snowmobiles.
-get to see how resort get ready for the season.
-YOU are they reason why resorts open.
-sunrises and sunsets are killer, not to mention if you have a minute to look you --can see the constellations and planets.
-usually a chill crew
-long breaks when you're maxed out and have good temps
-usually you can pick your shift preference
-good pay & always advancement opportunity
-shovel races down the ice/snow whales (big ass snow pile)
-Cons:
long hours
-freezing cold and wet (but they give you great outwear so your fine)
-manual labor (breaking ice off the guns/towers, digging out buried shit)
-if you're grave shift.. you sleep all day
-guns are LOUD without earplugs
-did I mention lots of manual labor?
Grooming
Pros:
-you get to drive a snowcat (personally prefer snowcats with sticks over stirring wheel, but as far as i know thats only a PistenBully thing)
-you get to drive a snowcat....
-some cats have XM radio
-comfy seats
-pays great w/ lots of opportunity for advancement
-work by yourself & listen to music
-sunrise/sunsets/planets and shit
-nothing like being on top of the mountain in your cat at 2am and just looking down at the city
Cons:
-alone for long periods of time
-running over fences, poles, random shit with your tiller
-when lifties don't bring in their line corrals at night
-often monotonous work
-can only work at night (exception to vail as far as I know they still do day grooming?)
Parks
Pros:
-learn a lot about carpentry and welding
-most all departments like you
-chilling with people in the park
-if you're not doing a special project or maintaining features.. you're just skiing park and having a good time(we could at all the places I've been)
-grilling out... A LOT
-you pretty much can use any equipment you need to get the job done
-you learn a lot about building quality features.
-amazing co-workers
-lots of free crap during events
Cons:
-you can get lazy and your park suffers.. don't get lazy
-yelling at stupid parents/kids for standing on lips and jumps
-kids sitting at the bench feature in the park having lunch
-when you get a snowstorm and digging everything out
There are plenty of other jobs, but those are a few that I've worked and can say some things about. Hope that helps a little