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Advice: So I can work in the ski industry

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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,299
Long story short. I'm on the back end of my 20s. I spent my early and mid 20s goofing off and just getting by with a little school. Recently I've gone back to school with the idea of getting my degree in land surveying. It's a good enough idea. Time spent outdoors and some in the office with a good chance of making decent money so I can afford doing the things I love and enjoy. I'm smart enough and have some connections to get a job if I so decided to continue that plan. But I've been contemplating lately I'd really like to do something in the ski industry. My goal of turning pro is dead(haha). Anybody in the industry albeit shop manager, resort manager, ski design engineer etc have any advice. I want and will continue my education but to find a job in the ski community would be dope. I have no ideas of granduer of skiing every day or making 6 figures
but to get involved in something where I could be around folks who share the same passion would be dope. To make enough money where I dont have to worry about paying rent is the idea. Anybody in the industry or who knows something about have any suggestions in some careers I could look into??

**This thread was edited on Sep 29th 2018 at 12:18:28am

**This thread was edited on Sep 29th 2018 at 12:19:52am
Sep 29 2018 12:14AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13083 - Karma: 18,720
Take it from me; if you have a career that pays well and lets you ski, dont work in the ski industry. You will be wasting your time.

However, becoming a ski instructor, freestyle coach or ski patrol could bring you joy... if joy was picking up crying 3-5 years olds off the bunny hill, then getting shit from their parents because their kid isnt winning competitions yet.
Volunteering for events is great, it really helps the scene. But watching people ride and get stoked is hard to watch.
Sep 29 2018 1:09AM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3652 - Karma: 8,888
JoeF2661I'm smart enough

I am going to stop you right there
Sep 29 2018 11:51AM
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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,299
DirtYStylEI am going to stop you right there


I respect that burn.
Sep 29 2018 11:58AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
You know after 8 years of working on a mountain doing operations stuff I wouldn’t trade it it for the world. Even during 2011 and it was shit snow year.
People make the argument that if you have a better job and live near or in town with a season pass you can have the same amount of fun while making good money.
Its a very valid point and if that’s what you want to do go for it.

But if you want to work on the hill and spread stoke while getting paid go for it. Free passes, early morning powder laps, and pride in the fact your providing enjoyment for every person in the bar once the days over. It’s pretty satisfying to me.
Sure you make more money selling a 7 figure house but is it really that satisfying helping some rich prick buy his fourth house?

To me it’s no brainer. Maybe it’s because I’m a bit stupid and easily satisfied. Give me a paycheck, place to live and a season pass and I’m good to go.
I’m gonna go back to the mountain once I get back there and go rip the shit. Maybe even step in as a lifty if there’s a spot open just for the pass.

And as proof I’m not just shit talking here’s me last season on one of the few powder days we got.
it did not suck to be able to go up early and sneak a few laps before public got to the goods. Totally worth it.
And it’s up to each of ourselves to decide if it is or not.

Sep 29 2018 8:03PM
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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,299
The referenced post has been removed.


Matters where you are at. Surely you are not out digging for monuments in 3 feet of snow.
Sep 29 2018 10:56PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4808 - Karma: 17,045
The referenced post has been removed.


I was going to say the same thing, especially in mountain towns, there's construction season and winter right? It might impinge on spring laps though.

I'd also vote for career where you make a decent living that will allow you to ski a good amount and not eat ramen at the end of each month. Take that from a guy who skied 20 days last year tops, for me skiing is a hobby not a lifestyle, I'm also old, a father of two, and a homeowner.
Sep 30 2018 1:49AM
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