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theabortionator
April, 2025

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Anyone ever packed up and moved their entire life for skiing?

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HypeBeast
Posts: 10042 - Karma: 75,950
Just curious. Not planning on it as I've got student loans on student loans on student loans, 2 car loans, and a mortgage, and a sweet job.

I could but it wouldn't be pretty. Just wondering if anyone else has totally fucked up their reality and bit the bullet to a different world.

Discuss.
5 years ago
12 0
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -719
I'll drive west in a couple days to ski 150 days this year. CB bootpack program for a free epic and will storm chase. Want to either add Silverton pass and get some guided or maybe Monarch (I qualify for college) and have Powder Alliance.


My exit plan is set in stone though. Fly back to Boston for a week right at the end of April to interview like I am living here and then fly back to CO chill and tour a bit then drive back hopefully with a start date 6/1 or so. Unless I line up some really good remote stuff maybe I get lucky I am going to a major construction trade show in Toronto which I am pretty pumped for and will pitch myself to those companies and try and break them into the US market a little more.
5 years ago
9 0
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wolterhood
Posts: 32 - Karma: 44
Just landed a good job in Denver and I am making the move January 1st from Ohio. It's always been a dream of mine, i'm leaving a lot in Ohio but the end result will be worth it.
5 years ago
13 0
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bennwithtwons
Posts: 1683 - Karma: 16,269
moved west first year after college and been ever since. also turns out that mountain biking is just as fun as skiing so now it is a year-round party!
5 years ago
17 1
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NattyNine
Posts: 281 - Karma: 1,600
Not sure if "fucked up their reality" is the right word for it.

But yes I'd say a good portion of this website has done what you mentioned in the title.
5 years ago
18 0
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Dilldoes
Posts: 761 - Karma: 5,852
Came very close once right after college but chose to live the corporate life instead.

I don't regret it as my choice has lead to many open doors and a life that I didn't know I could have but at the same time I wish I would have spent more time in my early 20's skiing and progressing. I also grew up in Oklahoma and even though my whole family skis/skied quite a lot the whole "ski bum" idea isn't something that they encouraged.
5 years ago
9 6
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jakeordie
Posts: 664 - Karma: 3,277
Always lived in big cities and skated up until about 7 years ago, made the move into ski towns to focus on winters. Everyday life is more challenging, and more rewarding. There's so much I've learned the hard way, but I don't regret the decision and I'm still looking up.
5 years ago
9 0
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270on420out
Posts: 7522 - Karma: 51,280
I did right after high school. Broke my collarbone on my 5th day skiing and lost my job. Luckily I healed fast and was also able to live off of savings for like 3 months after. I skied a ton but lost 30 pounds cause I could barely afford to feed myself. Ended up meeting a girl during a visit back home and moved back altogether (wish I never did that). Ski bumming was fun but it’s not something I could do forever
5 years ago
11 0
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freestyler540
Posts: 13211 - Karma: 20,137
For skiing? Yeah, but the main goal was to find a spot with great bike trails too.
I packed up my shit in June 2012, flipped off my roomate and left Quebec to never come back. Spent 2 months on the road looking for a new town to move to. Best summer of my life. I moved to Nelson and set up shop; now all my winters are awesome!
5 years ago
14 0
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BigScaryLarry
Posts: 1448 - Karma: 2,733
Finally moved out to Tahoe after 3 years of workin here in the summer. Got student loans, rent, all that good stuff. Currently surviving off like $150-200 a month post bills. But I am so much happier than I was before and I don’t plan on heading back east any time soon. It is very possible to make it out and moving out west will likely be the best decision you make in the near future. Keep in mind there are cheaper and more expensive places to go. Tahoe is very expensive but places like SLC are pretty cheap and reasonable
5 years ago
9 0
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nmwninjart
Posts: 3086 - Karma: 15,824
Not for skiing but I have for school and for jobs. Having been in the military it happens often so this idea isnt crazy to me. Ive moved so many times its ridiculous. Ive settled down a bit. This is the longest Ive stayed in one area. Im actually doing more fun things now than I did when I was in my late teens and 20s
5 years ago
5 0
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1632 - Karma: 10,987
A month after I graduated college, I moved to Mammoth. Best decision I ever made but it has to end eventually, I'm moving back to the "real world" in March. The number of people I know or who I've met who wish they had taken a few years to dirtbag before getting a desk has me convinced that I made the right decision. That said, the darkside has been calling for some time. I'm about to be a goddamn SoCal weekend warrior, as is my destiny.
5 years ago
9 0
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9595 - Karma: 71,313
Moved to SLC from Israel, completely amazing choice
5 years ago
10 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9693 - Karma: 65,267
BlumpkinPumpkinI've got student loans on student loans on student loans, 2 car loans, and a mortgage, and a sweet job.

I could but it wouldn't be pretty

i clicked this thread to basically say if you have a setup like this, no i do not recommend it. skiing-centric life is not a good one for finances like that. you're prob just fine handling those with your "normal" lifestyle now, but good luck staying on top of all that as a ski bum transplant now

i dropped everything and moved to tahoe to ski for a few winters. literal best decision of my life and it was amazing

but i would explicitly suggest to NOT do that if you already have roots down such as mortgage, good job, loans etc


just my 2 cents, happy to elaborate on it
5 years ago
9 0
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ogreene
Posts: 42 - Karma: 116
well I moved to school in Tahoe strictly for the mountains. not specifically skiing, but that is definitely 50-60% of the reason why. basically just want to get into the ski industry. also thinking of moving to SLC strictly to get a career in the industry. if you can make it happen and have a love and passion for skiing, send it.
5 years ago
7 0
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HypeBeast
Posts: 10042 - Karma: 75,950
SofaKingSicki clicked this thread to basically say if you have a setup like this, no i do not recommend it. skiing-centric life is not a good one for finances like that. you're prob just fine handling those with your "normal" lifestyle now, but good luck staying on top of all that as a ski bum transplant now

i dropped everything and moved to tahoe to ski for a few winters. literal best decision of my life and it was amazing

but i would explicitly suggest to NOT do that if you already have roots down such as mortgage, good job, loans etc


just my 2 cents, happy to elaborate on it

Yeah not planning on it. Buying a house was a hassle enough. Moving would require so much effort in addition to job specific requirements I would have to do prior to that. Finances would probably even out; higher cost of living balanced by higher income (it is) and less spent on skiing. I spend way too much traveling every year and on day passes it's disgusting. I could probably get a job anywhere in my field but living in a semi-big city would provide me with the most fulfilling job opportunities.

Loans aren't bad. Income based amount is a literal joke. 7 more years and I'm getting the fuck out of Ohio for sure.

I made the thread because it's just a thought that plagues me every day because I see the job openings in cities I'd love to be in, in the exact roles that I'm doing now. This thread isn't directed towards ski bumming (although those experiences are good to reflect on), but rather folks who uprooted themselves and replanted elsewhere so that they could ski more or whatever more.

There's a reason most people never leave their hometowns or states and I don't wanna be one of those people.
5 years ago
6 0
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Granby_killdozer
Posts: 2484 - Karma: -13,982
Yeah I moved to CO from NC a year after I got out of school. I'm a software engineer so I was able to save up a good chunk of change and be a ski bum for a season. Now I'm in Denver doing the whole weekend warrior thing while I figure out my life. shits tight

**This post was edited on Nov 20th 2019 at 6:06:37pm
5 years ago
3 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9693 - Karma: 65,267
BlumpkinPumpkinYeah not planning on it. Buying a house was a hassle enough. Moving would require so much effort in addition to job specific requirements I would have to do prior to that. Finances would probably even out; higher cost of living balanced by higher income (it is) and less spent on skiing. I spend way too much traveling every year and on day passes it's disgusting. I could probably get a job anywhere in my field but living in a semi-big city would provide me with the most fulfilling job opportunities.

Loans aren't bad. Income based amount is a literal joke. 7 more years and I'm getting the fuck out of Ohio for sure.

I made the thread because it's just a thought that plagues me every day because I see the job openings in cities I'd love to be in, in the exact roles that I'm doing now. This thread isn't directed towards ski bumming (although those experiences are good to reflect on), but rather folks who uprooted themselves and replanted elsewhere so that they could ski more or whatever more.

There's a reason most people never leave their hometowns or states and I don't wanna be one of those people.


Ah gotcha, youre kinda similar to me currently then. Right now friends family and career have me back East but we’ll see what happens. Best of luck deciding but don’t fret, you have time!
5 years ago
2 0
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soup
Posts: 6354 - Karma: 4,486
Straight of high school. From Ontario to Whistler. Been out west for 11 years now and never looking back.
5 years ago
4 0
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5080 - Karma: 18,568
SofaKingSickAh gotcha...Best of luck deciding but don’t fret, you have time!


I'm not trying to get too deep on this here thread, but you can't know if you have time, sometimes you think you do, or should, and you don't.
5 years ago
4 0
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Aidan.Okelly
Posts: 61 - Karma: 258
Im pressed rn because im planning on going to Montana State next year, and the skiing is gonna be tight as fuck, but lately I've gotten really into surfing (im in Oregon) and its gonna be hard to leave my board behind. Cant have it all i guess.
5 years ago
1 0
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Static
Posts: 8588 - Karma: 4,098
BlumpkinPumpkin7 more years and I'm getting the fuck out of Ohio for sure.


lol, this is the saddest shit I've read all day. ONLY 7 more years! hang in there!
5 years ago
5 1
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5080 - Karma: 18,568
Aidan.OkellyIm pressed rn because im planning on going to Montana State next year, and the skiing is gonna be tight as fuck, but lately I've gotten really into surfing (im in Oregon) and its gonna be hard to leave my board behind. Cant have it all i guess.


Will you go back to Oregon for summer? Might have the best of both worlds to some extent? I know the swells aren't there as much in summer but I'm sure there's still good surf to be had.
5 years ago
0 0
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blazeonyia
Posts: 365 - Karma: 1,451
I dropped out of college to do a ski season in Colorado. At the time I justified it because I was partying too much and not doing well in school. Gave it a go and realized I needed to go back (Midwest) and graduate. Also realized I needed to keep doing ski seasons. I finished college going summer and fall semesters and still heading out to CO for the winter. Those winters changed my life. Met my best friends and had the best times. Worked park crew and eventually got into backcountry.

Now I have a regular job, live in Denver, and still get together with those same friends to hit the mountains. I hope this little story helps NSers who are on the fence. You can do it and you can make it work. My job keeps me in the city, but I'm in CO and it also makes me appreciate getting out in the mountains that much more. You can fuck up your reality or you can make it what you want it to be.
5 years ago
4 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52501 - Karma: 173,017
A bunch of times. Mix if work and skiing. Although their somewhat intertwined.

I don't have any pets or kids and forever alone so it's easier. Idk I like it. I am digging Tahoe pretty hard though. Been a few seasons here, who knows how long I'll be here. Also summer spot is pretty sweet too.
5 years ago
3 0
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chris.goodhue
Posts: 946 - Karma: 6,213
Yup. Moved to Bozeman for 5 years for school and skiing. Back in Boston for the time being but planning on packing it all up and doing it again someday! Once you do it, it's definitely hard to look at life the same
5 years ago
5 0
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WHITEFISHNATE
Posts: 93 - Karma: 131
Moved from Seattle to Whitefish MT and I have no regrets! This will be my 3rd season on the mtn and I am super stoked. I live 12 min from the lift lines.
5 years ago
2 0
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skiguy04
Posts: 1640 - Karma: 1,275
soupStraight of high school. From Ontario to Whistler. Been out west for 11 years now and never looking back.

In Ontario currently - does whistler have job fare still?
5 years ago
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YeetCannon
Posts: 114 - Karma: 301
I live out of my car and wouldnt have it any other way. Left high school, started taking online classes, and i'm living the very broke dream
5 years ago
2 0
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6447 - Karma: 70,190
If I want to ski for a while after school, how do I take care of loans?
5 years ago
1 0
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7358 - Karma: 78,458
ConesForBreakfasIf I want to ski for a while after school, how do I take care of loans?


get a job you dirty hippy
5 years ago
5 0
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soup
Posts: 6354 - Karma: 4,486
skiguy04In Ontario currently - does whistler have job fare still?


I'm sure they do but it was normally in October. If you can find a place to live there than you can have any job your heart desires at the moment. You don't want to work for the ski hill anyways.
5 years ago
2 0
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1632 - Karma: 10,987
ConesForBreakfasIf I want to ski for a while after school, how do I take care of loans?


You can apply for forbearance. Basically, you can temporarily postpone your payments but interest will still accrue. In the long run that will probably fuck you but if you don't have a huge amount of debt then you might want to look into it. For example, if you know you can get a good paying job easily with your degree it might be manageable to spend a few years not paying.
5 years ago
2 0
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f100prerunner
Posts: 504 - Karma: 1,313
I’m currently in the opposite position. I graduate from school May 2021 and am worried a lack of computer science jobs exist where I currently am. Sure do hope to stay where I’m at after graduation.
5 years ago
2 0
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,185
BigPurpleSkiSuitMoved to SLC from Israel, completely amazing choice

How exactly did you get into skiing
5 years ago
3 0
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9595 - Karma: 71,313
I'm American, grew up in CT family took trips to SLC to visit family friends and brighton
_GHOSTHow exactly did you get into skiing
5 years ago
1 1
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Ajd2700
Posts: 97 - Karma: 507
Literally just moved to Stowe this past weekend. Super pumped for this season
5 years ago
3 0
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,126
I spent over a decade listening to mr millers voice in the back of my head devouring every issue of powder mag and planning a yearly ski trip or 2 before I convinced the gf at the time to pack everything into a 28' uhaul and leave a windy city with great culture all our friends and fam for a salt lake one with a slightly bizarre culture and the greatest snow on earth
The fact that we waited till our mid 30's actually made it easier as with the right life skills you can ski a lot and bum a minimal
23 years later im still wondering what and if much would have been different had I not waited that extra decade or if i waited another.
but no regrets
best thing i ever did
5 years ago
3 0
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SlyFoxxx
Posts: 24 - Karma: 90
Doing it right now. I was obsessed with skiing as a kid, but gave it up for hockey. Then I got in some trouble before some music shit came along and I was away from skiing for over a decade... Spent the last 2 winters travelling the west, getting my skills back and scoping out places to live. Reminded me there's nothing better than sliding on snow and I still got juice left in the tank. Spending about a month in CO and CA this winter before I make my final decision. Then it's 100+ days every year 'til I my knees give out or I get cliffed out.

Like Warren always said.. "If you don't do it this year......"
5 years ago
1 0
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4884 - Karma: -719
Ajd2700Literally just moved to Stowe this past weekend. Super pumped for this season


How was opening day?

I had to skip it and Bisco cause Vail won’t let me pick up my pass anywhere other than CB.


But im glad I didn’t go spending this we l having less money than I do would be sketchy and cracked out.
5 years ago
0 0
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GayWolf420
Posts: 38025 - Karma: 128,773
Had a weird stroke of luck myself. My parents lost their jobs in Michigan and my mom was head-hunted by a partner of her employer based in SLC. They offered to help us find a house, assisted with living costs, finding schools, and getting us moved out here so it was a total no-brainer though we had no fucking idea what Utah was about. We skied a bunch in MI but we only went to CO whenever we could afford it, Utah was never on our radar. Kinda traded one life for another and couldn't be more thankful. I got to move out here at a really young age before going to college so I got to meet some incredible friends early on that are still my brothers and that I still ski/hang with on a regular basis. Wouldn't change that for anything.
5 years ago
3 0
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,008
Yes. Multiple times. Oregon. Tahoe. New Zealand. Australia. Colorado. Back to Tahoe. Now Japan next week.

It's fun.
5 years ago
2 0
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,185
DingoSeanYes. Multiple times. Oregon. Tahoe. New Zealand. Australia. Colorado. Back to Tahoe. Now Japan next week.

It's fun.


Where in Japan?
5 years ago
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,008
_GHOSTWhere in Japan?


Niseko
5 years ago
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Jesushadvishnus
Posts: 126 - Karma: 477
DingoSeanNiseko


how?, summer jobs?


woops i mean all the places not just japan

**This post was edited on Nov 23rd 2019 at 8:52:09pm
5 years ago
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,008
awfullskier69how?, summer jobs?


it's november. it's winter in japan.
5 years ago
1 0
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Jesushadvishnus
Posts: 126 - Karma: 477
DingoSeanit's november. it's winter in japan.


you replied before i had time to edit my comment :D
5 years ago
0 0
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,008
awfullskier69you replied before i had time to edit my comment :D


NZ and Australia give 1 year working holiday visas to Americans under 30. I took full advantage.

Oregon I lived for multiple years. Same with Tahoe. Lived in Colorado for not quite a year.
5 years ago
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