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January, 2025

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Best Ski Industry Jobs

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Pakanaka
Posts: 318 - Karma: 1,961
little debate but what do you all think is the best ski resort job from a skiing/lifestyle perspective? I've done ski instructing and carparking. So far carparking has been amazing for riding and I also made more money compared to instructing because you work longer hours carparking and get at least 2 hours for ride breaks and it's a super nice chill vibe. Ski instructing is fun but not as good for the bank (5 hours a day if it's busy and feel burnt out) and your also not doing the skiing you want to be as I only have level 1 qualification. Hopefully will get the promotional filming job this year.
Mar 20 2023 5:29PM
10 0
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christianwearsch
Posts: 214 - Karma: 1,581
Ski patrol is sick but you’ve got to be more interested in the medical side. But to me the feels like one of the more legit “careers” at a ski resort than a lot of other jobs. And you’re actually skiing for your job (obviously not everything is a joyride but you aren’t just standing there like a liftie)
Mar 20 2023 5:51PM
17 0
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37816 - Karma: 125,772
christianwearschSki patrol is sick but you’ve got to be more interested in the medical side. But to me the feels like one of the more legit “careers” at a ski resort than a lot of other jobs. And you’re actually skiing for your job (obviously not everything is a joyride but you aren’t just standing there like a liftie)

Patrolling, at least at an actual mountain with a legitimate operation, also requires tons of training and certification processes in order to do stuff like mitigation, ropes rescues, snow science education, and yes a lot of first responding. A lot of patrollers I know personally do it on the side of their actual medical careers or while they're in medical school because it is a nice little break from being in a hospital for 12-14 hours everyday. It's getting better in terms of pay and benefits though, and even some ski patrols are unionizing (like Park City) and are doing their best to try and turn arguably one of the hardest jobs on earth into an actual career. Pay is still questionable at most places though, and a lot of good paying jobs come with territory/skills/experience, etc. Don't expect to be able to pay your bills solely as a rookie because you will have to get a 2nd job that also cuts into your freetime/ski time.
Mar 20 2023 6:03PM
11 0
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37816 - Karma: 125,772
NS hates on academies/ski teams but Coaching is also up there, and pays pretty well in terms of a resort job. Hours are hard to come-by and you're not hitting 40 hrs/week or more most of the time but its a great way to meet friends and help kids out. I highly suggest it for anyone in college near skiing because it's a great way to get better at skiing too.
Mar 20 2023 6:05PM
11 0
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maaattt
Posts: 2620 - Karma: 31,871
I liked tuning. I worked with friends and we ate a lot of pizza
Mar 20 2023 6:53PM
10 0
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hegleezy
Posts: 187 - Karma: 1,839
explosives coordinator sounds fun
Mar 20 2023 7:39PM
7 0
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Don_Kedic
Posts: 111 - Karma: 1,330
If you can find a resort with an ice rink than drive the zamboni at that ice rink. Easily my favorite job ive ever had and it was super easy. No ride breaks but if you like hockey and skating it makes up for it
Mar 20 2023 8:28PM
3 0
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4879 - Karma: -788
Has to be bartending right?
Mar 20 2023 9:16PM
4 0
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verynormalguy
Posts: 488 - Karma: 8,014
CEO of vail resorts. Get ur money up broke boi
Mar 20 2023 10:34PM
15 0
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Kyguyy
Posts: 593 - Karma: 6,431
Parking is elite
Mar 20 2023 11:04PM
5 0
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Walms.Michael
Posts: 8 - Karma: 86
Don_KedicIf you can find a resort with an ice rink than drive the zamboni at that ice rink. Easily my favorite job ive ever had and it was super easy. No ride breaks but if you like hockey and skating it makes up for it


Ex Zamboni driver. Pay is unreal
Mar 21 2023 3:03AM
5 0
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Stolpskott
Posts: 38 - Karma: 195
Dishwashing is a pretty sweet gig if you can find the right place, get your exercise while working on the evenings and ski during the day
Mar 21 2023 6:23AM
2 0
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,973
Groom on swing shift. Ski all day. Still have pretty normal sleep schedule.
Mar 21 2023 10:05AM
2 0
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12562 - Karma: 117,096
Professional Heist Robber.


Break into vails HQ safe and steal millions of dollars. Its OK and LEGAL to do because NS has collectively agreed that theyre an evil megacorp and we can steal their fries
Mar 21 2023 10:24AM
14 1
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partyandBS
Posts: 5188 - Karma: 80,861
I used to have a job from 3p-11p driving snowcats and delivering food to the restaurants for breck. It was fuckin sick! I would ski all day and get a free pre-shift meal, do a mindless physical job that kept me in shape (kegs aint light lol) then get off and hit the bars on my way home. Full on Scummit County lifestyle lol. I was 23-25 doing that and it was so fun and being a small department, it led me down a great career path.

Now I’m a risk and safety manager for a resort (everything I say on here are my thoughts and not those of where I work). Also sick job. I get to ski around whatever terrain I want. I checkin on everything around the resort and I get to use my creative thinking to build a better safety culture. Pays well, rewarding, fun. Does involve fatalities, injured employees, lots of paperwork.
Mar 21 2023 10:47AM
17 0
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CENTORE
Posts: 28 - Karma: 167
race/competitions crew (@ resorts that have one) is hands down the best job. get to ski as much as patrol without having people die on you/taxi fat jerries around all day
Mar 21 2023 2:21PM
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Jems
Posts: 7593 - Karma: 98,774
selling perc 30s
Mar 21 2023 2:24PM
13 0
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bennwithtwons
Posts: 1553 - Karma: 14,424
CoolChillGuy420NS hates on academies/ski teams but Coaching is also up there, and pays pretty well in terms of a resort job. Hours are hard to come-by and you're not hitting 40 hrs/week or more most of the time but its a great way to meet friends and help kids out. I highly suggest it for anyone in college near skiing because it's a great way to get better at skiing too.


coached for several years in my early 20s and it was the best. the pay was whatever but i got to shred park with a bunch of high school age homies all day (several of which i am still tight with) and travel around for comps. i got to ski in CA, OR and CO as a result. Also, the other coaches became close friends and we it was like a big happy family. the only real bummer about that job is when a kid gets hurt. that really sucks.
Mar 21 2023 3:18PM
1 0
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Don_Kedic
Posts: 111 - Karma: 1,330
verynormalguyCEO of vail resorts. Get ur money up broke boi


Chris Sorenson burner account
Mar 21 2023 4:48PM
0 0
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kalle.
Posts: 770 - Karma: 4,881
i work at the ski shop at my local resort. i negotiated reduced hours so i have plenty of time to ski but still get a good pay compared to my last job
Mar 21 2023 5:19PM
1 0
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37816 - Karma: 125,772
bennwithtwonscoached for several years in my early 20s and it was the best. the pay was whatever but i got to shred park with a bunch of high school age homies all day (several of which i am still tight with) and travel around for comps. i got to ski in CA, OR and CO as a result. Also, the other coaches became close friends and we it was like a big happy family. the only real bummer about that job is when a kid gets hurt. that really sucks.

Same here. Got to ski places I never thought I'd get the chance too like Kicking Horse, Whistler, and Targhee. And yeah I still run into current or former athletes of mine that are always floored to see me. It's cool having kids say that you were their favorite coach. We have our last weekend of coaching on Saturday and I'm gonna cry but it was a really fun ride.
Mar 21 2023 7:59PM
0 0
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Gnar_Shralp406
Posts: 337 - Karma: 2,110
A ski shop job at an on-mountain shop that gives you 2.5 hour ride breaks every day. Free locker, tunes, boot work, discounts, etc. Fkn love it.
Mar 21 2023 11:01PM
1 0
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sevenoften
Posts: 71 - Karma: 146
partyandBSI used to have a job from 3p-11p driving snowcats and delivering food to the restaurants for breck. It was fuckin sick! I would ski all day and get a free pre-shift meal, do a mindless physical job that kept me in shape (kegs aint light lol) then get off and hit the bars on my way home. Full on Scummit County lifestyle lol. I was 23-25 doing that and it was so fun and being a small department, it led me down a great career path.

Now I’m a risk and safety manager for a resort (everything I say on here are my thoughts and not those of where I work). Also sick job. I get to ski around whatever terrain I want. I checkin on everything around the resort and I get to use my creative thinking to build a better safety culture. Pays well, rewarding, fun. Does involve fatalities, injured employees, lots of paperwork.


Does involve fatalities

details details
Mar 22 2023 12:23AM
0 1
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partyandBS
Posts: 5188 - Karma: 80,861
sevenoftenDoes involve fatalities

details details


It’s my least favorite part of my job. I hate to think that someone can die doing the sport I love.


So anytime we have a critical event that a level 1 ambulance, flight for life, or fatality I get involved. First 5-10 minutes I get in there I am Just getting a general sense of what happened and if there are any red flags I need to alert the senior leadership team on. Then i flip into family support mode. Depending on severity changes my general gameplan. If it is a fatality, i briefly introduce myself and try to do anything logistical for them so they can focus on their family and the initial grieving process and not on returning their rentals etc. then I gather witness statements and am asking questions about things that would be a liability for the resort like rental equipment, was there an impact with a tower, etc. Once the police or coroner arrive, I am their main point of contact and I will provide information to them and I will take them to the scene and keep witnesses around as needed.
Mar 22 2023 12:35PM
5 0
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sevenoften
Posts: 71 - Karma: 146
partyandBSIt’s my least favorite part of my job. I hate to think that someone can die doing the sport I love.


So anytime we have a critical event that a level 1 ambulance, flight for life, or fatality I get involved. First 5-10 minutes I get in there I am Just getting a general sense of what happened and if there are any red flags I need to alert the senior leadership team on. Then i flip into family support mode. Depending on severity changes my general gameplan. If it is a fatality, i briefly introduce myself and try to do anything logistical for them so they can focus on their family and the initial grieving process and not on returning their rentals etc. then I gather witness statements and am asking questions about things that would be a liability for the resort like rental equipment, was there an impact with a tower, etc. Once the police or coroner arrive, I am their main point of contact and I will provide information to them and I will take them to the scene and keep witnesses around as needed.

Kudos
Not a position for just anyone


Can't imagine family going from vaca of a lifetime to junior died skiing
Mar 22 2023 2:12PM
3 0
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partyandBS
Posts: 5188 - Karma: 80,861
sevenoftenKudos
Not a position for just anyone


Can't imagine family going from vaca of a lifetime to junior died skiing


What I do is nothing compared to the life saving efforts that patrol does on a regular basis. Thank a patroller!! It doesn’t always work out how they hope and it can be brutal to watch a team put forth tremendous effort to ultimately not be succeed.
Mar 22 2023 4:03PM
4 0
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CENTORE
Posts: 28 - Karma: 167
CENTORErace/competitions crew (@ resorts that have one) is hands down the best job. get to ski as much as patrol without having people die on you/taxi fat jerries around all day


*update* powder day at copper today.. got in and did 45 min on snowmobile before public on hill.. spent the rest of the day free skiing while getting paid/doing 2 quick work tasks on the way back to the locker room
Mar 22 2023 11:20PM
2 0
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Wrist
Posts: 87 - Karma: 405
I do IT on mountain and it's pretty great. I get to ski all over the mountain for work fairly frequently and I can take ski breaks whenever I want as long as there are no critical issues active. My boss also encourages "testing the product" and doesn't mind if I take the long route from point A to point B or an extra lap or 2 when I have to go out for work. The only person that has it better is probably our photographer.
Mar 23 2023 3:04PM
3 0
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burrata
Posts: 109 - Karma: 828
try and work in a shop, good fun and usually good pay with certs
Mar 23 2023 4:46PM
0 0
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jompcock
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 11,708
CoolChillGuy420NS hates on academies/ski teams but Coaching is also up there, and pays pretty well in terms of a resort job. Hours are hard to come-by and you're not hitting 40 hrs/week or more most of the time but its a great way to meet friends and help kids out. I highly suggest it for anyone in college near skiing because it's a great way to get better at skiing too.


It's fucking crazy how high in demand ski coaches are on the east right now. Idk if it's like that elsewhere but if anyone needs a job PM me and I can try to direct you to some places that are hiring. Free pass, half off lodge food, ski shops do free work if you send athletes to them (tip your tech/boot fitter!), rip park bumps trees etc depending on the conditions and what you're coaching.

If there was a downside it would be that you don't ski much on comp days but you'll also clock fat hours and get reimbursed for food/gas. It's also pretty rewarding to see athletes progress.
Mar 23 2023 6:30PM
2 0
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tailbutterrr
Posts: 9 - Karma: 76
I've been ski instructing this year, and it has made me such a better skier and has been really fun and made moving to a new hill a lot easier. I ended up picking up a second job bc as you said it isnt great for the bank. Ive skied 112 days this season already and have a few months left. I'm working towards my park cert and hoping to do a bit of coaching once I get a bit better in the park but Instructing has definitely been such a fun job for me, might not be everyones piece of cake.
Mar 23 2023 7:10PM
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thankagaper
Posts: 911 - Karma: -1,545
Ski industry jobs are almost all Seasonal , so unless you cross career with golf, it's best to find stable work and enjoy skiing for what you love it to be.
Even "pro skiers" , racers, burn out from doing their "job"...
Mar 23 2023 9:05PM
1 0
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cxrzy.ski
Posts: 29 - Karma: 46
Damn that sounds like youre set for life. Cool!
partyandBSI used to have a job from 3p-11p driving snowcats and delivering food to the restaurants for breck. It was fuckin sick! I would ski all day and get a free pre-shift meal, do a mindless physical job that kept me in shape (kegs aint light lol) then get off and hit the bars on my way home. Full on Scummit County lifestyle lol. I was 23-25 doing that and it was so fun and being a small department, it led me down a great career path.

Now I’m a risk and safety manager for a resort (everything I say on here are my thoughts and not those of where I work). Also sick job. I get to ski around whatever terrain I want. I checkin on everything around the resort and I get to use my creative thinking to build a better safety culture. Pays well, rewarding, fun. Does involve fatalities, injured employees, lots of paperwork.
Mar 24 2023 5:48AM
0 0
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