Ski Resort Workers
Overview
Introduction
Ski resorts offer many different types of employment opportunities. Qualified ski resort workers are needed to supervise the activities on ski slopes, run operations at the lodge, provide instruction to skiers, and ensure the safety of resort patrons. There are numerous ski resorts located throughout the United States and the world. Jobs are plentiful, though the majority of them are seasonal, lasting from November to April. The National Ski Areas Association represents 300 alpine resorts, which account for more than 90 percent of s...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries for ski resort workers vary depending on the resort, the region where it is located, and the type of position the worker holds. Large, well-established resorts, especially those located in the mountain states and Northeast, tend to pay higher hourly rates. One should bear in mind that most ski resorts operate only seasonally, so many jobs are not available the entire year. Earnings for...
Work Environment
Ski slopes open at 8:00 A.M. and close at dusk; many resorts light some courses, to allow for night skiing. Ski lift operators, ski patrol, ski instructors, and other employees assigned to outdoor work prepare for the often blustery weather by wearing layers of clothes, waterproof coats, ski pants, boots, hats, and gloves. Some resorts supply their employees with uniform coats an...
Outlook
Emphasis on physical health, interest in sport-related vacations, and growing household incomes point to a bright future for ski resorts and their employees. And weather may not always hamper this industry. Many resorts, using snowmaking devices to create a snow-covered run, can extend the season well into April.
Note, however, that the majority of jobs in this industry are seasonal. Man...