Ski Resort Workers

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 and accessories.

There are also indoor positions available for ski resort workers. Employees who enjoy a warm and comfortable workplace and still have great customer contact include lodge workers, gift shop employees, and ski technicians. Most ski resort employees work about 40 hours a week; ski instructors' schedules will vary depending on their class load. Since ski resorts are open seven days a week, employees with low seniority are expected to work weekends and holidays—the busiest times for most resorts.