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Most people work full-time during the week and hit the slopes on the weekends or on weeknights. They might ski two times a week at most, but, according to statistics from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), most do not go more than 20 to 30 times a season. The combination of balancing life, work, and leisure activities gets too short. Life is hectic, and there never seems to be enough time in the day or week to get things done. Consequently, both time and financial resources for personal enjoyment are increasingly out of reach. Finding a job that allows a person to be on the mountain hitting fresh powder as much as possible is something most true die-hard skiers and snowboarders dream of. There are some people who want to do this and ask themselves how others can ski 100 or 150 days a season and be a true ski bum.
Believe it or not, there are jobs that will allow a person to pursue their dream of skiing all season long and become an official ski bum. Finding the right job for that specific individual is the real challenge. Some key factors are pay rate, flexibility, lifestyle, family, and how much time they will actually have to be on the slopes. Money is important. Everyone has bills to pay, and being able to ski every day while being flat-broke is something most would not choose to do. On the flip side, finding a job that pays well but does not give a person the ability to be on the slopes much is not a true ski bum job either. Having a family and children is a big factor when deciding if a ski bum job is right for someone. Being a ski bum is difficult enough without adding in a spouse and children, so finding a job that will provide for the family while still being able to ski daily is key. In the end, choosing to become a ski bum requires making big decisions and sacrifices. There are jobs out there for a person wanting to live the ski bum life, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that person will be poor.
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There are plenty of jobs on the mountain working for a ski resort that allow someone to fulfill their dream of becoming a ski bum. The ski industry is constantly looking for seasonal and full-time employees. Finding a job that provides housing and a season pass is a huge way to reduce costs. Jobs at ski resorts usually come with perks like a season pass, discounts on gear and food, and sometimes even housing. There are several jobs at a ski resort in hospitality, food and beverage, communications, marketing, and administrative positions. On the slopes, jobs are easily available as well. Ski resorts have hiring events every season, looking for snowmakers, ski instructors, ski patrol members, lift operators, and other key personnel. The key benefits of working at a ski resort are a free season pass, being close to the slopes if given employee housing, discounts at the resorts, and in some cases, healthcare benefits.
Finding the best ski bum jobs does not mean that someone must work at a ski resort. There are other options off the mountain as well. Local businesses need workers as well. Most jobs surrounding ski resorts are typically geared towards food and beverage and tourism. That means these businesses are looking for chefs, bartenders, restaurant managers, guides, event planners, and hotel managers. Working off the mountain can also have its advantages. Living and working on the mountain day in and day out can burn people out. There are people who want variety and change, and working and being around the same people every single day can be draining. So, getting off the mountain and working outside of the ski area could also be an option for those people.
Whether it’s bartending or a ski instructing job, the real trick is balancing the paycheck while still being able to get those beloved powder days. Here are the 5 top ski bum jobs for someone looking to live the dream.
Seasonal (Summer) Job
Finding a summer job that will support someone through the whole winter can be difficult. It requires being very financially responsible and usually long hours during the summer. The benefits are having the whole winter to hit the slopes anytime someone wants. Typical summer employment options span industries such as landscaping, construction, forestry (e.g., tree planting), and golf course maintenance. These jobs often require a person to be physically fit, have stamina, and work long hours. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Summer Landscaper is $42,539 per year, with an average salary of $36,075 per year. As of April 2, 2025, the average hourly pay for a summer construction worker in the United States was $25.16. While these jobs offer plenty of time to hit the slopes, surviving on a seasonal job can be financially difficult and may require a part-time job during the winter to make ends meet.
Groomer/Snowcat Operators
Being a snowcat driver is one of the mountain’s best outdoor jobs. Snowcats are heated, so there’s no need to worry about being cold. Operators work mostly at night, allowing them to hit the slopes all day with the proper rest. Some resorts also offer employee benefits, such as a 401 (k) retirement plan, employee assistance programs, and housing. The average pay range is between $21.00 and $23 an hour. Although this job requires late hours, the pros are powder mornings, low stress, and the best personal freeski time. Groomer or snowcat operators usually switch to other jobs on the mountain during the summer. This gives them a consistent job and the freedom to not worry about searching for a job during the offseason.
Remote Work
Landing a remote job can seem like a dream come true for someone looking for a ski bum job. The key is having fast, reliable Wi-Fi; your workday can quickly fall apart without it. A person with this type of job could chase powder from Japan to Jackson Hole without missing a beat. While some remote jobs do require a set schedule, most do not. This allows great flexibility in choosing when to work and when to get some turns in. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a Remote job in the U.S. is $30.44 an hour. The pay scale for remote work varies significantly, with hourly compensation ranging from $16.35 to $58.65, depending on the role and skill level. This type of job requires a self-driven person who can work any time during the day. It’s not unlikely that a person in this occupation will have to jump on a work call while riding a lift or hit the lodge to get behind a laptop. This ski bum job is best suited for someone looking for a very flexible work schedule that has the potential to make good money and be on the mountain every day.
Bartender
Landing a bartending job at a ski resort is one of the most sought-after positions. Bartenders can easily make hundreds of dollars a night if the après ski atmosphere is jumping. Of course, it does require long nights, dealing with drunks, and working weekends. Most bartenders know everyone who works at the ski resort and all the locals by their first names. It can be a fun ski bum job for anyone who has the right skills, knowledge, and personality. It also allows a person to go skiing or snowboarding during the day. If the primary goal is to find a ski bum job that makes a lot of money, then this is the position to get. According to ZipRecruiter, ski area bartenders get paid from $9 to $21 an hour plus tips, often making good money throughout the season from said tips.
Ski Instructor
Ski instructors are unique. It’s not just about a ski instructor’s ability to ski or snowboard but also their ability to teach it to others. It’s not a job that anyone can just pick up and say to themselves that this will support them. There are qualifications and certifications required to become a ski instructor. That comes with not getting paid as much at the beginning of their career. According to ZipRecruiter, their base pay ranges from $18.17 to $25.72. The average hourly pay for a ski instructor job in the U.S. is $12.02. That doesn’t seem like a lot. However, depending on the ski resort, tips can add up. Some of those tips can be hundreds of dollars. Long-term clients who do private lessons will pay top dollar for the right instructor. Tips or bonuses can range from $100 to $200 for a session at higher-end resorts. Getting to that point may take time, though. Ski instructors go through their certifications just like anyone else on their mountain. Getting the “best” ski instructor costs money. It takes time and experience for someone to reach this level. But at top-notch resorts, getting a big tip for teaching someone to ski or snowboard is the norm. This is a job that may not produce the revenue needed to become a ski bum at first. It will take time, and the perks improve significantly when ski instructors get asked to do private coaching or receive long-term clients.
Plenty of jobs at ski resorts and towns will enable someone to live the ski bum life. Working at some resorts will help with costs if they offer housing and a season pass. It is important to know how much time the job will enable a person to ski during the season. Money is important, and there are good-paying jobs around ski resorts, depending on a person’s abilities and background. Just remember: in the world of ski bumming, the right job isn’t just about making a living, it’s about making the most of every powder day.
