Brains
It takes an astounding amount of people to run a ski resort. People come from all walks of life to fill in the hundreds of positions it takes to operate a ski resort, year after year. From ski patrol, lift operations, food and beverage, to everything in between, each job has its advantages and disadvantages. However, some specific jobs stand out for their difficulty, whether that stems from the extreme weather conditions, harsh working hours, or difficult guest relations. These are arguably 5 of the most demanding jobs in the ski industry taken by winter’s hardest workers season after season.
#5 Line Cook
Being a line cook is a challenging, high pressure position anywhere. However, when you combine the altitude many ski resort restaurants sit at with the adrenaline of hundreds of skiers and snowboarders all arriving hungry at the same time after the mountain closes, the job takes on a whole new meaning. The job requires many hours on your feet, usually over a hot stove, open flame, or with a sharp object in your hand. The ways one can get hurt are almost unmatched by many other positions. However, the free food many cooks get to enjoy as a fringe benefit never hurts.
#4 Lift Operator
Lift operators, or “liftys” as they are affectionately known, are a vital part of what makes a ski resort operate. The day can tend to go by slowly however, as much of the time is spent standing in one spot for hours at a time. Most of the liftys shift is spent outside of the lift shack, slowing down chairs for skiers, shoveling and raking the entrance ramp, and watching for falls from guests. Temperatures are often sub-zero during these long shifts. The nearest restroom can also be several lifts away. On the bright side, liftys are often the most likely to get to take “ride breaks.” A ride break is an opportunity to ski or snowboard during slow times throughout the shift, a huge perk for many in the industry.
#3 Ski Patrol
Ski patrol is the first to arrive on scene when bad things happen on the mountain. From falls and accidents, to unruly patrons, they see it all. Many shifts are also long and cold, spent out in inclement conditions when incidents are most likely to happen. Physical strength is also a must. If a guest takes a fall in a hard to access area, ski patrol is responsible for getting them out. Patrollers are also subject to being witness to and dealing with many injured guests, which can take a strong mental toll. While the life of a ski patroller can be challenging, the rewards are plentiful. Patrollers are often praised and respected on the mountain for their services, and rightfully so.
#2 Ski Area Manager
Ski area managers oversee everything on the mountain, and with that responsibility comes a fair amount of stress. Managers are responsible for staffing hundreds of seasonal positions, maintaining inventory and ordering, planning events, scheduling, ensuring safety protocols, scheduling routine maintenance, on top of dealing with both guest and employee problems. The day of a ski area manager is never the same. Managers also hold a certain level or responsibility over the property, and are tasked with making sure the resort is consistently turning a profit even when conditions are less then ideal. Whenever there is an issue on the mountain, large or small, the manager will be tasked to handle it. A major upside is many managers are employed by the resort year round, unlike the majority of the seasonal staff.
#1 Snowmaker
Of all the countless jobs at a ski resort, having snowmakers come in at number one on this list may come as a surprise to some, especially those not familiar with the industry. Snowmakers, however, have a largely thankless and sometimes grueling job. The position is essential for resort operations both early and late in the season, as well as pretty much all of the season for many low altitude resorts. Snowmakers work when the rest of the staff and guests have gone home. Shifts often start around 11 P.M. and end around 7 A.M., when conditions are the absolute coldest. The night consists of trudging through freshly made heavy snow, hooking up and unhooking wet hoses, dragging gear in near pitch black conditions, and operating on a tight, high pressure schedule to ensure conditions are ready for first chair. Many snowmakers report often working in soaking wet clothes due to the nature of how the snow guns operate, which can quite literally suck the energy out of you, especially at altitude, and can sometimes result in illness like cold or flu. When the shift ends however, snowmakers are in prime position to already be on mountain ready to catch first chair and get to enjoy the new snow they labored away at creating throughout the night, freshly groomed by snowcat drivers.
While all jobs at a ski resort are important and come with their own unique aspects and challenges, some really stand out for what the worker must overcome to create the experience for guests both near and afar. While some positions may get more recognition than others, its important to remember that all the various positions coming together are what make a ski resort and the community that surrounds it what it is. Regardless of the job, the ability to live the mountain life and enjoy all the perks of working in the industry make it worth it for thousands of employees at ski resorts on nearly every continent.
