During the winter season, ski resorts positions become available at some of the top lodges in the world, including locations in Utah, Colorado, and more. These jobs can, of course, be great for your bank account if you’re currently out of work, but there are other perks to working at a ski resort as well, including:

1. Many resorts offer free lodging to employees, so you get to stay in luxury accommodations for free – or at the very least, you won’t have to pay rent for the winter.
2. Resort employees often bond over their winter of working together, so this is a great way to make friends.
3. You’ll typically get free access to the slopes and other facilities, so you can spend your free time skiing, snowboarding, and taking advantage of other great resort facilities. Sometimes, you even get extra passes for friends and family.
4. Working at a ski resort for the winter can help boost your resume so that you quality for other hospitality jobs in the future. These temporary positions could lead to full-time work.
5. Although not all ski resort jobs are outside, positions on the slopes are definitely available, which gives you the chance to get out of the office environment and enjoy the natural world! These positions are also super active jobs, which is great if you like to stay fit.
6. When you work at a top ski resort, you’ll have the opportunity to meet guests that stay there – including some of the top business men and women in the world. Making these connections is fantastic for job hunting in the future, so do a great job to serve these guests well!
7. Most ski resorts have ski shops, and as an employee, you’ll likely be entitled to a deep discount on gear. You don’t have to spend your entire paycheck to get those new boots you want or that beautiful snowboard you’ve been wanting for ages.

Ready to find a ski resort job in your area? Check out the openings at the JobMonkey Job Center today!

Even though we might still be a few months away from snow, the top ski resorts are beginning to hire now. There are thousands of ski resorts hiring workers in the United States, but by working at one of the more popular and high-end resorts, you can make more money, since top ski resorts usually pay a better base salary and there’s the opportunity to make more in tips.

What can you do at a ski resort? Consider working in a ski shop, finding a ski instructor job, or getting a ski patrol position. You can find more information about the types of ski resort jobs available at JobMonkey’s Guide to Ski Jobs.

Need even more reasons why a ski resort job might be right for you? Consider the following:

• Many ski resort jobs allow you to work outside, instead of being stuck indoors all day.
• Ski resort jobs offer a flexible schedule in many cases.
• Working seasonally means your summers are free to travel and enjoy the warm weather.
• Ski resort employees usually get free ski passes and discounts on ski equipment.
• Ski resorts are populated by tourists, which means you get to meet new people every week.
• There’s a sense of camaraderie among resort employees, much like you’d find at a summer camp.
• A seasonal ski resort job can lead to a full time position.

So where are some of the top ski resorts? Here are some of the best in North America:

• Snowboard-Alta, Utah

Ranked as best for powder by Telegraph, Snowboard and Alta are two linked ski resorts less than a mile from one another that average over 40 feet of snow a year, meaning that there will by fresh powder for skiers every day. Alta and Snowboard seasonal jobs start in November and last until May. If you want an outdoor job, Alta is the place for you, and if you want a resort job, Snowboard is where you should start your search.

• Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a top ski resorts for experts on the slopes. Working at Jackson Hole ski resort is great if you also are very comfortable as a skier, though there are also other seasonal job options available in this area, including working at Granite Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or National Elk Refuge. As an added bonus, if you want to stay in the area after the winter ends, you can work as river guide along the Snake River or find other summer employment working with hikers, campers, and tourists.

• Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

AskMen.com ranks Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia as the world’s top ski resort, and it’s easy to see why, since this quaint village offers not only great slopes, but also shopping, restaurants, and lots of other things to do. Working at Whistler Blackcomb gives you tons of options, from everything to working in retail to finding a ski resort operations job.

Of course, there are tons of other ski resorts and areas you can also consider if you want to find a seasonal job this winter. If you know where you want to work, head to JobMonkey’s Ski Resort Employer Directory to search by region or state. Open for an adventure, no matter where the path leads? Head to the JobMonkey Job Center to check out all the open ski/winter jobs available!

With most of the United States dealing with a heat wave, it might sound silly to start thinking about jobs at ski resorts and other winter locations. Yet, summer begins to fade into fall, employers are beginning to post temporary jobs for the winter. Applying early can increase your changes of finding a seasonal job when the weather turns cold.

Types of Seasonal Winter Jobs

Working at a ski resort isn’t your only option if you want to find a job for the winter months. Other companies also hire temporary workers just for the cooler months. Check out any area where tourists flock during winter mouths – hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in these locations are often hiring for the summer.

You can also check out working on a cruise ship. Maybe people take advantage of the mild Caribbean winters to book cruises when the weather back home is cold and snowy, so ships set sale all winter long from ports like Miami. On a cruise ship, you can work in positions like bartender, activities director, lifeguard, entertainer/dancer, massage therapist, fitness instructors, housekeeping staff, chefs, maintenance crew, and more.

There are also jobs in Alaska available during the winter months. While this might at first seem like the last place you’d be able to find a job during the winter months, some fishing seasons are open only during the winter, so seasonal jobs are available if you can stand the snow and ice!

Why Start Now?

So why should you start hunting for seasonal jobs in the winter when the leaves haven’t even started to change colors yet? Consider the following:

• Temporary jobs are more rare during the summer months. The sooner you apply, the more likely you’ll be able to find a position.
• Applying early shows initiative. The top candidates in any seasonal job are sometimes offered full time positions, so you want to start on the right foot by showing that you’re motivated.
• Some employers have a really long application process, so if you don’t apply now, you might miss out.
• Even though they don’t post their jobs right away, some employers may already know they have openings to fill – and if people contact them about these slots, they may never post them online.
• Looking at opportunities now really allows you to spend time on your resume and cover letter to ensure that they’re as perfect as possible before you submit.

I can’t believe I’m really writing this post, since it’s pushing 100 degrees outside right now. But despite the record highs, August and September are prime time for finding a cool job on the ski slopes this winter.

Whether you want to be a ski instructor, patrol the slopes or staff the shops, getting a job at a ski resort is highly competitive. One of the best ways to land a job is by attending a ski resort job fair.

Ski job fairs are a great place for you to learn about the various companies and resorts by talking one-on-one with the year-round staff. You can even schedule your job interview and many resorts make hiring decisions on the spot!

Keep the following tips in mind I you want to be successful at your ski job fair:

• Most fairs are held on-site several months before the start of the season (aka September and October).
• Fairs are usually two or three days long, starting on Saturday and running through Monday — or as late as the following Wednesday.
• The informational part happens over the weekend and interviews are usually scheduled for Monday through Wednesday. Typically, the fair starts on Saturday, at 8 a.m., with an introduction to the resort, a review of company policies. This part may spill into Sunday, but the week days are used for interviewing.
• To find out about fairs in your ski resorts of choice, call and ask. Dates change every year, so don’t rely on last year’s information.
• Most employers require standard drug testing these days.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular resorts and their usual fair times

September

• Jackson Hole
• Breckenridge (varies, so call ahead for dates)

October

• Big Bear Mountain Resorts
• Crystal Mountain
• Heavenly Mountain Resort
• Homewood
• Northstar-at-Tahoe
• Sierra-at-Tahoe
• Sierra Summit
• Squaw Valley Ski Corp.
• Timberline Ski Area

November

• Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
• Alpine Valley Resort
• Chestnut Mountain Resort

Check out our section on Ski Jobs for more details on ski fairs and other employment options.

Welcome to Hot Jobs Wednesday! As you surely known by now, Wednesday is the day that I spotlight the hottest job leads from our free Job Center — the web’s #1 free resource for job seekers in search of an adventure — and a paycheck.

Are you in the market for a ski resort job? You’re in luck! This week, the focus is on ski resort jobs, of which there are still plenty to be had. But don’t let your applications wait a moment longer, as the season is starting and these few last jobs will surely be filled quick! (Visit the JobMonkey to learn more about ski resort jobs.)

1. Ski and Snowboard Instructors, Brundage Mountain Resort , McCall, ID

Idaho’s Brundage Mountain Resort is seeking full-time and part-time ski and snowboard instructors. As the job ad says, “Live the dream! On-snow work with on-snow benefits.” Past experience is necessary, but being a friendly, outgoing team player is. At a minimum, applicants must be able to ski or ride gentle blue terrain. Salary is commensurate with experience; benefits include season pass and discounts on gear.

2. Ski Patrol Director, Tahoe Donner Association , Truckee, CA

The Tahoe Donner Association is seeking a full-time ski patrol director. This seasonal job runs from the 1st of December through the 15th of April. No word in the ad on minimum job requirements, although I’m guessing past experience and emergency certification are likely. Click the link above for information on how to apply.

3. Lift Operator, Eaglecrest Ski Area , Juneau, AK

Alaska’s Eaglecrest Ski Resort is seeking a lift hour, paying $9 – $10/hour. Past experience is not necessary, although desirable. The resort does provide a training level class, in which participants learn to perform line, tower and/or terminal maintenance while maintaining a safe and fun work environment. On-the-job duties will include opening and shutting the lifts daily, maintaining the ramp by shoveling, loading guests and gear onto the lift and instructing guests in safe use of the lift.

If you didn’t find the job of your dreams on our hot jobs list today, be sure to check out the JobMonkey Job Center for hundreds of other listings in every imaginable field.

Good luck with your job search this week!

Brrrr, it was cold outside this morning! Those falling temperatures mean fall is upon us… which means, ski season is about to start. If you are in the market for a seasonal job at the slopes this winter, it’s time to get serious about your applications and interviews.

There are thousands of positions in Colorado and the western states, ranging from instructors and ski patrol to lift operators and maintenance crews. Most resorts are also looking to beef up their year-round hospitality staff.

Channel 9 News in Denver is reporting that winter employment in Breckenridge will swell to 2,000 employees from just 300 over the summer.

Due to the record high unemployment levels in America, most resorts will not follow their typical pattern of hiring international workers on part-time visas, reports Channel 9. Instead, they expect to fill these positions domestically.

The positions are filling up quickly, with more demand than supply this year. If you want to set yourself apart from the crowd, be sure to visit JobMonkey’s section on Ski Resort Jobs. Learn how to apply for ski jobs and make the most of ski resort job fairs.

Happy Hot Jobs Day! You probably know by now that Wednesdays at the JobMonkey are dedicated to bringing you hot job leads. This week, we are all about the ski jobs. Fall hasn’t even officially begun yet, but ski resorts around the country are gearing up for ski season and putting out the call for seasonal ski employees. You can learn more from JobMonkey’s section on Ski & Snowboarding Jobs.

1. Mountain Safety Attendant Job, Breckenridge Resort, Breckenridge, CO

Salary: $8.78/hr

Employment Dates: NOV 25, 2009 – APR 18, 2010

Breckenridge Resorts is seeking a Mountain Safety Attendant to enforce and promote Vail Resorts Safety initiatives. The attendant will be responsible for educating skiers/riders on safety awareness procedures. The ideal candidate will have advanced skiing or riding experience, previous guest service experience, English fluency, and the ability to work outside in adverse conditions.

2. Day Care Positions, Heavenly Mountain Resort , South Lake Tahoe, CA

Heavenly Mountain Resort is currently recruiting Day Care positions for the resort’s winter 2009/2010 staff, including:

• Day Care Aide/Coach

• Day Care Assistant Manager

• Day Care Cleaning Attendant – Prep Cook

• Day Care Coordinator

• Day Care Lead Teacher

• Day Care Receptionist/Cashier

• Day Care Teacher – Group Leader

Learn more about job requirements from the Heavenly Mountain Resort employment website. The resort advertises “great pay and good employee benefits.”

3. Ski & Ride School Support Staff, Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO

Salary: $8.75/hour

Position Dates: NOV 1, 2009 – APR 11, 2010

Keystone Resort is seeking support staff to prepare and maintain rental equipment for youth skiers/snowboarders according to manufacturer’s specifications. The staff members will be responsible for coordinating indoor and outdoor activities for students, assisting with the Children’s Ski School facility, handling early drop offs, rentals, lunch preparation and cleanup, and keeping accurate records and accounting of youth guests. The ideal candidate will have at least a high school diploma, excellent guest service skills, and intermediate+ skiing/snowboarding skills. Past professional experience with children is a plus.

Good luck with your job search this week!

On Thursdays, I answer our readers questions about their job search. I love hearing what is on your mind, so don’t be shy — send me an email or leave your question in the comments section.

Dear JobMonkey,

Sincerely yours,
H from Austria

Dear H,

Thank you for your letter. Your timing is perfect. While we are still in the middle of the summer here in the United States, ski resorts are already starting to hire staff for the upcoming ski season.

You mentioned being an experienced skier, which is a plus. Let me run down some of the most popular types of jobs that you can find in a ski resort community.

Support & Operations jobs include ticket sales, housekeeping, life operation and restaurant staff. Jobs pay typically low salaries, but the benefits are plentiful — including a season pass to ski on-site and free housing.

Ski Shops offer a variety of retail positions selling all sorts of ski and snowboarding gear. Pay is minimum wage, but without the benefits of a resort job. I, therefore, don’t recommend a ski shop job as your full-time line of work; if you need to supplement your income, however, this could be a great part-time gig.

Ski Instructor jobs are the most prestigious and typically the best paid of the resort jobs. Resorts prefer to hire high school graduates with skiing expertise, and fluent English. While not required, most resorts also prefer instructors with certification.

Ski Patrol positions are great if you love to ski, but don’t want to teach others. Patrollers are the first line of help in the event of an emergency on the slopes — which can include anything from an injury or medical situation to a skier getting lost or snowed in. Most resorts require that their patrollers have first aid certification, while some will allow you to get certified during your training.

For more information on these, and other ski jobs, be sure to check out the JobMonkey’s Guide to Ski Resort Jobs.

Also keep in mind that as a non-American, you will need a work permit to be legally employed at a ski resort (or anywhere in the U.S. for that matter). Here are a few more resources that might help you figure out the paperwork:

>> Information on foreign worker visas from JobMonkey

>> An article from CNN Money about foreign worker visa applications

>> Explanation on how to petition for the HB-1 Visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website

Finally, be sure to check with your future employer about obtaining a visa, as the resort may be able to facilitate or at least expedite the process for you.

Good luck with your ski job search. I hope you find just the right job!

Happy Wednesday! This week has flown by so far, although I did find it a bit hard to get back to work on Monday after that nice, long holiday weekend. Hope you enjoyed yourself on Independence Day!

As you probably know by now, Wednesday at the JobMonkey is Hot Jobs day.

That’s when I spotlight three of the hottest new job leads posted at the JobMonkey Job Center. If you are looking for a new job, the Job Center is a great first stop. We have hundreds of job openings around the country and the world, in every imaginable field. Pus, the service is completely free to job seekers, so check the Job Center early — and often!

This week, in honor of the heat wave we are having this week, I am spotlighting ski jobs. I figured it might help to “think cool”. I also got the idea to focus on jobs at ski resorts from our Reader Mailbag last Thursday. An Austrian reader wrote in to ask about finding employment at a ski lodge as a foreign worker. There is a ton of great information in that post that pertains both to potential foreign workers and to would-be ski resort employees, so be sure to check it out. And, if you want to learn more about working at a ski lodge, be sure to visit JobMonkey’s extensive section on Ski Resort Jobs.

1. Adult Snowboard Instructor, The Canyons Ski Area, Park City, UT
The Canyons Ski Area is seeking a full and part-time instructor for adult snowboarders. Both full and part-time employees must be willing to work on Sundays. Instructors will provide fun and informative instruction to guests of all ages, in both group and private lesson environments. The instructor must be able to explain programs, services, policies, schedules and rates to customers, while maintaining positive public relations at all times. Candidates must be physically able to work in inclement weather and have at least one year of snowboard instructing experience, or advanced riding ability combined with the willingness and demonstrated aptitude to learn snowboarding instructing. Also required are AASI Level I Certification with ACE Level I Certification, or equivalent international certification.

2. Children’s Instructor, Beaver Creek Resort, Beaver Creek, CO
The Beaver Creek Resort is looking for ski and snowboard instructors to provide safe and fun instruction for groups and individual children and their families. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or the equivilant. PSIA/AASI certification is preferred, but not required. Applicants must also have experience working with pre-school aged children and advanced skiing or riding ability, including the ability to ski parallel turns with speed control on groomed black terrain. International applicants are welcome to apply, but all must have the ability to communicate well in English.

3. Various Mountain Operations Jobs, Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Heavenly Mountain Resort is currently recruiting its Mountain Operations positions for winter 2009/2010 staff. Positions include:

• Life operators for the chair lift and surface lift. These positions require attentive teamwork to load and unload passengers safely and prevent damage to the equipment. Applicants must be able and willing to work outdoors in inclement weather and extremely cold temperatures. Mechanical experience is preferred.

• Aerial Tram operators to operate and attend the tram cars, and to answer guest questions about the Lake Tahoe area. Lift attendant experience or mechanical background is helpful. Applicants must have good people skills and be committed to machinery safety.

Good luck with your job applications!

Did you know that the JobMonkey has a cool job board?  The center features job listings from every imaginable field, all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. 

You can run your own search by topic or location any time, day or night.  But on Wednesdays, I make your search even easier by bringing you the three hottest jobs on our recent listings.

This Wednesday, I am changing things up just a bit because I wanted to point out a special feature on the JobMonkey that you may not have known about. On the JobMonkey home page, we have links to featured employees. These companies and organizations offer special opportunities posted exclusively on the JobMonkey for our readers. If you have not clicked those links yet, take a look today. When you do, you will notice three premier ski resorts — two of which are still hiring workers for the 2008-2009 season, even this late in the game.

>> Deer Valley in Park City, Utah hires seasonal workers for winter employment and also has year-round staffers. If you are living outside of the United States but would like to work at Deer Valley, they begin accepting applications in March for the following ski season.

>> Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado (an hour outside of Denver) is currently hiring experienced instructors with upper level certification for full-time Ski and Snowboard Instructors jobs.

Like Deer Valley, Winter Park also hires foreign nationals for peak season. If you are interested in an international position for the ’09-’10 season, contact the park in April 2009.

>> Breckenridge Ski & Ride in Breckenridge, Colorado is currently filled, but will begin hiring international instructors for the 2009-2010 season starting in March, 2009.  American seasonal workers are encouraged to apply beginning in the summer.

To learn more about ski jobs, training, benefits and other perks, check out JobMonkey’s section on Ski Resort Jobs.