For many snowboarding enthusiasts it doesn't get any better then spending the days carving turns in deep powder or jibbing around the park or launching off a backcountry booter. For most, it may only be an annual trip or a few weekends out of the season. For others, the pursuit of deep powder and endless turns becomes a way of life.
The chance to be on a permanent or semi-permanent snowboarding holiday is a strong calling. Today, the snowboarding resort industry can be a great way to spend a winter or an alternative to the normal daily grind. Below is a overview of the basic steps to take for those individuals interested in escaping to the mountains.
Jobs
The overwhelming majority of us who aren't professionals and sponsored will have to find a way to pay the bills. Most resorts will begin general hiring about 1 month prior to the start of the season. Some of the the larger resorts often sponsor recruitment booths at industry trade shows months before opening. In addition to face to face recruitment, all resorts will have an employment link on their websites which will provide the necessary information regarding job postings, qualifications, benefits and application process and forms. With a wide variety of positions available, potential candidates should be able to find something of interest or at least match a particular skill set. For example, those looking to spend time on the mountain may find the position as lift operator or "lifie" of particular interest. The plus side is you will have the opportunity to ride each day you work. The down side is most shifts begin before the lifts open and the rest of the resort is sleeping. For those looking to save a few extra bucks or have a culinary knack, kitchen work is a great way to hone your cooking skills and get feed. The upside is all food service jobs will allow a shift meal for each employee during working shifts which helps with the food bills. The negative is you'll be working while everyone else is enjoying the mountain. These are only two of the hundreds of opportunities available to seasonal job seekers.
If none of the resort jobs seem interesting or they are fully staffed there will be a number of jobs in town with the local businesses. All hotels, spas, restaurants, shops and bars will need additional staffing during their peak season. As with the resorts, all larger businesses such as hotels will have a website with job postings but most will simply post a classified in the local paper or put a sign in the window. Upon arrival in town, it's a good idea to walk through town with a stack of resumes and inquire about open positions while going door to door.
Lift Tickets
In order to have unlimited access to the mountain you'll need a season pass. There are variety of options for getting a pass into your hands and two of them will involve your employer. Most resorts offer a full season pass to each employee as part of their benefits. The local businesses may have an agreement with the resort and receive season passes at a discounted rate thus offering the discounted pass onto its employees through a payroll deduction plan. Other options would involve direct purchase or volunteering for the resort. These later two options would be for individuals who are not working for the resort or a local business who does not offer a pass program to it's employees.
Lodging
It's always best to look for lodging before you arrive. If short term accommodations are a possibility it will allow time to find a rental for the season. As with the employment market the housing market will have a wide variety of seasonal rentals. The local paper's online classifieds are a great place to start the search. Once you arrive in town and begin the employment hunt you'll notice apartment and room postings all over town as well. The local library, cafes, bars, restaurants and resort employment office will all have postings. Search online to get a sense of the rent and deposit amounts and have a similar amount ready for your arrival. During the winter season, renters are fickle and the first potential tenant that can come up with the money will most likely land the apartment or room. Unless you're a couple or small group, it's very probable you'll have to share with strangers.
A snowboarding holiday can be the testing ground for a new life in a mountain town. Whether you're considering one or two seasons or a permanent lifestyle change, research before you head off to get a good sense of the employment and lodging markets. Whatever you decide, the choice can be very fulfilling and a needed change from the normal 9-5.
