Ski resorts are hiring now. Follow these tips from a person who does the hiring and land a dream job for a season… or a lifetime.
Along with a multitude of ski resorts around North America, this month Colorado’s Copper Mountain lists job openings for the upcoming ski season. Winter is right around the corner, and resorts are ramping up for the ski season now.
To see what it takes to land a plum resort job, we interviewed Regina Case, the recruitment supervisor at Copper Mountain. She gives a direct roadmap below.
How To Get A Job At A Ski Resort
What’s the most underrated job at Copper Mountain?
Regina Case: I can honestly say ALL POSITIONS are underrated at our ski resort! But one thing of note: We have a program at the resort where “back of the house” employees (marketing, accounting, HR, etc.) assist with operations on busy days. So I’ve had the unique opportunity to work various positions [on the slopes] for an allotted time.
What’s your No. 1 tip for the interview process?
It’s corny, but be yourself. This is an interview on both sides. As the applicant, you are interviewing the company’s culture, values, ethics, and vision to see if they match. The hiring manager interviews you as they build a team who will then create memories for our guests that will last a lifetime. This all starts with the interview and showcasing yourself.
How do you get your resume on top of the pile and land an interview?
Be complete and accurate with your resume. It sounds silly, but the time I spend following up with applicants on basic info such as start dates, end dates, position title, where you worked, duties, responsibilities… it can be exhausting. The more back and forth we have to do to get a complete and accurate resume, the less likely recruitment will pass you on to the hiring manager.
What job has the fewest applicants per opening?
This is based on a couple of different factors, including how many employees are returning to their job from the previous season, the number of openings a department has to begin with, and the level of the position. For example, a cook versus a chef.
What are the hardest jobs at the resort?
Our competitions and race team works very early mornings in cold conditions to deliver a great product [slope conditions] to the U.S. Ski Team. Our Food & Beverage team makes an impression on a guest who only comes in to a coffee shop for a short amount of time to warm up before getting back out there on the slopes. Our Employee Housing team will have 40+ move-ins on a single day and is still expected to do their admin work, work on housing issues, and put on events for our employees to enjoy. So, there are a lot of challenges.
What’s the biggest pitfall for job applicants to ski resorts?
Applicants need to keep in mind they should save up their money before they work for a ski resort. The number of hours available to an employee are based upon the snow conditions mother nature provides, number of guest visits, and other factors out of your control.
At the beginning and end of a season, the resort is not fully operational. Some lifts and restaurants are closed, so the amount of hours available to employees are limited. Start saving your money, look at the possibility of obtaining a second job, and keep in mind that PB&J sandwiches might be revisiting your lunchbox.
Do you have any other advice for job seekers?
If you have the opportunity, then come work for a ski resort for a season! You meet amazing people, create memories that will last a lifetime, and your social media status will blow up from all the “Likes” you receive on a powder day.
Looking for a job like this? Our new site highlights some of the toughest, most extreme (and best) jobs on Earth.
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