How to Work a Ski Season in The US – The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to the US, skiing isn’t confined to one corner of the country. It stretches from the powder-heavy Rockies to the towering Sierra Nevada and all the way to the rugged ranges of New England. Each winter, towns from Colorado to California transform into seasonal hubs where thousands of workers arrive to keep resorts running and to carve out their own slice of mountain life. With resorts scattered across more than a dozen states, no two US ski seasons look quite the same.

Working a season here means stepping into an industry built on scale. American resorts are vast, some larger than entire ski regions elsewhere in the world, and they need armies of seasonal staff to keep everything moving. From lift operators in Wyoming to bartenders in Utah or rental techs in Vermont, these jobs are the backbone of the winter economy. Schedules are demanding and shifts often long, but the reward is being immersed in a culture where snow sports, hospitality and community collide.

What makes a US ski season stand out is its diversity. One week you might be serving guests who have flown in from across the globe, the next you are riding with locals who have been skiing the same mountain for decades. The après scene ranges from live music and craft breweries in Colorado to laid-back fireside bars in Vermont. And thanks to the sheer variety of resorts, you can choose whether you want high-energy nightlife, remote mountain quiet or something in between.

Of course, it is not all bluebird days and fresh powder. The cost of living in resort towns can be steep, accommodation is competitive, and many roles run on tight schedules through the busiest holiday weeks. But with the right visa, early preparation and a willingness to throw yourself into the rhythm of the season, you will find the US offers one of the most dynamic and rewarding ski experiences anywhere, a chance to work, ride and live in some of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the world.

The Best Visa Options for Working in a Ski Resort in The US

If you are hoping to work a ski season in the US, the first thing to lock in is the right visa. Unlike Australia, there is no general Working Holiday Visa that lets you casually pick up jobs as you travel. Instead, most international workers come through cultural exchange and temporary work programs, with the J-1 visa being the most common pathway.

The J-1 is designed for young travellers, generally aged 18–30, who want to experience life in the US while gaining short-term work experience. Through this visa, you can work at a resort, earn money to fund your travels, and then spend time exploring the country once your contract wraps up. Many participants use the ski season as a base before heading off to road trip the West Coast, visit national parks, or explore iconic cities like New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

This visa is a good fit if you:

• Want to work seasonal roles in hospitality, guest services or on-mountain jobs
• Are keen to combine work with travel across different parts of the US
• Are comfortable with a structured program that requires pre-arranged employment through an approved sponsor

One thing to keep in mind is that US resorts cannot sponsor you directly. Instead, your visa needs to be organised in advance through an agency or cultural exchange program that partners with American employers. The process can feel complex, with deadlines, paperwork and sponsor requirements to navigate, and spots can be competitive if you leave it too late.

At Global Work & Travel, we make this easier by guiding you through the process step by step. From connecting you with trusted visa sponsors to helping secure a role before you leave home, our focus is on smoothing out the practical details so you can focus on the experience itself. By the time you arrive in the US, you will know that your essentials are in place and you can get straight into the season with confidence. For a deeper breakdown of everything involved, take a look at our US Working Holiday Visa Guide which covers eligibility, costs and the application process in full detail.

How to Get a Job at a US Ski Resort

Getting hired at a US ski resort is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many roles, resorts and requirements to consider. That is why Global Work & Travel helps make the process simpler. With years of experience placing travellers in seasonal jobs across the globe, we focus on taking care of the details so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Whether you are drawn to the energy of a bustling resort town or the charm of a smaller mountain community, we provide the guidance, support and connections to help you get there. The goal is to make your season less about paperwork and uncertainty, and more about creating the kind of winter you came for.

SuperLite: Your Job Finder Built for Adventure

Finding a ski season job in the US can feel overwhelming; visas, applications, accommodation, and even wondering who you’ll meet when you get there. SuperLite pulls all of this into one place, making it easier to plan your season with confidence.

Jobs that Fit Your Lifestyle

Forget generic job boards. SuperLite is built for travellers, helping you find roles that match the life you want to live, whether that’s pulling beers in a lively après bar, working lifts on the mountain, or joining a smaller, close-knit resort. An AI-powered resumé builder makes applying simple, so you can stand out without the stress.

Skills & Support That Matter

SuperLite goes beyond just jobs. With video courses in everything from barista basics to new languages, step-by-step visa guidance, and expert tips from past working travellers, you’ll arrive feeling prepared and ready for the season ahead.

Meet Your Crew Early

Travel is better when you have mates waiting at the other end. Through SuperLite’s social network, you can connect with other travellers before you leave, swap tips, plan meetups, or even find a roommate, all in a safe, supportive community.

Travel Extras

From discounted tours and event tickets to savings on gear and essentials, the Marketplace helps you cut costs on the things you’ll need anyway, leaving more room in your budget for the adventures that count.

You've Only Got One Shot – Let’s Make it Count

Getting a job at a US ski resort is not only about submitting an application. It is about understanding the realities of the season and showing employers you are ready for the demands of resort life. Resorts attract workers from all over the world, and standing out means thinking beyond your resumé. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare:

• Be altitude-aware: Many resorts in Colorado and Wyoming are located at high elevations. Employers value staff who understand the physical challenges of working in thinner air and who are prepared to adapt.
• Plan housing early: Resort towns are small and accommodation fills quickly. Ask about staff housing during the hiring process or be ready to organise shared housing yourself. Showing initiative here signals reliability.
• Build connections in advance: The ski industry relies heavily on networks. Join traveller groups, online forums or resort community pages before the season starts. Research and personal connections can help your application stand out.
• Stay flexible with dates: Holiday weeks such as Christmas, New Year and Presidents’ Day are the busiest times. Resorts prioritise applicants who can commit to working throughout these peak periods.
• Show adaptability in your skills: Resort jobs often involve pitching in across different departments. Emphasise that you are open to working in a variety of roles, from hospitality to guest services.
• Bring more than just work experience: Employers look for people who will add to the community, not just complete shifts. If you have volunteer experience, customer service skills or hobbies like photography or music, highlight them.

By preparing in these ways, you demonstrate that you can handle both the demands of the job and the lifestyle that comes with a US ski season.

Top Tips and Tricks to Land the Job

Landing a job in the US snow scene is about more than just showing up. Resorts receive thousands of applications each season, and the people who stand out are those who bring the right mix of skills, mindset and preparation. Here is what can make the difference:

• Cultural awareness: US resorts attract guests from all over the world. Showing you can communicate well across cultures and adapt to different expectations makes you an asset on the front line.
• Handling the cold: Many mountain jobs mean working outdoors in sub-zero conditions. Employers value staff who know what it takes to stay safe, positive and productive in challenging weather.
• Problem solving on the fly:  Whether it is a ski rental issue, a lift stoppage or a frustrated guest, quick thinking and calm decision-making are skills managers notice fast.
• Consistency under pressure: Holiday weeks like Christmas, New Year and Presidents’ Day are intense. Employers look for people who can stay reliable and upbeat even when lines are long and the workload is heavy. 
• Practical know-how: Skills like cash handling, food prep, first aid or even basic mechanical knowledge are all useful. The more versatile you are, the more roles you can fill.
• Community contribution: Resort towns are tight-knit. Showing that you are not just there to ski, but also to be part of the wider community, makes a big difference in how employers (and your crew) see you.

By focusing on these areas, you will demonstrate that you are ready not only for the work itself but also for the unique lifestyle of a US ski season. Employers want people who can keep the lifts running, the guests happy and the community spirit alive from the first snowfall to closing day.

Types of Jobs at US Ski Resorts

US ski resorts are some of the biggest in the world. Places like Vail, Park City and Mammoth employ thousands of seasonal staff each winter, running operations that feel more like small cities than just ski towns. With that scale comes a huge variety of work, both on and off the slopes. Here are some of the roles you might come across:

Snowmaking & Grooming: Before the lifts even start turning, snowmakers and groomers are at work. These jobs mean long nights outdoors running snow guns, driving grooming machines and making sure trails are ready by morning. It is tough, hands-on work but comes with the satisfaction of shaping the mountain itself.

Retail & Rentals:  Every skier and boarder needs gear, and resorts run huge rental operations to keep visitors kitted out. Staff help size boots, tune skis, and sell essentials in resort shops. It is a social role where you meet people from all over the world while picking up technical knowledge about the gear.

Lodging & Housekeeping: With thousands of guests checking in every week, lodging teams are the backbone of resort life. Housekeepers, laundry staff and front desk attendants keep hotels and lodges running smoothly. It is busy but steady work, and staff often get perks like discounted housing or meals.

Childcare & Kids’ Programs: Resorts cater to families, which means plenty of seasonal roles looking after kids. From ski school helpers to daycare assistants, these jobs suit people with energy, patience and a knack for working with children.

Transportation & Parking: Big US resorts run entire fleets of buses and shuttles to get guests around. Seasonal staff help direct traffic, run parking lots, or even drive resort shuttles (with the right licence). It is a practical job, often outdoors, and a great way to be part of the mountain flow without being on skis all day.

Security & Safety: From keeping après-ski parties under control to assisting with emergencies, security staff play an important role at larger resorts. These positions suit those with a level head and a focus on safety, and often come with transferable skills for future roles.

Working a season in the US gives you the chance to step into a role that matches your personality and strengths. Whether you prefer hands-on outdoor work, steady guest-facing jobs, or behind-the-scenes support, there is a place for you on the mountain.

Best Places to Live and Work – Ski Resort Edition

The US is home to some of the biggest and most diverse ski resorts in the world. From Colorado’s legendary Rockies to California’s long seasons and Utah’s famous powder, each destination offers a different kind of experience for seasonal workers. Where you choose to spend your season will shape your winter, from the style of work you do to the community you become part of. Here are six of the best to consider:

Vail, Colorado

As one of the largest ski resorts in the world, Vail is a hub of activity every winter. With over 5,000 acres of terrain and its famous Back Bowls, it attracts visitors from everywhere — and needs a huge seasonal workforce to keep things running. Expect plenty of job opportunities, a big staff community, and a buzzing après scene in Vail Village.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen is all about scale and style. With four mountains on one lift pass and a town that’s as famous for its nightlife as its slopes, it’s a dream for workers who want the best of both worlds. Jobs range from mountain ops to high-end hospitality, and the international staff community makes it easy to meet people fast.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Known for its steep terrain and authentic mountain vibe, Jackson Hole is a great fit for adventurous skiers and riders. The town itself still feels like the Old West, and the staff culture is close-knit thanks to its more remote location. If you want challenging terrain and a strong sense of community, this is the place to be.

Park City Mountain, Utah

The largest ski resort in the US, Park City offers a huge variety of work opportunities across its sprawling terrain and lively town. Only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, it’s easy to get to and has a fun mix of locals, seasonal workers, and international visitors. It’s ideal for those who want big-mountain energy but also the convenience of city access.

Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth is famous for having one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often stretching into July. That means more time on the job and more time on the snow. The staff community is big and diverse, and the California sunshine mixed with epic terrain makes it a favourite for workers who want a long, rewarding season.

Palisades Tahoe, California

Once known as Squaw Valley, Palisades Tahoe has Olympic history and some of the best advanced terrain in the country. The resort hosts big events, live music, and festivals, which means seasonal staff often get to be part of the action off the slopes too. The community is welcoming, and the scenery overlooking Lake Tahoe is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

Working a ski season in the US is more than just earning a paycheque. It is your chance to live in some of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the world, surrounded by snow, energy and a community that comes alive each winter. The days are full-on, with long shifts and heavy snowfall, but the rewards are just as big. You will spend your mornings on world-class slopes, your evenings with new friends from around the globe, and walk away with skills and memories that last far beyond the season.

With Global Work & Travel, you can step into this experience with confidence. From sorting the paperwork to helping you land a role and connect with your crew before you leave home, we make it easier to focus on the adventure ahead. All that is left is to choose your resort, pack your gear and get ready for a US winter that will be unforgettable.

We can also help you find jobs at ski resorts and many other working holiday jobs in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom.