Ski All Day, Live Rent-Free and Make $19/Hour This Winter: Apply for This Job in Vail
Are you outdoorsy and a good driver? Want a sweet job from October through April?
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a winter surrounded by picturesque, snow-capped mountains, skiing and skating to your heart’s content, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
The Town of Vail, Colorado is hiring drivers for their fleet of busses for the 2015-2016 ski season — and the gig comes with a solid hourly wage and some serious perks.
Get Paid to Be a Ski Bum
You’ll drive a bus around the resort community, bringing people from their hotels and condos to the ski hill. It’s a full-time, 40-hour-a-week job, but as a new driver, you’ll start out working mostly nights and weekends — meaning those brilliant daylight hours are all yours.
Plus, since the bus service runs from 5:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m., you’ll likely eventually be able to pick the right shifts for you, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.
The job comes with access to paid employee housing, plus a nordic ski pass, an ice-skating pass, and your choice of either a resort ski pass or end-of-season bonus.
Plus, at a starting wage of $19 an hour, you’ll make around $3,000 a month — without having to pay rent.
Our own senior writer Susan Shain, an expert in seasonal jobs who worked on a ski hill in Breckenridge, Colorado for three seasons, says the experience is “Amazing.”
“If you love skiing or snowboarding and meeting interesting people, I highly recommend working a season in the mountains!”
Here’s a look at what it’s like to live and work in Vail:
How to Qualify for the Job
Although they prefer you have a current commercial driver’s license, Vail is willing to train the right applicant, granted she has a clean driving record.
Because the town is focused on customer satisfaction, previous guest service experience is the most important qualifier — get ready to play up any relevant retail or customer service work you’ve done!
Of course, you’ll also have to commit to living and working in Vail for the October-April ski season.
Ready to Pack Your Skis?
Head on over to the Town of Vail’s website and apply online. Then pack your bags — and stock up on wool socks and hand-warmers!
Your Turn: Would you want to work in a ski town? If you’ve had a similar job, tell us about it in the comments!
Jamie Cattanach, a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder, is an adventurer living in St. Petersburg, Florida. The only time she ever went skiing, she slid down the bunny slope — face first.
