To become a ski bum
- Thread starter Uah
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SketchyVan
New member
I just took a poop,
but forgot to wipe.
but forgot to wipe.
HamFaceGirl
Active member
I like you
50Kal
Active member
I work in at Buttermilk in Aspen,CO. Employee housing is pretty cheap (525 a month) and get a pass to 4 Mountains.
If your trying to work there this year better move fast. You need a visa. Defiantly still openings at the hills.
Also whistler would be sick. I've heard they got good employee housing also.
Thought about working this season at Grand Targhee resort cause they have pretty good employee housing as well.
But Im getting a raise if I go back to Buttermilk. Another year in Aspen for me.
If your trying to work there this year better move fast. You need a visa. Defiantly still openings at the hills.
Also whistler would be sick. I've heard they got good employee housing also.
Thought about working this season at Grand Targhee resort cause they have pretty good employee housing as well.
But Im getting a raise if I go back to Buttermilk. Another year in Aspen for me.
Pudge
Active member
Fuck there was an online publication I had bookmarked for the longest time that you should really read. It was a very good piece of writing on the practicality and sustainability of ski bumming. I will try to find it. It has a lot of interesting information and was a good read. Something I think anyone who is actually considering ski bumming should check out!
Pudge
Active member
Well that was easy... first result on Google.
http://www.skibumsguide.com/ski_bum2.htm
It is a long read but if you are actually considering ski bumming even at all, read it. Or else you are an idiot.
http://www.skibumsguide.com/ski_bum2.htm
It is a long read but if you are actually considering ski bumming even at all, read it. Or else you are an idiot.
SlurrP
Member
I moved out to Vail because I was bored with my office job and wanted to do something fun for a couple of months. That was 6 years ago now. I didn't read that article. I hope that doesn't make me an idiot.
The key is getting a job that doesn't work days. I don't care what anyone says, being a busser/dishwasher/bar back at a cool place is a way better gig than doing hotel concierge, being a ski instructor, being a lifty (which is probably the worst job in a ski town) or any other job around town. You have days free, they generally pay well, and they are easy/stress free on your mind and body. That's big.
Here in Vail passes are cheap (650) and lots of employers will purchase for you. Housing is also cheap (you can find places here with utilities for around $450 if you're willing to live in old shacks) which is a huge plus. There is a free bus line which is awesome for getting to/from work as well. Something you should check into regardless of where you end up. Proximity to hill and difficulty of traveling to and from.
One thing I'll say about not only being a ski bum but living in a ski town, is that there are no girls. More importantly, whatever girls there are, they aren't willing to hang out with you. They already have a boyfriend or are waiting to move back to whatever city is closest to get back with their old one. So mentally prepare yourself for that.
I'm sure plenty of people will have loads to say about how shitty Vail is and how great Tahoe is or PNW or Utah. But Colorado snow is fucking awesome, there are 4 other resorts I can be at within 45 minutes (that I have a pass to) and summers here are great. So all of those people can suck a dick.
Good luck!
The key is getting a job that doesn't work days. I don't care what anyone says, being a busser/dishwasher/bar back at a cool place is a way better gig than doing hotel concierge, being a ski instructor, being a lifty (which is probably the worst job in a ski town) or any other job around town. You have days free, they generally pay well, and they are easy/stress free on your mind and body. That's big.
Here in Vail passes are cheap (650) and lots of employers will purchase for you. Housing is also cheap (you can find places here with utilities for around $450 if you're willing to live in old shacks) which is a huge plus. There is a free bus line which is awesome for getting to/from work as well. Something you should check into regardless of where you end up. Proximity to hill and difficulty of traveling to and from.
One thing I'll say about not only being a ski bum but living in a ski town, is that there are no girls. More importantly, whatever girls there are, they aren't willing to hang out with you. They already have a boyfriend or are waiting to move back to whatever city is closest to get back with their old one. So mentally prepare yourself for that.
I'm sure plenty of people will have loads to say about how shitty Vail is and how great Tahoe is or PNW or Utah. But Colorado snow is fucking awesome, there are 4 other resorts I can be at within 45 minutes (that I have a pass to) and summers here are great. So all of those people can suck a dick.
Good luck!
SteepAnDeep
Member
I agree with this! Also, each town is gonna have a little different vibe to it, whether its in Colorado, Tahoe, Jackson, etc. Do you have a car? You may want to road trip & stop & stay where it feels good.
Start looking early my friend as housing & jobs go quick.
Start looking early my friend as housing & jobs go quick.
tBatt
Active member
Living in Jackson/Teton Village is stupid expensive, unless you find an employer who offers free employee housing.
A couple buddies of mine lived in a house with 5 people at the base of BCC and their rent was $320 a month. From what I remember, utilities were pretty cheap, too.
It seems like Utah is the best bang-for-your-buck place. They were 15 mins from Brighton/Solidude and 25 from Alta/Bird. My only issues with living there would be the fact that you're in a huge city that is filled with smog and oppressed people. Also that the road closes every time there is more than a few inches of snow. It's not exactly a "ski town", but it's super cheap and pretty damn close to the mountains.
A couple buddies of mine lived in a house with 5 people at the base of BCC and their rent was $320 a month. From what I remember, utilities were pretty cheap, too.
It seems like Utah is the best bang-for-your-buck place. They were 15 mins from Brighton/Solidude and 25 from Alta/Bird. My only issues with living there would be the fact that you're in a huge city that is filled with smog and oppressed people. Also that the road closes every time there is more than a few inches of snow. It's not exactly a "ski town", but it's super cheap and pretty damn close to the mountains.
BrainstormSkis
New member
sugarhouse salt lake city. around 300 for rent, lots of places to work,
40 minutes from like 8 ski resorts, college parties, girls, homies! its a cool place to chill for a while. cool nation parks pretty close too- rock climbing, mountain biking and camping in the summers.
ski seasons usually from mid october- mid may.
40 minutes from like 8 ski resorts, college parties, girls, homies! its a cool place to chill for a while. cool nation parks pretty close too- rock climbing, mountain biking and camping in the summers.
ski seasons usually from mid october- mid may.
skiingonskis
Active member
BOOM, from the master himself.
Drail
Active member
uh, yeah... whistler is one of the most expensive places in the world to be a "ski bum". while you're at it, give St. Moritz, Switzerland a try.
I'm not saying you can't be a ski bum in Whistler, I know many how have/do, it just takes a bit more effort and your living arrangement might not be as... peaceful if you will.
I'm not saying you can't be a ski bum in Whistler, I know many how have/do, it just takes a bit more effort and your living arrangement might not be as... peaceful if you will.
dayinthelifepc
Member
Somewhere that it's cheap to live and ski because ski bums generally make almost no money unless theyre pro. If you want to be a real ski bum and ski everyday that is.
VertBoi3000
Member
Go to Chile and live off the land. Give up money altogether, start a school for ninjas and tape your exploits. After all is said and done, report back to this thread.
ChucklesNorman.
Active member
It is possible to live in whistler on a tight budget. As long as you find a cheap place to live and know how to cook cheap meals it's not too bad.
Be prepared for overpriced groceries and beer. I also recommend coming to town with enough cash to last a while until you find a job. It can be really difficult or really easy depending on your timing.
Be prepared for overpriced groceries and beer. I also recommend coming to town with enough cash to last a while until you find a job. It can be really difficult or really easy depending on your timing.
tBatt
Active member
Couple issues with that.
1: Drying clothes. No one wants to put cold damp shit on in the morning.
2: Ventilation. Don't seal the car shut.
3: Heat. It's doable, but extremely better to have heat. Which brings us back to ventilation.
Car camping can be done, but works a hell of a lot better in the summer/fall since you can just crack your windows, and you don't have to worry about condensation or freezing to death. Definitely not feasible for an entire winter without a few more accommodation.
IF you were to do it, get a 4" microcell foam pad to put under you. without it, you loose a lot of body heat through the floor. Get in the sleeping bag, and then put a tarp over that. That way you have less space to heat up. Even though it is winter, you should crack a window so you don't suffocate yourself.
I saw a picture where someone made a bed frame out of plywood and 2x4s that was just tall enough to clear the wheel wells. That way there is ample head room, you don't have to worry about rolling into the wheel wells, and then you have storage beneath the bed.
1: Drying clothes. No one wants to put cold damp shit on in the morning.
2: Ventilation. Don't seal the car shut.
3: Heat. It's doable, but extremely better to have heat. Which brings us back to ventilation.
Car camping can be done, but works a hell of a lot better in the summer/fall since you can just crack your windows, and you don't have to worry about condensation or freezing to death. Definitely not feasible for an entire winter without a few more accommodation.
IF you were to do it, get a 4" microcell foam pad to put under you. without it, you loose a lot of body heat through the floor. Get in the sleeping bag, and then put a tarp over that. That way you have less space to heat up. Even though it is winter, you should crack a window so you don't suffocate yourself.
I saw a picture where someone made a bed frame out of plywood and 2x4s that was just tall enough to clear the wheel wells. That way there is ample head room, you don't have to worry about rolling into the wheel wells, and then you have storage beneath the bed.
ZavierV
Active member
South america:http://beyondboarding.org/
imakestickerz
Member
also you can save a ton of money if you cook your own food. buy a portable camp stove and only buy food from a grocery store and you can live off about $150 a month for food
Depends on your definition of a ski bum.
I work as little as possible to ski/travel as much as possible. I sold my car. Pretty much everything I own (outside of ski gear and bedding) fits in 1 large suitcase. A large ski bag would hold everything else (this excludes my book collection/tax records which every year or 2 I send a box to my parents house so that one day I can reclaim my fairly large book collection).
But, I live in a fully furnished 1 bedroom 800 sq foot apartment within walking distance to the gondola. I also make 30 to 60 an hour and can work as many hours as I'd like. Soooo I lead a pretty luxurious ski bum life.
i've taken up residence in Mammoth. Only other places in the states I'd go for a similar life are Squaw, Crystal/Baker, or JH. I skip Utah cause although i find it beautiful, the mentality found in so many there is just too difficult for me.
Aside from that, bell hop is a pretty rad start to ski bum career. Solid tips and you typically work 3 - 11pm shifts. You can also usually get a position for the mountain at one of their lodges, so you get the ski pass too. And if you work in a classy establishment, you get to meet some really interesting people.
I work as little as possible to ski/travel as much as possible. I sold my car. Pretty much everything I own (outside of ski gear and bedding) fits in 1 large suitcase. A large ski bag would hold everything else (this excludes my book collection/tax records which every year or 2 I send a box to my parents house so that one day I can reclaim my fairly large book collection).
But, I live in a fully furnished 1 bedroom 800 sq foot apartment within walking distance to the gondola. I also make 30 to 60 an hour and can work as many hours as I'd like. Soooo I lead a pretty luxurious ski bum life.
i've taken up residence in Mammoth. Only other places in the states I'd go for a similar life are Squaw, Crystal/Baker, or JH. I skip Utah cause although i find it beautiful, the mentality found in so many there is just too difficult for me.
Aside from that, bell hop is a pretty rad start to ski bum career. Solid tips and you typically work 3 - 11pm shifts. You can also usually get a position for the mountain at one of their lodges, so you get the ski pass too. And if you work in a classy establishment, you get to meet some really interesting people.
grown-ninja
Active member
go to community college, even at state college rates i have student debt out the ass which is keeping me from 'bumming'...sad life
willysworld
Active member
Montana I've done many seasons in Switzerland , France, whistler Japan,mammoth, and by far the best place to e a ski bum is Montana , Namley Bozeman cheap accom , you can buy a pass at bridged bowl for super cheap ( the skiing there is so sick do one season there and you will become a much better skier) food is cheap , big sky is right there and that mountain combine with moon light is amazing , there's heaps of chicks, a couple of strip clubs, also all the modern amenities of a small city, Jackson isn't too far away and if you can get a sled Cooke city is epic.. I'd highly recommend Montana if you wanna live cheap ski sick terrain and still get laid and drunk at the same time.
SelfTitled
Member
One does not simply forget to wipe.
Gnarbangalakazoo
Member
this.
tBatt
Active member
I'm just gonna go ahead and say probably not on this one. Bozeman isn't exactly cheap living, and definitely not Heaps of girls. Big sky is about an hour from Bozeman, so not quite right there.
Then again, you said you were in Switzerland and Whistler, so I guess Bozeman would be relatively cheap
Then again, you said you were in Switzerland and Whistler, so I guess Bozeman would be relatively cheap
AlexMartini
Active member
1. passengers seat, lay your cloths out as if you were wearing them in that seat and blast the heat (seat heaters help
2. if you heat is on you are getting fresh air from outside the car
3. running your car at night will use max 1 gallon of gas, $4 is much cheaper than a hotel room or rent, you can run your car all night with the heat on and window cracked, stay warm and dry your stuff, I usually run my car for a few hours before sleep, getting everything hot as hell and dry, then turn it off when i am falling asleep, wake up cold 5 or 6 hours later and run the car for an hour or so while i go back to sleep, wake up hot, turn the car off, go back to sleep, wake up with beautiful mountain in front of you at sunrise, warm the car back up, get dressed, go skiing
2. if you heat is on you are getting fresh air from outside the car
3. running your car at night will use max 1 gallon of gas, $4 is much cheaper than a hotel room or rent, you can run your car all night with the heat on and window cracked, stay warm and dry your stuff, I usually run my car for a few hours before sleep, getting everything hot as hell and dry, then turn it off when i am falling asleep, wake up cold 5 or 6 hours later and run the car for an hour or so while i go back to sleep, wake up hot, turn the car off, go back to sleep, wake up with beautiful mountain in front of you at sunrise, warm the car back up, get dressed, go skiing