Nestled approximately two hours west (97 miles) of Denver, Colorado, lies Vail, the flagship resort of the largest ski resort company in the United States. Vail distinguishes itself by blending the authenticity of a local ski resort with a touch of glamour. The resort attracts a wealthy clientele, evident in its high-end shops and lavish residences. Vail offers seasonal workers an abundance of opportunities, including vast terrain, significant snowfall, and a lively town.
Consequently, Vail is considered one of the best resorts in Colorado for employment, alongside Breckenridge, Telluride, and Aspen. The resort sees a diverse workforce, including a significant number of South Americans, particularly Argentinians.
Getting to Vail
Vail is conveniently located off I-70, accessible directly from Denver. For those not driving, the Colorado Mountain Express (www.ridecme.com) provides a convenient shuttle service.
Vail's Terrain and Snowfall
While Vail may not boast the steep slopes or rocky chutes of other Rocky Mountain resorts, it compensates with its immense size, offering 5,289 acres of skiable terrain and 31 lifts powered entirely by renewable energy sources.
Key Areas of Vail
Vail is divided into three primary areas:
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- Front Side: Dominated by cruisers and beginner areas, featuring most of the groomed runs. The front side alone offers more skiable terrain than many entire resorts.
- Back Bowls: Located behind the front side, these seven bowls provide some of the best in-bound bowl riding globally. They are open and offer numerous line options, though not particularly steep.
- Golden Peak: Primarily set up to accommodate the Golden Peak Ski School and ski racing on Vail.
- Lionshead: The family-oriented side of Vail with the majority of hotels, restaurants and shopping.
The average snowfall at Vail is 354 inches / 899 cm, similar to Beaver Creek and Breckenridge. Colorado enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually, ensuring plenty of clear, bluebird days.
Terrain Parks
Vail features three terrain parks, with the largest being Golden Peak Park, which includes pro-level features and a 22-foot halfpipe. Jumps range from 10 to 50 feet.
Job Opportunities at Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts Management Company owns Vail and other prominent resorts like Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek, Park City/Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood. Job opportunities extend beyond mountain operations to include retail (Vail Resorts operates over 190 retail shops) and property management (Vail Resorts manages six hotels at ski resorts).
Job Types Available:
- Lift Operations
- Retail Staff
- Hotel Staff
- Ski and Snowboard Instructors
- Food and Beverage Services
Application Process and Benefits
It's crucial to start your job search early, as Vail receives numerous applications each season. Job postings typically appear in late summer or early fall.
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Employee Benefits:
- Season pass for Vail, providing free access to Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone.
- Employee housing options
- Discounts on food, retail items, and activities
The Best Ski Resort Jobs to Have
Housing Options
Employee housing is available to full-time employees at two locations in Vail, costing around $300 per month.
- Timber Ridge: Located opposite Cascade Village, apartments include a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. It is a 10-minute walk to Vail Village and close to a chairlift at Cascade Village.
- Rivers Edge: Situated 10 miles down the highway in Avon, these apartments have four bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and a bath, typically with one person per bedroom.
If seeking independent housing, consider grouping with others. Renting a place with four people in West or East Vail might cost around $1600 per month. Avon offers cheaper rental options and is serviced by the Eagle County bus service. Eagle-Vail also provides additional housing opportunities along the route to Avon.
Vail's Après-Ski and Nightlife
Being a year-round town, Vail has a permanent array of bars and restaurants, making it great for seasonal workers to mingle with locals and tourists alike. Many bars offer nightly specials for seasonal staff, and Vail's walkability makes bar hopping easy.
Recommended Spots:
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- Shakedown Bar: Features great live music.
- Samana and Vail Underground: Host DJs for late-night entertainment.
- The Red Lion: Offers nightly music, attracting an older crowd.
- 10th Mountain Whiskey Room: A must-visit for sampling fine whiskey.
- Vale Ale House: The go-to place for local American craft beer.
Vail excels in après-ski, unlike many other Colorado resorts. Don't miss the $3 enormous pizza slices and the free buffet breakfasts at some hotels.
On Australia Day, Vail staff gather at Blue Sky Basin for BBQs, bringing meat and alcohol for a full day of fun. Smoker's huts, built by lift operators, are hidden around Vail.