10 Outdoor, Winter Jobs For Seasonal Workers
Outdoor jobs in the United States tend to be based upon the varying seasons. But, you don’t have to give up on your outdoor career dreams when winter rolls around! Instead, consider these outdoor, winter jobs that still get you outside each day, even in the colder months.
I worked seasonally for several years and thrived during the summer months. When the weather started to cool down, I always felt a spike of nerves and anxiety. Cue the stress from looming unemployment, potential relocation, and job searching...
Fortunately, I accepted a position on a whim one winter to work in Telluride, Colorado. I clocked over 100 days of snowboarding that season and was hooked on the seasonal life! I realized that my outdoor career dreams didn't have to halt during the snowy months.
If you’re working seasonally, there are two main options for you to consider when the snow starts to fly.
Move south! Southern states hire outdoor positions throughout the winter months. Consider moving to Arizona, Florida, or California to continue your career in trail work, guiding, or conservation work!
Find a winter seasonal position (aka snow jobs)! Imagine getting paid to spend your day skiing, snowboarding, or frolicking in the snow. Even if you aren’t an experienced in snow sports, there are dozens of fulfilling, seasonal positions that will help you advance your career (and have fun in the process)!
The Ultimate List of Outdoor Job Boards will supply you with over 60 job boards specific to the outdoor and environmental industries. This way, you don’t have to spend hours job searching each week - amazing opportunities are right at your fingertips!
Option 1: Jobs in the Southern States
Wilderness Therapy - Many companies that specialize in Wilderness Therapy and Retreats operate year round! So, hiring Field Guides and Instructors is not dependent on weather or seasonality. Check out Occupation Wild and Backdoor Jobs to find open positions.
Parks and Recreation Jobs - If Leslie Knope is #goals, check out these parks & recreation positions. More and more parks positions are transitioning from seasonal to year-round, so you’ll find open positions on a rolling basis!
Conservation Corps - Working for a conservation crew will teach you hands-on skills in trail building, invasive species removal, and land maintenance, all while working alongside federal, state, and local land management agencies (think National Park Service, US Forest Service, and local parks departments). If your career goals include working in the public land sector, joining a conservation crew is the perfect (and most fun!) way to get started! Corps Network is the best resource for these positions!
Option 2: Winter Seasonal Positions
Cool Works and Occupation Wild are both great job boards to find seasonal, winter positions!
If you have a dream resort that you’d like to work for, simply Google Search that specific location or company! Personally, I have *heart eyes* for Whistler Blackcomb, Jackson Hole, and another season in Telluride.
Ski Patrol - This is a competitive field, but once you’re in - you’re in! Many ski patrollers create a career out of this seasonal position because it’s fun, rewarding, and allows for plenty of outdoor time each day.
Ski Instructor or Snowboard Instructor - Nearly every ski resort in the United States has an instructor program, so your options are endless! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be an expert skier to land a position as an instructor. Beginner ski and snowboard instructors may work to introduce young children (even toddlers!) to snow sports. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get some powder turns in yourself!
Lift Operations - Working as a lift operator may be the perfect job if you are friendly, outgoing, and want to spend all day in the snow. It’s also a great entry level position to work your way up in the ski resort and snow sports industries!
Ice Castles Builders and Event Managers - I know what you’re thinking, “What in the world is an Ice Castle?” I’ll let the photos do the talking, but you should know that people are hired each winter in Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire to help build and manage Ice Castle events. Pretty freakin’ cool, right?! Check out the Ice Castle jobs here.
Dog Sledding - Dog Sledding isn’t exclusive to the Arctic! Check out ski resorts and ranches in the Western USA for positions as a dog sled tour operator or guide. You’re bound to live in an incredible location, spend your day outside, and get plenty of floofy kisses.
Snowmobile Tours - Want to take people on snowmobile adventures each week? No experience required! This is the perfect job for snow lovers that don’t have an affinity for skiing or snowboarding.
Other Ski Town Positions - If you land a job in a ski town during ski season, it’s likely that you’ll have time to hit the slopes several times each week! Employers in these locations value the happiness of their employees and they know that you’re there to enjoy the area. So, positions in hospitality, restaurants, services, ski rentals, or administration will likely still get you outside!
To find more outdoor jobs in any season (and year round!) be sure to pick up The Ultimate List of Outdoor Job Boards! It’s a list I’ve curated over 5 years working in the outdoor space and includes over 60 of the best job boards specifically for outdoor, conservation, and environmental positions. It is broken down into categories like Outdoor Education, Seasonal Jobs, Science and Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and so much more! And, the best part - these are job boards that employers are actually using to find qualified candidates!
