Shred Jobs

Since I was younger, I've always been jealous of the people who lived in the mountain towns and worked on the hill, at the restaurants, the shops, etc. I figured they were riding all of the time, knew the sickest secret spots, super relaxed and basically, living the dream. Boy, was I wrong.
I lived in a mountain town, Truckee, CA. I worked at Northstar. I even worked on the snow. You would think I was riding more then anyone else? Well, I was riding before AND after anyone else but no one gets ultimate full days of riding in while living in the mountain town... With some exceptions.

Liftees- Work on the snow all day, in their snow gear. Pro: They get 1st tracks and get ride breaks all throughout the day. Con: they have to watch you and all of the other joeys ride around all day and tell you what you're missing out on. Duh.

Retail Jobs- You'll have the same tourist problem. Pro: working in a snowboard retail shop is you should get plenty of riding time in with sweet deals on gear. Con: selling product to tourists who have no idea what they're doing and working during peak hours

Restaurant jobs- Definitely pay well with tips. Pro: you get to ride all day and work nights. Con: your social life will suffer from working nights and riding all day. With little sleep to be had.

Night Park Crew or Groomers: You pretty much get to ride all day, every day. Pro: you'll get first chair and last chair any day you'd like. Con: Working till 7:30am for 1st chair at 8am will leave you sleep deprived and set your body clock off.... alot

Ski/Snowboard Instructors: You get to ride all day. Which is awesome. Pro: you'll probably get some big tips from those brat's parents after you had to deal with them during their week vacation. Con: you have to deal with brats riding all day. On green runs.


There are so many other jobs, these are just ones I was very familiar with. No matter what, you move to a mountain town to ride. So make sure you find a job that will allow you to do so without letting your social life or sleep schedule suffer. After all, riding all day and enjoying what the mountain has to offer isn't as fun unless you have friends and an active social life to share it with.