Need a Winter Job? These Western Montana Ski Areas Are Hiring

If I started my career over, I might try to find a way to be an outdoor seasonal worker. The kind that leads horseback riding trips in the summer and sled dog tours in the winter, or be a river guide and a chairlift operator.

That's part of the appeal of living in Montana--the outdoor opportunities. If you plan it well, you can probably even find a job that has you working outdoors year-round.

There's also the appeal of having a job doing what you love, and if you love skiing, then keep reading.

October is prime time for ski areas to hire so that employees are in place when operations are up and running in November and December. Here are some western Montana ski resorts hiring for the 2024-2025 ski season. Many of these will be snow-dependent. Perks include things like free skiing/lift rides and discounts on food.

• Big Sky Resort
• Blacktail Mountain
• Bridger Bowl
• Discovery
• Great Divide Ski Area
• Lookout Pass
• Lost Trail
• Montana Snowbowl
• Whitefish Mountain Resort

*Some ski areas didn't have employment information that I could find. If you don't see your favorite ski area here, visit them on social media for the latest updates.

SOS Fair Winter Gear Swap is Coming Soon to Missoula

Even if you're not looking for a ski gig this season, you may want to upgrade your gear. This year's swap will be October 26-27 at the Missoula Fairgrounds. If you've never attended you'll want to visit their site for all the details but consigning will end of Friday at midnight, gear check-in is on Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm, the sale is on Sunday from 10 am - 2 pm and unsold equipment pick up is Sunday 4 pm - 5 pm.