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Ski Resort J1 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alta

PSIA Certified Ski Instructor

Alta, UT · On-site

Alta is often awarded "best snow" in ski magazine resort rankings. * Feel confident in Alta ... Alta Ski Area does not hire employees through H2B Visa or J1 Visa * Must have prior professional ...

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Ski Resort J1 information

What is a ski resort J1?

Ski Resort J1 jobs are temporary work positions at ski resorts in the United States, available to international students and young professionals through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. These roles can include positions such as lift operators, rental shop staff, food service workers, and guest services representatives. The J-1 visa allows participants to gain work experience, improve their English skills, and experience American culture during the winter season. Applicants typically need to be enrolled in a university or recently graduated and must secure a job offer before applying for the visa. The program provides a unique cultural exchange experience while working in a fun, dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Ski Resort J1 vs Ski Instructor?

AspectSki Resort J1Ski Instructor
Required CertificationsJ1 visa, basic skiing knowledgeCPR, First Aid, ski teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentResort grounds, outdoor, seasonalOn-slope lessons, indoor and outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageResorts, seasonal employmentResorts, ski schools, training centers

The Ski Resort J1 visa typically involves seasonal work at ski resorts, focusing on general resort tasks, while Ski Instructors specialize in teaching skiing skills, often requiring additional certifications. Both roles are common in ski industry employment, but they differ in responsibilities and certification requirements.

What are common challenges faced by J1 employees at ski resorts, and how can they be overcome?

J1 employees at ski resorts often face challenges such as adapting to a new environment, handling varying weather conditions, and managing a fast-paced work schedule during peak seasons. Balancing work hours with opportunities to enjoy the ski resort can also be tricky. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to communicate openly with supervisors about scheduling needs, build a support network with fellow J1 participants, and take advantage of any orientation or training sessions provided. Embracing flexibility and staying proactive in learning resort procedures can make the transition smoother and the experience more rewarding.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a ski resort J1?

To thrive as a Ski Resort J1, you need strong customer service skills, basic knowledge of hospitality or resort operations, and eligibility for the J1 visa program. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, reservation software, and health and safety protocols is often required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork are soft skills that help you serve international guests and adjust to fast-paced environments. These skills ensure high-quality guest experiences and efficient resort operations, making you a valuable team member.
More about Ski Resort J1 jobs

What cities are hiring for Ski Resort J1 jobs?

Cities with the most Ski Resort J1 job openings:

What states have the most Ski Resort J1 jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ski Resort J1 jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Ski Resort J1 jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Ski Resort J1 jobs are:

Ski Resort J1 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ski Resort J1 job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

PSIA Certified Ski Instructor

Alta Ski Area

Alta, UT

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Ski Powder. Change Lives.

Join the Alf Engen Ski School—one of the premier ski schools in North America.

Alta’s authentic feel and the pairing of many a skier’s dream destination with an expert local’s ski area create a rewarding and inspiring place to teach and play.

We deliver high-quality lesson experiences, provide excellent value and cultivate long-term relationships with our guests and staff. Alta’s pure mountain experience and amazing snow quality inspire a friendly and welcoming environment on a hardcore skier’s mountain.

What is it like to teach skiing at Alta?
  • We strive to make it fun! The Alf Engen Ski School teaching philosophy is FUN. CONTROL. FREEDOM… Our approach is light-hearted with a focus on developing skills to improve control and the freedom to explore a bit more of the mountain, no matter the skier’s skill level.
  • Take advantage of world-class training and certification preparation with a three-term PSIA Alpine Team Member and PSIA Intermountain Examiner Staff. Required training is compensated at an hourly rate and ongoing professional development and certification training are complimentary.
  • PSIA Certification and Accreditation is supported with fee reimbursement.
  • Teach the breadth of private lessons, class lessons and multi-week programs to adults, children and families.
  • Opportunity to develop the skills to teach all levels, including advanced–expert skiers. Alta Ski Area attracts locals and vacationers who are dedicated skiers. 70% of Ata’s adult and family private lessons are with Level 7–9 skiers in powder, moguls and steeper off-trail terrain. Instructor candidate capacity to evolve into teaching off-trail skiing will be heavily weighted in hiring decisions for the 2026–27 ski season.
  • Join our community of instructors and ski school support staff numbering 150 dedicated professionals. Ski school employee turnover is under 10% per year. We get to know you and you get to know us.
  • Enjoy an authentic skiers-only mountain uncluttered by second-party advertising and other distractions from the joy of alpine skiing.
  • Be comfortable in a spacious ski school locker room with direct access to your peers, supervisors and the ski school director.
  • Plan on one of the most dependable ski seasons in North America. Alta is often awarded “best snow” in ski magazine resort rankings.
  • Feel confident in Alta’s long-term consistency in ski area ownership, management and mission in skiing since 1938. Alta is a predictable and stable place to work and focus on the quality of your ski lessons.
Instructor Candidates
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
  • Alta Ski Area does not hire employees through H2B Visa or J1 Visa
  • Must have prior professional ski teaching experience
    • No ski teaching experience? Please apply for the Ski Instructor Apprentice position when the application window opens late summer.
  • PSIA Level 1, 2 or 3 Certification is required to be a Ski School Instructor
  • Commitment from December 1st to mid-April—holidays are required
  • Full-time positions available: 90–135 teaching days
    • Part-Time Plus positions may be available: 45–80 teaching days
    • Part-time positions less than 45 days are not available
  • Background screening required
  • Alta Ski Area has limited employee housing available for instructors new to Alta.

A full list of benefits for all Alta employees is listed on the Benefits & FAQ's page.

Apply