Like many New York City millennials, my partner and I moved upstate with our two rescue dogs early into the pandemic. We ended up in the Catskills near a ski mountain and I wasted no time applying for an instructor role. I’m now in my third year as a private ski lesson instructor, and I still work full-time during the week, as a remote writer and editor. But in season, my weekends are spent on the slopes, teaching private lessons to both adults and kids.

Even though my livelihood doesn’t necessarily depend on teaching these private lessons, I’ve found that  offers a wide range of physical, social, and monetary benefits for which I’m eternally grateful.

Below are the many reasons you should consider joining your local ski mountain’s staff if you have the time.

Clinics and Training Sessions Have Made Me a Much Better Skier

Many ski mountains offer frequent and . Sometimes athletes from other mountains come to lead them, and other times, higher-ups are in charge. If you aren’t already scheduled to work at that time, or if your lesson is a no-show, they strongly suggest that you participate — you’ll , learn new teaching techniques, and make sure your form is up to snuff. I’ve certainly felt that my skills have vastly improved from skiing alongside more experienced skiers over the last three years on staff. 

I Get to Ski All the Time

Adulthood hasn’t brought me nearly enough time on the slopes, especially compared to my high school racing days. Living in New York City in my early 20s earned me only a couple of trips annually. Now, though, I’m skiing several times per week — whether I’m teaching a weekend lesson, or catching up with a fellow instructor over some morning laps before logging into Slack. I’m skiing more than ever — which means I’m always improving.

I Get a Free Season Pass—My Fiancé Gets a Discounted One

There’s no denying that skiing is a wildly expensive sport — and as avid skiers, we’re always looking for . As a part-time ski instructor, I get a free season pass, and my fiancé gets a steep discount on his (which is major, considering how much lift prices cost!). It ultimately ends up saving us up to a few thousand dollars per year, if we were both to pay for season passes — which is definitely a wallet win for us.

Get Discounts and Lift Tickets at Other Mountains

Another wallet win: instructors get access to a wide range of pro discounts. Every year, my mountain has a “pro night” where the staff is invited to peruse steeply discounted gear from a wide range of major ski brands. You can also get buddy discounts at mountains across the U.S. — just ask your superior to write a recommendation for a “buddy pass,” and bring it to the ticket office at your mountain of choice. More often than not, they will give you a discounted lift ticket, which is always appreciated.

It’s Supplemental Income (Private Instructors Often Get Tips!)

Obviously, teaching ski lessons comes with a little extra income, and what you get paid is generally contingent on what kind of lessons you’re teaching (whether it’s ski or riding school, private lessons, a seasonal program, etc.). It can also vary based on your level of expertise — as an instructor, you tend to get paid more if you get (and there are multiple levels). You may or may not also as a ski instructor — although it generally is not required for patrons to tip, it’s strongly suggested.

I’ve Made So Many New Friends

After moving upstate from New York City, I didn’t know too many people in my small Catskills town. But through working at the mountain, I’ve made tons of . Every adult knows that making friends after college can be somewhat challenging, however, joining my local mountain staff has helped me find awesome new friends with similar interests (and as we all know, most skiers are cool as hell).

Ski Instructing Can Be Extremely Rewarding

As you can probably imagine, there are days that bring an unthinkable amount of frustration, for both you, as the ski instructor, and the student. However, most days on the slopes are . The second something new clicks for your student, or when you see them start to realize how much fun skiing can be, it feels like you’ve just passed on your passion to someone else. Whether you just effectively taught them how to carve, or to simply transition from pizza to french fries, it’s a small victory that you can bring to your aprés drinks, and more importantly, it’s something that your student will be able to look back on forever.

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Everyone knows a skier who prides themselves on , only to fuel up on pocket jerky and maybe a PBR on the lift. But during a long day on the slopes, we’re never opposed to warming up our toes and refueling in the lodge.

Of course, many lodge cafeterias offer an exceptionally average $30 plate of a burger and fries, but in recent years, some have started providing unique dining experiences (at often more affordable prices!). And while no one can argue that chicken tendies don’t taste amazing after crushing laps sometimes we’re craving something a little bit more. That said, we’ve hunted down the best and most Check out our picks, below.

Green Chili Dogs from Ptarmigan Roost Café (Loveland Ski Area, CO)

While shredding at , Ptarmigan Roost Café is undoubtedly a worthwhile pitstop. Cozy up with a can of Rolling Rock and a green chili dog either next to the wood-burning stove, or on the observation deck, which provides 360 views of the area at 12,000 feet of elevation. After a day of exploring the bowls or hitting the glades, the combination of the spicy green chili — with a glizzy — is truly unmatched.

Bacon Bloody Mary and BBQ from Black Mountain Lodge (A-Basin, CO)

Although you may have to roll back down to the base lodge afterward, taking a mid-mountain break at is practically a requirement during a trip to Arapahoe Basin. Even though the pulled pork sandwich happens to be a household favorite, you really can’t go wrong with ribs or brisket, either. Make sure to wash it all down with one of the lodge’s iconic Bacon Bloody Marys, and you’ll likely be full until just before your morning laps tomorrow.

Veggie Ramen at Miso Hungry (Jay Peak, VT)

There is truly nothing more satisfying than cozying up with a steaming hot bowl of ramen after a few hours on the slopes (hey, even during a long day on the slopes!). But it’s safe to say Miso Hungry’s Veggie Ramen does not disappoint. You can choose between spicy and regular miso (we’re always opting for spicy…it’s a quick way to warm up!) and top it with a little fried tofu for some extra protein. You can even make it vegan by asking to swap out the marinated egg for extra veggies.

Curry Fries from Roundhouse (Solitude Mountain Resort, UT)

 

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Indian-Himalayan fusion might not come to mind when visiting the state of Utah, but mid-mountain restaurant, Roundhouse, has a mouthwatering menu (think: dals, butter chicken, and lamb curry) that’s worth flying in for. But if you’re looking for a big plate to share, curry fries may be the way to go, and definitely ask for extra napkins. We can’t think of a better way to warm up amongst friends.

Jerk Chicken from Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill (Killington Ski Resort, VT) 

During those extra cold days on the slopes, a tropical lunchtime vibe may be the way to go to get the feeling back in your fingers. One repeat recommendation for the best mountain food on the Reddit page was the famous Jerk Shack at , and needless to say, we’re dying to try it. “There’s a jerk chicken shack slopeside at Killington that is so good it’s hard to believe,” one user writes in a rave review. “Easily the best food I’ve had at any resort, ever.”

Barbacoa, Chicken Tinga, or Tofu Chorizo Tacos from Phlox Point (Timberline, OR)

Even though Portland tends to be Oregon’s primary food hub, one ski area along has a ski-in, ski-out taqueria that could just as well be in the city. Phlox Point at offers affordable and flavorful tacos, which beat any .

“Our personal faves include the barbacoa, a tantalizing shredded beef version braised in stout with ancho and chipotle chilis, oregano, and cumin,” , behind Mount Hood’s Alpine Chalet. “The chicken tinga is also a standout, marinated in IPA, green chili, cumin, and garlic. And for the veggie peeps, they have a rotating option (currently tofu chorizo).”

The Reuben from John Paul Lodge (Snowbasin Resort, UT)

John Paul Lodge serves up what they claim to be “the best Reuben in Utah” — and the Internet seems to wholeheartedly agree. In response to , one comment read: “Couple more weeks till I fly in for my Reuben,” while another added: “Best Reuben of all time.” And if you’re still not convinced, then , who voted Snowbasin one of the top ten resorts in the West for dining in our annual SKI Reader’s Survey.

Fondue from The Roundhouse (Bald Mountain Ski Area, ID) 

Fondue is a relatively common slopeside staple, but evidently, has nailed the art of melty cheese and crudités. Not to mention, a pretty stellar view from the top of the resort, only accessible by gondola. Not to mention, The Roundhouse claims to be the original on-mountain dining spot in the U.S.

The Roundhouse is popular amongst skiers and nonskiers alike, so if you’re planning on visiting make sure to make reservations ahead of time.

Deer Valley Turkey Chili (Deer Valley, UT).

You know a food is iconic when a quick Google search ranks copycat recipes to make at home higher than the resort’s website. Deer Valley’s Turkey Chili is certainly that type of dish and a staple at the Utah resort. You can snag this famous bowl of protein-packed goodness at several of Deer Valley’s onsite lodges, and even . Don’t forget to embrace toppings the Deer Valley way by adding cheese, sour cream, red or green onions, or even some sliced jalapeños.

Not into Chili? No worries, Deer Valley has plenty of other favorites like rich and silky smooth hot chocolate, and a whole variety of desserts guaranteed to please your sweet tooth and give you the energy to carry out your day.

Latin American food from Nob Hill Cafe (Sugar Bowl Resort, CA) 

Situated in Village Lodge is the Nob Hill Cafe, a casual spot to grab some Michelin-starred chef-created meals. This season, the cafe is bringing the heat with a flavorful Latin American-inspired fare. Between laps, you can choose from a tasty menu that includes birria braised beef, pollo asado chicken, vegetarian Pozole Verde, and veggie pupusas — yum.

Waffles from Corbet’s Cabin (Jackson Hole, WY)

If you’ve been skiing for more than a few years, you’re likely accustomed to a grab-and-go waffle before hitting the chairlift. But, Corbet’s Cabin at Jackson Hole is no run-of-the-mill Waffle Cabin. Skiers can grab a freshly made waffle reminiscent of weekend mornings and choose toppings accordingly, like bacon, peanut butter, or whipped cream. All that extra sugar pairs perfectly with a death-defying run off the cabin’s namesake, Jackson Hole’s famous Corbet’s Couloir.

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