Working a ski season is an experience unlike any other. You’ve got the mountains as your backdrop, snow all around, and a team of coworkers who can feel like family. But while seasonal resort jobs can be exciting and memorable, they aren’t always as glamorous as they look. The physical and emotional demand can be rough: long hours, freezing temperatures, demanding guests, and the uncertainty of seasonal income can push even the most adventurous workers to their limits.

Whatever your job at the resort may be, taking care of yourself is essential to keep both your body and mind strong during the busy months ahead. Here are some tips to help you not just survive, but actually thrive.

1. Take Care of Your Body in the Cold

The cold is no joke when you’re spending hours outside or in drafty lodges, ski shops, or kitchens where the chill still lingers. Prolonged exposure to cold can zap your energy, lower your immune defenses, and make you more vulnerable to injury.

Simple preparation goes a long way:

• Layer wisely. A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof shell will keep you warm and dry through changing conditions. Avoid cotton, which traps moisture and chills the body.
  
  
• Fuel your body. Cold weather and high altitudes burn extra calories. Keep portable snacks like nuts, trail mix, protein or granola bars, or fruit on hand to maintain your energy during long shifts.
  
  
• Stay hydrated. Many workers underestimate how much water they need. The cold masks thirst, and dry mountain air accelerates dehydration. Keep a refillable bottle nearby, and sip often.
  
  

By protecting your body against the elements, you’ll have more energy for both work and play and reduce the chances of mid-season burnout or illness.

2. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

You likely don’t work a strict  9-to-5 schedule. With long shifts, back-to-back days, and  last-minute schedule changes, sleep is usually the first thing sacrificed to make it all work. On top of grueling schedules, peak tourist periods stretching can stretch staff thin, leading to exhaustion creeping up swiftly.

Rest is non-negotiable if you want to perform well and stay healthy. Think of recovery as part of your job:

• Aim for consistent sleep. Even with shifting schedules, create a simple bedtime routine. Maybe that looks like reading, stretching, or listening to calming music. Choose something that tells your body “hey, it’s time to power down” and helps your body recognize it’s time to relax.
  
  
• Stretch and move intentionally. Jobs that require repetitive motions like hauling gear, cleaning rooms, or standing for hours strain muscles and joints. Taking 10 minutes a day for stretching or yoga can dramatically reduce injury risk and help your muscles recover.
  
  
• Take micro-breaks. Even if you only have 2 minutes between tasks, stretch your arms, or close your eyes and breathe deeply. These small resets keep your body and mind from reaching overload.
  
  

Without recovery, the season can feel like an endless grind. So remember that rest isn’t wasted time. With it, you’re more resilient and able to enjoy the experience.

3. Manage Stress in a Fast-Paced Environment

Ski resorts are fun places, but they’re also busy and sometimes chaotic. Guests are stressed about their vacation, the weather changes plans, and managers are juggling a hundred moving parts. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos causing unpredictable stress spikes and little time to process them.

The key is to build habits that keep you centered:

• Shift your perspective & don’t take it personally. Not every guest’s frustration is about you. Remind yourself that you’re part of a larger system and don’t need to carry every problem on your shoulders.
  
  
• Have a “reset” ritual. After a long shift, have a go-to activity that signals to your brain it’s time to relax. Consider journaling, a favorite song, meditation, a hot shower, or a quick walk before bed.
  
  
• Lean on coworkers. Seasonal jobs often foster close bonds. Talking with others who understand the stress of the season creates camaraderie and makes tough days easier.

4. Make Time for the Fun Stuff!

It’s easy to lose sight of why you signed up for a ski season when you’re working back-to-back shifts, however one of the biggest regrets of workers after a season is realizing they barely enjoyed the mountain lifestyle they signed up for.

Finding balance is critical:

• Take advantage of perks. Whether it’s an employee lift pass, staff discounts, or downtime activities, use the benefits that come with your role. Hitting the slopes even once a week can re-energize you.
  
  
• Stay socially connected. Seasonal towns can feel transient, with people constantly coming and going. Building friendships creates a support system that helps you through long days. Invite others to dinner, explore the town, or just hang out after shifts.
  
  
• Set personal goals. Beyond work, find something just for yourself. It could be learning a new snow sport, saving a set amount of money, or simply dedicating time to a hobby. Personal goals give meaning to the season beyond your paycheck.
  
  

5. Prepare for Life After the Season

When the snow melts, the season ends and this transition can be disorienting. Many workers experience financial or emotional whiplash as they leave behind the ski community and face the uncertainty of what’s next. If you don’t plan for it, the transition can be tough.

Planning ahead reduces that stress:

• Save a little each paycheck. Setting aside even a small portion of each paycheck builds a cushion for the off-season. It may take some discipline, but will help your future self and is worth the effort.
  
  
• Think about your next step. Some workers move directly into summer resort jobs, while others take time off or pursue different careers. Having a plan makes the transition smoother.
  
  
• Reflect on the experience. Seasonal work isn’t just about the job; it’s about growth. Ask yourself: What did I learn about myself? How did I grow personally or professionally? What do I want to carry forward into my next role?
  
  

Ski resort work is demanding, but it can also be one of the most enriching seasons of your life. By taking care of your body, managing stress, and finding ways to enjoy the unique perks of the mountain lifestyle, you’ll walk away with more than just a paycheck; you’ll have stories, friendships, and an experience you’ll carry with you long after the snow has melted.

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