Ski resort managers look after the operations of winter recreation hills.
They make sure that the ski season is as fun and successful as possible. Their
duties include looking after employees and making sure equipment and ski runs
are safe. Plus, they monitor the growth of the hill, manage finances and oversee
the marketing and promotion of the ski area.
The job duties for a ski resort manager can vary greatly, depending on
the type of work required and the size of the hill. "We have graduates in
all facets of the business -- in marketing, sales and operations," says Aaron
Liswood. He is the director of ski business and resort management at Sierra
Nevada College.
Ski resort managers work for both large and small ski areas. These hills
can be privately owned or part of a park system. Managers are generally hired
by upper management or by the owner of the ski hill.
Resort managers can usually work regular office hours. But they are often
required to be available on weekends when the hill is open. They are generally
in attendance for special promotional events as well.
Most ski resort managers love to hit the slopes themselves. However, depending
on the work, physical requirements can vary. Some may work in an office setting.
Others are out on the hill helping with staff and promotional events. "Most
people find that they ski a lot more before they start this work than after,"
says Liswood.