For those of you that have worked Mammoth Mountain in the past: the housing seems more expensive than most places I've seen. Were you able to save money there?
I haven't worked at Mammoth...but another ski resort. I've also looked at most. Mammoth Mountain's housing is actually average to high-average for those ski resorts that do have housing. Many ski places do not have their own housing.
A couple of things...most ski places that do have housing, the housing is newer and a little 'nicer'. They also tend to have been bought from the normal marketplace than built on property. Real estate prices in ski resort areas have always been a bit higher...especially in season rates. They also usually pay a large heating bill.
Several other variables for the saving money equation need to be worked out. Sometimes the pay is a little greater. Do you work at a usually higher paying (fine dining serving, bartending) position? How well is Mother Nature going to cooperate...(no snow means a lot fewer people). Do you know how to ski or snowboard and already own your own equipment? If you don't...are you planning to take lessons and buy? Then how much do you spend? Most ski resort's housing does not include a meal plan... Have your own vehicle?...How much do you drive it? How much is your entertainment budget?...
Thanks, that's a lot of good advice to consider. I've worked summers at Yellowstone and Grand Teton and thought I'd try out a winter season job. I guess I'm just used to National Park housing prices.
There are other options than ski resorts. The parks in California are open during the winter, and so is the Grand Canyon and Big Bend. There is the ranch season in Arizona. There are some resorts in Florida. All will most likely have a less expensive housing program. What kind of work are you looking for...food and beverage, housekeeping, front of house...?
i"ve worked at mammoth and the housing is very expensive and it does't come with meals. it was very and hard to save money. it also seem really easy to get 6 days a week off...... little joke most jobs there depend on the snow for work ie no snow no work .....also depends if people come.
I wanted to come back to this topic just to say that if you're interested in a ski resort atmosphere, both the snow and the comaraderie that it is a great experience. It can be a very fun and rewarding season. But if you're looking at money as being a prime objective...this might not be your best choice.
i worked for mammoth for 2 years, the housing is high, but the pay there is better than just about any resort except vail i think, the lowest of the lowest job will still start you around $10/hour. you can save money, but it depends on how much you want to work and how much you want to drink. the bars are not cheap. but as a non drinker i saved $3000 living in the next-to-cheapest housing and working as a lifty.