6 answers
Seeger
Student
Golden, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
1410 views
What are some careers if I love skiing and rock climbing?
I don't enjoy being at school or in an office, and think I would be happier doing something hands on or having my own business.
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6 answers
Sean McEvoy
Ski Lift Mountain Operations
10
Answers
Burke, VT
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Seeger,
I'm thrilled you asked about this! Working at a ski resort can be a fantastic opportunity if you love skiing. Consider roles like ski patroller, lift attendant, snow sports instructor, or park crew. These jobs let you enjoy skiing and being on the snow. Some positions are seasonal, but you can work in the summer or aim for a year-round leadership role.
For rock climbing, you could become an instructor or guide, helping people explore different climbing spots based on their skill level.
I wish you the best of luck. I'm confident you'll find something perfect for you, especially in Colorado, where outdoor activities are endless no matter the season.
I'm thrilled you asked about this! Working at a ski resort can be a fantastic opportunity if you love skiing. Consider roles like ski patroller, lift attendant, snow sports instructor, or park crew. These jobs let you enjoy skiing and being on the snow. Some positions are seasonal, but you can work in the summer or aim for a year-round leadership role.
For rock climbing, you could become an instructor or guide, helping people explore different climbing spots based on their skill level.
I wish you the best of luck. I'm confident you'll find something perfect for you, especially in Colorado, where outdoor activities are endless no matter the season.
Nancy Wall
Social Impact
19
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Hi there! It sounds like you really enjoy the outdoors and sports.
You might want to check out ski resorts that hire seasonal workers and offer one-on-one training for kids. Finding a job that lets you stay close to what you love is important. Starting with seasonal work can help you meet others who share your interests.
You could also begin with a job that's not exactly in your dream field but is in a place with lots of opportunities. As you meet more people and make connections, your job options will expand. Best of luck!
You might want to check out ski resorts that hire seasonal workers and offer one-on-one training for kids. Finding a job that lets you stay close to what you love is important. Starting with seasonal work can help you meet others who share your interests.
You could also begin with a job that's not exactly in your dream field but is in a place with lots of opportunities. As you meet more people and make connections, your job options will expand. Best of luck!
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
37
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
You have made one of the most important steps toward your dream. You reside in an outdoors paradise!! If you love skiing and rock climbing, there are several career paths that let you integrate your passion for the outdoors with meaningful, often exciting work. Some of these are hands-on, others are creative or technical, and many offer a lifestyle that keeps you close to the mountains, adventure, and community. I have a second home in a mountain town and love hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, snowshoeing, etc, so I feel your connection to the outdoors!
Ski or Climbing Instructor / Guide
• Teach others how to ski, snowboard, or climb
• I know you don’t want extensive schooling but this areas may require certifications: e.g., PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America), AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association).
• Seasonal work, often in mountain towns or national parks.
Mountain or Backcountry Guide (For example I have been on white water rafting expeditions in West Virginia which was ran by a guide)
• Lead multi-day trips, expeditions, or skiing/backcountry tours.
• Strong technical skills, wilderness medicine, and risk management knowledge I am sure will be required.
• High trust/responsibility role, often freelance or part of small guiding companies. Parks, Wilderness, & Environmental Careers
Park Ranger or Wilderness Officer
• Work for the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service.
• Combine outdoor work, public education, conservation, and safety.
• Hands-on environmental work: maintaining trails, erosion control, climbing area restoration.
• Great entry-level way to be outdoors. Outdoor Photographer / Videographer /
Content Creator
• Document ski trips, climbs, expeditions, gear reviews, or landscapes.
• Work freelance or for outdoor brands, resorts, or travel companies.
• Can pair well with writing, filmmaking, or social media. Adventure Writer / Journalist / Blogger
• Review gear, document climbs, or share travel experiences.
• Often freelance-based but can evolve into a full-time editorial role. Outdoor Recreation Management / Resort Operations
• Work at ski resorts, climbing gyms, or wilderness outfitters in management, logistics, or operations.
• Ideal for those who enjoy leadership or hospitality but want to stay close to outdoor activity.
Outdoor Recreation Management / Resort Operations
• Work at ski resorts, climbing gyms, or wilderness outfitters in management, logistics, or operations.
Many people build hybrid careers by combining multiple roles:
• Climbing guide + seasonal photographer
• Ski instructor in winter + trail builder or raft guide in summer
• Freelance writer + gear tester for outdoor
If skiing and climbing are your passions, your career doesn’t have to compete with them—it can complement or be built around them. Whether you’re teaching, documenting, designing, or protecting wild spaces, the key is to match your skills with your lifestyle goals.
I have a friend who followed his passion after a technology career and is now a ski instructor in Lake Tahoe. I would be happy to connect you to him for advise.
Best wishes turning your passions into a career!
Wyatt
Ski or Climbing Instructor / Guide
• Teach others how to ski, snowboard, or climb
• I know you don’t want extensive schooling but this areas may require certifications: e.g., PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America), AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association).
• Seasonal work, often in mountain towns or national parks.
Mountain or Backcountry Guide (For example I have been on white water rafting expeditions in West Virginia which was ran by a guide)
• Lead multi-day trips, expeditions, or skiing/backcountry tours.
• Strong technical skills, wilderness medicine, and risk management knowledge I am sure will be required.
• High trust/responsibility role, often freelance or part of small guiding companies. Parks, Wilderness, & Environmental Careers
Park Ranger or Wilderness Officer
• Work for the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service.
• Combine outdoor work, public education, conservation, and safety.
• Hands-on environmental work: maintaining trails, erosion control, climbing area restoration.
• Great entry-level way to be outdoors. Outdoor Photographer / Videographer /
Content Creator
• Document ski trips, climbs, expeditions, gear reviews, or landscapes.
• Work freelance or for outdoor brands, resorts, or travel companies.
• Can pair well with writing, filmmaking, or social media. Adventure Writer / Journalist / Blogger
• Review gear, document climbs, or share travel experiences.
• Often freelance-based but can evolve into a full-time editorial role. Outdoor Recreation Management / Resort Operations
• Work at ski resorts, climbing gyms, or wilderness outfitters in management, logistics, or operations.
• Ideal for those who enjoy leadership or hospitality but want to stay close to outdoor activity.
Outdoor Recreation Management / Resort Operations
• Work at ski resorts, climbing gyms, or wilderness outfitters in management, logistics, or operations.
Many people build hybrid careers by combining multiple roles:
• Climbing guide + seasonal photographer
• Ski instructor in winter + trail builder or raft guide in summer
• Freelance writer + gear tester for outdoor
If skiing and climbing are your passions, your career doesn’t have to compete with them—it can complement or be built around them. Whether you’re teaching, documenting, designing, or protecting wild spaces, the key is to match your skills with your lifestyle goals.
I have a friend who followed his passion after a technology career and is now a ski instructor in Lake Tahoe. I would be happy to connect you to him for advise.
Best wishes turning your passions into a career!
Wyatt
Susan B
Talent Management, Human Resources Executive
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi Seeger --
It's great that you have clarity on following a career that maintains an active lifestyle! Staying active and healthy will pay dividends throughout your life.
3 Quick Ideas:
1. Get clear on the why. You have identified what doesn't make you happy (school/office), and perhaps what would (e.g. hands on/business owner). What specifically about office/school doesn't work for you? For example, perhaps you don't like office work because computer work is sedentary and you are an active person. Using the "5 why's" is a simple technique for finding the root cause or problems, or can be applied here for career goals. https://vault.com/blogs/interviewing/how-to-use-the-5-whys-to-clarify-your-career-goals
2. Explore your interests. Start by identifying your skills and passions, then research potential career paths that align with them. Consider taking career aptitude tests, talking to family/friends or role models (informational interviews) in various fields, and even trying out informal experiences like volunteering or shadowing (follow person for a few hours/day) to see what resonates with you. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/free-career-aptitude-tests-for-adults
3. Some business education is necessary to own a viable business. You will need to gain basic understanding of management/marketing/accounting, in order to write a business plan to get a loan to start your business. There are a ton of free resources in the U.S. for getting a small business started. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business.
Best of Luck!
It's great that you have clarity on following a career that maintains an active lifestyle! Staying active and healthy will pay dividends throughout your life.
3 Quick Ideas:
1. Get clear on the why. You have identified what doesn't make you happy (school/office), and perhaps what would (e.g. hands on/business owner). What specifically about office/school doesn't work for you? For example, perhaps you don't like office work because computer work is sedentary and you are an active person. Using the "5 why's" is a simple technique for finding the root cause or problems, or can be applied here for career goals. https://vault.com/blogs/interviewing/how-to-use-the-5-whys-to-clarify-your-career-goals
2. Explore your interests. Start by identifying your skills and passions, then research potential career paths that align with them. Consider taking career aptitude tests, talking to family/friends or role models (informational interviews) in various fields, and even trying out informal experiences like volunteering or shadowing (follow person for a few hours/day) to see what resonates with you. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/free-career-aptitude-tests-for-adults
3. Some business education is necessary to own a viable business. You will need to gain basic understanding of management/marketing/accounting, in order to write a business plan to get a loan to start your business. There are a ton of free resources in the U.S. for getting a small business started. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business.
Best of Luck!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
730
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Seeger,
Some ideas.....
If you want something that's directly related to skiing and rock climbing, you could be a skiing/rock climbing instructor, PE teacher, coach, or a tourist/tour guide. You could own a climbing gym or run a camp ground. You could also be a photographer or film maker and specialize in nature or sports photography.
If you are looking for other jobs that can require athleticism and are outdoors, park ranger, zoologist/wildlife biologist, environmental scientist, marine biologist, or geologist might fit the bill.
If you want to keep your hobbies as hobbies and learn a trade, how about welder, roofer or carpenter? You could build your own business and make good money while being physically active. Your hobbies would remain as hobbies to enjoy.
Military, firefighting, law enforcement or national guard might also be suitable options.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Some ideas.....
If you want something that's directly related to skiing and rock climbing, you could be a skiing/rock climbing instructor, PE teacher, coach, or a tourist/tour guide. You could own a climbing gym or run a camp ground. You could also be a photographer or film maker and specialize in nature or sports photography.
If you are looking for other jobs that can require athleticism and are outdoors, park ranger, zoologist/wildlife biologist, environmental scientist, marine biologist, or geologist might fit the bill.
If you want to keep your hobbies as hobbies and learn a trade, how about welder, roofer or carpenter? You could build your own business and make good money while being physically active. Your hobbies would remain as hobbies to enjoy.
Military, firefighting, law enforcement or national guard might also be suitable options.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2135
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in Ski & Rock climbing.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to be Ski athlete, ski instructor, Boulder Athlete, Rock Climbing Instructor, Boulder Instructor, etc. In general, you can also consider spares management careers as well. You can find out more online. In addition, you can also be a boulder instructor in summer and ski instructor in winter.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the qualifications required for these careers. Attend the required training and prepare for the assessment to obtain the qualifications.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to be Ski athlete, ski instructor, Boulder Athlete, Rock Climbing Instructor, Boulder Instructor, etc. In general, you can also consider spares management careers as well. You can find out more online. In addition, you can also be a boulder instructor in summer and ski instructor in winter.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the qualifications required for these careers. Attend the required training and prepare for the assessment to obtain the qualifications.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!