7 Careers Fans of Winter Sports Should Consider

If you turn your passion into your career, you won’t work a day in your life – so the wisdom goes.

If you’re a winter sports fan, there are a number of jobs you could consider which will combine your interest with a way to earn a living.

Get your gear in order and take a look at these seven career options for winter sports enthusiasts:

Ski Photographer

Photography is big business, but in order to photograph skiers, you actually have to be able to ski yourself. Imagine trying to be in position to take an iconic shot, without being a top notch skier yourself, not going to happen.

This incredible job allows you to get slope time in while working, though you will have to be motivated enough to work for yourself unless you get in with a big magazine – and you need the skills, too.

The best news is that when big events come around – we’re picturing the Winter Olympics – you might have a shot of getting a press pass once you have some experience under your belt.

Sports Writer

There are a number of winter sports to consider, from skiing to snowboarding to ice hockey, so you’re best off aiming for the sport that you enjoy the most. If you have the background knowledge, you could even write for a variety of sports.

You will cover events as they happen, write features on athletes, conduct interviews, and review venues. It’s a fairly cushy job but you need the writing skills and connections to make it work.

Videographer

People who go skiing or snowboarding in their spare time often like to record what they get up to on the slopes.

As a videographer, you will need to follow groups or individuals and record them, which means following them all the way down the slope and keeping your distance so you can film it all. Much like photography, you need the skiing skills, as well as the videography skills.

You’ll need a lot of practice, and you’ll need a start-up fund to get all of the necessary equipment, plus knowledge of the editing software required.

Marketing Specialist

All companies and brands need marketers. Whether you represent a ski brand, an alpine clothing company, a resort, a team, an athlete, or a sport, you can find a way to get involved as a marketing specialist.

Put out advertisements, work with influencers, and use social media to spread the word about your client or employer.

Equipment Manager

If you don’t have the skills to be a pro athlete, you can always hang around them all day.

An equipment manager is responsible for uniforms, laundry, equipment, ordering new supplies, and making sure the team always has what they need during games and practices.

Massage Therapist

If you’re good with your hands, and prepared to take courses to get trained, then becoming a massage therapist could be for you. All athletes require massages on a regular basis to keep their bodies working well, especially at times of injury, so you can get involved with whichever sport you prefer.

Piste-basher

This job is about as unique as they come.

A piste-basher operates during the night and uses a machine to smooth out the piste (french for compacted snow) ready for everyone to hit the slopes in the morning. It’s dark, lonely, and sometimes dangerous, but only requires a three-day course in training. You’ll also have the whole day to enjoy the slopes for yourself after you clock off, but you might miss out on the social life of the resort in exchange.

There are lots of ways to get involved with your favorite winter sports in terms of your career, and it could be the kind of path that shapes your whole life for the better. When you love what you do, what more could you wish for?

Savannah Wardle is an experienced traveller and photographer who loves winter sports and mountains. Whenever not working at SnowPak.com, she’s at the slopes in the US or Europe. She’s also keen on yoga and fitness.