CHALLENGE ASPEN

LOCATION:

Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado

WAGES/PAY:

$100 / full day + tips

$50 / half day + tips  

EXPERIENCE:

Intermediate to advanced skiing ability (Level 7 or higher) 

START DATE:

November 13^th, 2023

Challenge Aspen is hiring Apprentice Pros for the 2023 – 2024 winter season. The Apprentice Pro will be responsible for facilitating adaptive skiing and/or snowboarding experiences for individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.  

This position is designed for people interested in learning and gaining knowledge in the adaptive snow sports and recreation industries. Apprentice Pros will be trained both on snow and indoors on disabilities, assist with adaptive skiing or snowboarding instruction and become educated on adaptive equipment before and during the ski season. 

Ideal candidates are those who are looking to develop the skills and knowledge to become adaptive and/or alpine ski instructors or to gain the necessary experience to work in the adaptive recreation, adventure tourism, snow sports and ski resort industries.

What to expect as an Apprentice Pro:

• Assist adaptive ski pros on Challenge Aspen ski lessons
• Be an on-snow buddy/guide for participants
• Visually impaired ski guiding
• Attendance of all required trainings
• Be a positive role model and ambassador of Challenge Aspen
• Assist REC camps and Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (CAMO) retreats
• Provide equipment maintenance and repair if needed
• Assistance with administrative projects as needed
• Facilitate additional activities for Challenge Aspen participants and families as requested

What we’re looking for in an Apprentice Pro:

• Must be 21 or older by November 13^th, 2023
• Ability to commit to entire ski season from November 13th 2023 through April 14^th, 2024.
• Intermediate to advanced skiing ability (level 7 or higher) Apprentice pros must be able to confidently ski on all groomed blue terrain.
• Makes safety a priority at all times 
• Interest in learning the techniques required to teach adaptive and/or alpine skiing.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred, but not required. 
• Able to fulfill physical requirements of the job; able to lift 50 lbs.
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Adhere to Challenge Aspen safety policies and procedures at all times 
• Willingness to commit to continuing education programs throughout the ski season such as trainings and clinics.
• Professional at all times with a high degree of customer service.
• Ability to work long hours outdoors, often times in snowy conditions with below zero temperatures. 
• Adaptable and flexible. Often times this job requires working many days in a row as well as day-of assignments and last-minute changes.
• Have a sense of humor!

Perks

• Rent controlled housing in Aspen, Colorado (if needed)
• Pay: $100 for full day worked/$50 for half day worked 
• Paid training from knowledgeable adaptive ski industry professionals
• A ski pass to all four Aspen Snowmass Mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain, Snowmass Mountain
• The Roaring Fork Transit Authority operates a free bus system between Aspen and Snowmass, with a bus stop steps from the rent-controlled housing
• Work in a rewarding field making a difference in people’s lives
• A casual, fun, and empowering work culture
• Spend the winter in Aspen, Colorado

Testimonials from past Apprentice Pros:

“I learned so much, made lifelong friendships, and had a full perspective change on what it means to ski. Seeing how skiing can impact someone on our lessons helped me fall in love with the sport again.”

“I am extremely grateful for the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that everyone afforded me every day at work. I gained new perspectives and because of that, I matured as a person.”

“The best thing about being an adaptive assistant was absolutely the participants- they were SO inspiring, driven, and creative in the ways in which they overcome and persevere.”

“I genuinely looked forward to coming into work every single day. Being a part of an organization that shares the same mission to put the ability back into disability was the best reason to get up and get after it every day.”