First year ski instructor. I’m in my mid twenties, switching careers.
Should I live in truckee and work for palisades/alpine? They offer healthcare for seasonal employees for $132 a month.
Or should I work at JHMR and live in victor/driggs? No healthcare but they pay more per hour. Idaho marketplace insurance seems like it would be similarly affordable.
Either way I want to move to Bay Area after.
I would mostly be touring/splitboarding on days off
Rent likely similar
As I see it
Pros to Tahoe:
More chance of big storm cycle
Bigger community of people my age and more connection to Bay Area.
Health insurance
5 days/week minimum guaranteed
Able to get to coast to surf a couple times
Better inbounds terrain/snow for learning tricks on natural features? In my experience
Cons to Tahoe:
Heavier snow
Less reliable snow
Warmer/rainier
Pays less
5 days week/minimum required
Pros to Jackson:
Better instructor development
Drier, better snow
Pays more
Once in a lifetime sort of opportunity to live in and explore Tetons
Will be able to visit Tahoe when it’s good from Bay Area in future seasons. Jackson more remote
Bigger instructor community/cohort
Probably will have more time off to ski for myself
Cons to Jackson:
Farther commute from Idaho
Cant surf if I take time off
Probably less snowy overall in super El Niño year than palisades
No health insurance
Bit more expensive, worse food
Is there anything I’m missing?? Leaning Jackson here.