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March, 2024

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How hard is it to get a job at a ski shop?

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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,298
I know every store is different, and a lot of it has to do with their openings and what not. But every time i've tried, it just kind of goes horribly. I don't know or claim to know a ton about skis, but i know more than your average joe, and i have a pretty good resume and set of references.

But it seems like they only want people with professional experience tuning skis, which ive never been able to get. Is there generally an optimal time to apply, and what are some things i should/shouldn't say to stand out. I always dress well, even to pick up an application, and ive never struggled to get any other job. It would be really good to here from a store or a manager to know what you look for.
Jun 22 2013 2:01PM
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SnowMiser
Posts: 801 - Karma: 3,150
In order to get really good at tuning skis, you have to get a job at a ski shop
In order to get a job at a ski shop, you have to be really good at tuning skis
= Catch-22. But seriously, try an internship and have them teach you how to tune skis
Jun 22 2013 2:21PM
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zbphoto
Posts: 7789 - Karma: 12,037
Honestly, I hated working at a shop, besides the discounts which are nice I guess, have fun explaining to gapers why X ski with a sintered base and sidewall is better than Y ski with a foam core and bright graphics that sells for 1/4 the cost.

I also know 'quite a lot' about skis, and they just didn't care. It was a 'big box' store with a racing history and it was all about who you knew. I sold accessories while kids who didn't even ski were fitting boots on their first day because they were 'x's nephew' or friends of someone high up. Needless to say, I no longer work for the shop.....
Jun 22 2013 2:23PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,298
Im moving to somewhere that has some good shops, where ive found the people know what their doing and deal with a slightly more "core" clientele. Not to say gapers who like shiny topsheets don't ever shop there, but the two shops i have in mind are owned and run by freeskiers who i have met and enjoy, which i could probably use to my advantage. Im not planning on working at REI or Big 5, nothing against them, but i don't think i could deal with the high level of stupidity on a daily basis.
Jun 22 2013 2:28PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
Try that at a shop.
People I know who work in shops started in the retail sections, then bother the ski techs to show them stuff, and then do work for them (pick up shifts), then get recommended when positions open for ski tech.
Jun 22 2013 2:35PM
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zbphoto
Posts: 7789 - Karma: 12,037
That sounds awesome then, and yep, exactly what I was feeling when I parted ways.
Jun 22 2013 2:38PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,298
Well thanks ya'll. I'll hit up the shops and see if i can intern a few hours a week. I wish i wasn't in a position where i had to make money, trying to intern when i was 15 would have been a lot smarter.
Jun 22 2013 2:53PM
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joelski
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 736
to learn to tune just work at a rental shop at a resort for a bit
Jun 22 2013 4:57PM
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zbphoto
Posts: 7789 - Karma: 12,037
Yeah I did High School Co-op at a ski store when I was in grade 11, great way to get experience and best two credits ever.
Jun 22 2013 5:18PM
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