<p>Our son has been accepted to CU Boulder (engineering school) for fall of 2014 and is thinking of taking a gap year before starting. He loves to ski and is considering seasonal employment at one of Colorado's ski resorts next winter, working before and after the season here in his home town (not CO) to help cover expenses. Believing that he could be more focused at CU once he arrives if he took a gap year, his Dad and I are supportive of this plan as long as there is a plan. So . . . does any one out there have suggestions about how he might wisely approach this? Do some resorts have a better reputation for 18 yr olds and gap years than others? Is it reasonable to think that by end of the season he'd break even in terms of income and expenses (assuming he comes into it with some money saved) Preliminary research suggests that some of the resorts at least have dorm-type housing available for seasonal employees. Any tips to direct his research and ground this fledgling plan in reality would be much appreciated. Also, I presume there's no downside to starting at CU a year later, but if anyone now enrolled took a gap year and has cautionary advice, please weigh in!</p>
<p>I’m a Colorado resident with a son at CU-Boulder. He’s crazy about skiing as well and gets tons of skiing in every winter. The proximity of the resorts, and discounted student lift tickets makes it incredibly easy for him. He has his own vehicle but often rides up with friends.</p>
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<li><p>Eldora Ski Resort is 30 minutes west of Boulder. Season ticket is $149 dollars and there is even night skiing for die hards. Students can catch a direct bus for 5 dollars.</p></li>
<li><p>Wells Fargo Bank offers free season pass for new account holders for Intrawest Resorts unlimited skiing at WinterPark and Copper Mountain, plus 6 days at Steamboat Springs and Monarch.</p></li>
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<p>Intrawest season passholders also can get heavily discounted lodging deals and half price tickets for family/friends. </p>
<p>Seasonal resort workers make minimum wage and work long irregular hours. It’s possible your son would get almost as much skiing in as a full-time student at CU. </p>
<p>As far as seasonal employment, I have heard better things about Intrawest over Vail Resorts. A coworker son had a great experience working season at Loveland Ski Resort. He drove up I-70 every day from Golden.</p>