Would you want to be a groomer operator?

MilkyWookiee said:

Totally would love to ride shotgun a few times! To learn about the mountain and the process from the people who know it best and are the most passionate sounds amazing. Unfortunately most mountains that offer snow cat rides are usually overpriced scenic tours for families with little ones. Hopefully someone corrects me on this!

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I have been in a groomer one time. I read an article from Epic Ski few years ago about the life of a night groomer. In the article, the guy (assume it's a male) described his nightly routine, what he likes and dislikes about the job, challenges come w/ the work.... Some of the stuff he wrote is pretty technical and I wasn't able to comprehend fully. Anyway, it prompted my interest to learn more about it. Before I went on ski trips, I would email ski resorts and asked if I can ride with a groomer to learn what more about it. To my surprise, I got one reply back (a reputable one) and was given a contact to the supervisor. He was kind enough to arrange me to ride a groomer w/ one of his staff one night. The ride was free.

The groomer I rode with, he was in his 20's? It turned out he had no prior experience in grooming, but he likes to ski! One key requirement to get hired for the job is (for that resort), you have to like the sport (i.e.skiing). That way, you will know how to groom. Basically, you want to groom the slopes the way how skiers like to ski them. He told me he gets to ski first track once a week with his supervisor. During the run, the sup would give them feedback on the grooming.

This guy had no prior experience in operating heavy machinery, driving large vehicles... but he likes to ski.... I think it is a very neat and smart hiring strategy.

I rode with him for an hour or so, "watched' him groom couple slopes. It was a really neat learning experience. It put things I read from that article into context.

I wonder how many women are in this profession though? Strictly speaking for the working hours, it is a good job esp. if you have kids to take care of. Because you go to work after putting kids to bed, and get home to see kids off to school after work...

Aside from driving a grooming vehicle, not sure how handy one needs to be? E.g. does one need to know how to fix things or do vehicle maintenance work, etc.? Is it a male dominant profession? I did not ask him these questions.

marzNC said:

Would you want to run a groomer? How about take a ride on one?

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I can't see myself running / driving a groomer because I have A.D.D. (asian driving deficiency).
But taking a ride on one was neat and fun experience.

I have been in a groomer one time. I read an article from Epic Ski few years ago about the life of a night groomer. In the article, the guy (assume it's a male) described his nightly routine, what he likes and dislikes about the job, challenges come w/ the work.... Some of the stuff he wrote is pretty technical and I wasn't able to comprehend fully. Anyway, it prompted my interest to learn more about it. Before I went on ski trips, I would email ski resorts and asked if I can ride with a groomer to learn what more about it. To my surprise, I got one reply back (a reputable one) and was given a contact to the supervisor. He was kind enough to arrange me to ride a groomer w/ one of his staff one night. The ride was free.The groomer I rode with, he was in his 20's? It turned out he had no prior experience in grooming, but he likes to ski! One key requirement to get hired for the job is (for that resort), you have to like the sport (i.e.skiing). That way, you will know how to groom. Basically, you want to groom the slopes the way how skiers like to ski them. He told me he gets to ski first track once a week with his supervisor. During the run, the sup would give them feedback on the grooming.This guy had no prior experience in operating heavy machinery, driving large vehicles... but he likes to ski.... I think it is a very neat and smart hiring strategy.I rode with him for an hour or so, "watched' him groom couple slopes. It was a really neat learning experience. It put things I read from that article into context.I wonder how many women are in this profession though? Strictly speaking for the working hours, it is a good job esp. if you have kids to take care of. Because you go to work after putting kids to bed, and get home to see kids off to school after work...Aside from driving a grooming vehicle, not sure how handy one needs to be? E.g. does one need to know how to fix things or do vehicle maintenance work, etc.? Is it a male dominant profession? I did not ask him these questions. @MilkyWookiee : you can consider doing what I did. Making cold calls (emails) to ski resorts that you will be traveling to. Worst case would be getting no replies. All you need is one reply and a "yes" that's all...I can't see myself running / driving a groomer because I have A.D.D. (asian driving deficiency).But taking a ride on one was neat and fun experience.