While engaging in 3 days of midweek skiing I was introduced to the possibility of another prospective profession: A Ski Representative. Now although a ski rep is actually a profession, it is more like it's own unique subculture. A "nomadic" culture if you will, populated by the likes a twenty-somethings like myself, who travel from mountain to mountain promoting/selling their particular brands of ski equipment. After seeing the same group of ski reps at various mountains over the course of the week, I likened their existence to that of a band of gypsies. They all have company vehicles filled with skis, poles, boots etc; and usually are involved with setting up demos at the mountain for skiers to sample the upcoming year's newest and latest. Ski reps are up and at 'em, arriving at the mountain early and setting up tents or other similar stations. They tend to inquiring skiers throughout the day, recommending different equipment, answering questions, talking business with shop owners, etc; they even get to take a few runs here and there. And at the end of the day, they pack up their company vehicles and gather together at a slopeside watering hole or nearby establishment for a little Apres Ski/shop talk. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Apres Ski is a French term literally meaning "after skiing." For many skiers, it is their favorite type of skiing.. For any of you golfers, Apres Ski has a similar existence to that of the 19th hole.
After the day is complete they move on, traveling from mountain to mountain throughout New England. Now, these ski companies will most likely let their reps expense hotel rooms, however the good reps have made enough contacts where they have places to stay at each respective mountain. For example, earlier this winter a friend and I ventured up to Sugarloaf, ME for the weekend to stay with one of our ski rep friends. He is employed by ski giant Rossignol, and over the years, this particular family had become "friends" of Rossignol; meaning that in exchange for ski equipment, they offer up their ski condo at the base of Sugarloaf to ski reps whenever convenient. So that particular weekend, the family was not using the condo, so the 3 of us were fortunate enough to stay in this very nice condo, as well as get free ski passes. And in a sport where everything is so expensive, a free ski pass is golden, while a free place to stay is platinum. ( In this case, I'm assuming platinum is way better than gold)...
After spending significant time with these folks, it dawned on me that it may actually be the profession for me. It would combine my 6+ years of sales experience with another great love of mine: skiing. And, of course, one of the primary goals of this sabbatical is to find a profession that will make me "jump out of bed" in the morning. And the life and times of a ski rep is definitely one that would intrigue me, as well as combine a couple of strengths of mine.
So the salary of a ski rep is not astronomical, however there are many perks. All ski reps have rather handsome expense accounts, covering all meals and travel expenses. And since they travel pretty much non-stop throughout the ski season, that is very beneficial. Then they have company vehicles, usually a Jeep or some similar type of SUV. Then they are always provided with new ski gear, from apparel to skis to various other types of swag. These reps are always "suited and booted" to the 9's.
I feel like its a very incestuous industry; reps routinely switch from company to company, and they maintain all their contacts at shops and mountains throughout the area. I'm not quite sure if its easy to break into, or if one must start somewhere at the very bottom before gaining acceptance into the culture. And my hair may be a little too short for the industry, however with this beard I have going, I may be able to fit in. Plus, I ski at a super-expert level, so maybe I can have a ski-off with a rep and take their job...ha ha ha
So, just another idea to add to the many that I have (or don't have) floating around my head at the time. I mean, if I could combine a love of mine with an actual career, shouldn't I jump on it?
Alrighty then people, mull these thoughts over in your own heads and we will reconvene at a later date and time.
And until next time, I will leave you with a piece of advice I picked up over the weekend, which may or may not apply to my life at this stage of the game:
ski fast, take chances
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