How to Make a Living as a Ski Bum
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Small Business.
How to Thrive as a Ski Bum
How to Live the Ski Life and Make a Living
Summary:
Discover how you can be self-employed, enjoy skiing daily, and even conduct business from the chair lifts. It might seem too good to be true, but it’s possible?"I’ve done it!Keywords:
small business, new business, bed and breakfast, lodging---
Turning Passion into a Lifestyle
If skiing is your passion and you dread the typical workday, you might think there’s no way to combine both interests while earning a decent living. Sure, you could become a ski lift operator and live frugally, but there’s a better path. I've found a way to be self-employed, hit the slopes by 10:00 am, and conduct business from the chairlift. This isn’t bragging?"just sharing the potential for a more enjoyable lifestyle. It’s the most fun I've had since college!
My Journey: A Bed & Breakfast Adventure
I bought a home near a major ski resort in Colorado and transformed it into a bed & breakfast. It’s entertaining and rewarding?"preparing breakfast every morning and skiing the rest of the day. Occasionally, I clean rooms, but most guests prefer their privacy. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast, a day on the slopes, dinner out, and then collapse from exhaustion. My schedule might seem like a 7am to 5pm workday, but I get a glorious six-hour break on the slopes.
A Typical Saturday
- 6:30 am: Shower, sip coffee, check emails, and the weather forecast.
- 7:00 am: Start guest coffee, prepare breakfast, and set the table.
- 8:00 am: Guests arrive for breakfast. I ensure they're well-fed and hydrated. Conversations revolve around skiing, the resort, and everyone’s excitement levels.
- 9:00 am: Handle credit card payments and movie checkouts. Provide guests with recommendations and directions before tackling the dishes.
- 9:30 am: Finish cleaning, shovel snow, and check the hot tub’s settings.
- 10:00 am: Hit the slopes.
- 11:00 am: Often, I receive phone reservations while on the chair lift. Guests are thrilled to hear I’m skiing, making them more likely to book. I respond to vibrations from my cell phone and can return calls later.
- 4:00 pm: Return home as the lifts close.
- 4:30 pm: Walk through the B&B, check on guests, return phone calls, and check emails.
- 5:00 pm: Recommend movies and dining options to returning guests.
After that, I’m mostly done for the day, except for a few reservations. Cleaning days are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but I manage to ski because there aren't many guests.
Tips for Success
Before starting a bed & breakfast, there are unique considerations:
- A Reliable Cell Phone: Ensure it works well on the mountain. Determine which company has the best reception.
- Informative Website: Most vacations are planned online, so make your website easy to find and helpful.
- Prime Location: Ensure your B&B has easy access to the slopes. Avoid providing transport?"it cuts into skiing time.
- Essential Hot Tub: Without it, you’re at a disadvantage.
- Unique Rooms: Offer themed rooms to fascinate guests.
- Vacation Rental Options: This allows you to take breaks and enjoy fresh tracks.
- Help from Friends: Friends can provide invaluable assistance. Offer them a place to stay and leftover breakfast in exchange.
Optional Enhancements
Consider these additional perks:
- Private Bathrooms: Convert closets if necessary.
- Coffee & Snack Bar: Let guests make their own coffee anytime.
- Movie Library: Set up DVD players in rooms and offer a variety of films. Buy used movies and ask friends for loans.
- Waffle Makers: Use instant mix with fresh additions to delight guests.
Final Thoughts
Some say running a bed and breakfast is tough, but it shouldn't be. Simplify tasks?"guests love a relaxed and engaging host. As you spend more time skiing, your concierge skills improve. Property near ski resorts tends to increase in value, and an established business can sell for a premium.
Time to break free from the cubicle, grab your skis, and embrace a lifestyle that lets you live fully as a ski bum!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: How to Make a Living as a Ski Bum.
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