Living in Aspen, looking for the low down

[Braaapinxc7]

Hi Guys-

Long time reader, don't post much as I'm out here on the east coast in NH. I have posted on here before about moving to Colorado but the idea got side tracked with a new job (copier salesman for Xerox). I now have the opportunity to move to Aspen (free place to live for the winter). I have always wanted to get into snowmobile guiding. I have a lot of mechanical experience and am pretty good with people. I know I need to take some avalanche safety classes and outdoor survival classes which I actually can't wait to take. How difficult would it be to find a job with a touring company in Colorado? Is Aspen the absolute wrong place to move if you want to do this as a winter job? You are all probably thinking I wont be able to hang in the powder out there but I am confident I will have no problem. I do a lot of "Eastern" powder riding in Northern Quebec where I do the bulk of my snowmobiling.

I do not have to work as a guide I am open to other sales related positions, I may even look into transferring within my company.

I also have been informed by my friend that he would be able to get me a job on one of the snowmoking crews at one of the ski mountains.

I am looking for insight and details about living in working in the aspen area.

Thanks guys...Braaaaaap!

 

[AverageJoe]

If you're getting a free place to stay in Aspen, don't pass it up... The snow-making crew is always a job, but it ends on 12/31....unless you get another job on the mountain...because the tree-huggers make them shut the water off on the 31st. I live in Marble which is about an hour or so away. Always came out here to vaca, but moved out here from MI last year and I'm never leaving.. It actually happens to alot of people.. Lots of good riding real close to Aspen, and two big snowmobile "tour" companies near town, so just search them out and see if they need anyone.. You'll need to get your first aid and CPR training for one of these gigs, so keep that in mind. I just started renting ATVs and sleds, so look me up when you get out here as its always good to get more riding buddies... Good luck..

 

[MtnDoo]

The free pad is huge, but keep in mind there are lots of other "cost of living" increases by planting your roots in the ski towns - especially Aspen, Vail & Telluride. There's a "tourist tax" on everything from milk to gas to Kleenex. They just basically double the price of everything.

Not that that deters most who choose to live here, but it's usually an eye-opener for new arrivals from more reasonably priced places to live.

Rental tour guide = digging out rental sleds all day, and towing them back.
You may want to look into your copier sales/service field around the area and exploit those skills for $$$.

Lots of riding out here, and the lifestyle can't be beat!
(save for having to deal with masses of libs and greenies)

Each town is now wrestling with how to license and allow legalized "Medical Marajuana Dispenseries". Maybe you could open the first retail "Cocaine Dealership"... as Aspen would be the perfect market. "Chronic Pain" pays. [ just kidding! ]

Best of Luck!

MtnDoo

 

[Mnt bound]

stay away from a blonlne named Seph. its not cool

 

[sparky]

Hidden Gems

If you mare thinking of moving now is the time to get involved with the
Hidden Gems wilderness proposal
See the posts on this site for info on this subject
help protect our right to our public lands

 

[Yamahamod]

Dude Im telling you now taking familys out to ride 20 to 30 mph down a trail to a meadow to play and then back is boring as hell.

You will not need any kind of trainning other then your cpr first aid for the tour companys based out of Aspen.

If you want to have fun doing tours go guide for togwotee mtn lodge in WY, Snowyrangetours.com in Wy, or a more backcountry tour company in CO.

pm me for my phone # if your really looking for some insight on guiding tours and I could set you up with a job if your interested.
I ran tours for 4 years or so.