Tahoe resorts gear up employment for winter season

Lake Tahoe resorts are gearing up for the ski season, and the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce as well as individual resorts scheduled job fairs this month and early next month to find workers.

"We're doing it to make it convenient for potential employees," said Katrina Paz, spokesperson for the chamber. "It's like having one-stop shopping."

Among the employers participating in the chamber event on Oct. 28 will be Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA. Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Mount Rose/Ski Tahoe and the Truckee Tahoe Unified School District.

Many of the resorts have already hired personnel from overseas, starting early because of the time it takes to obtain work permits and visas. Squaw Valley Personnel Manager Dede Carrillo said the resort hires foreign students because there are not enough available workers in the area.

Carrillo said Squaw Valley hired between 120 and 150 foreign students.

"We participate (in the chamber fair) to reach as many people as possible, " said Savannah Cowley, a spokesperson for Squaw Valley Ski Corp., "Some resorts (like us) have their own job fair as well." Squaw Valley is holding a job fair on Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olympic Village Lodge.

Cowley said many young people move to Tahoe at this time of year because of the approaching ski season and stay through the summer.

"I think the skiing and snowboarding are the big draw," Cowley said.

Cowley said Squaw Valley typically employs about 1,300 during the ski season.

In addition to the pay, which is above minimum wage, Cowley said Squaw Valley employees receive full season passes for themselves and dependents.

(The chamber of commerce job fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Sierra Mountain Middle School in Truckee. Representatives from the Housing Connection and the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association also will be on hand to provide information to potential workers.)