As you ski from lift to lift at western resorts, have you ever wondered about the nametags on lift attendants from places like Brazil, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand? It’s no accident. At major ski areas like Utah’s Deer Valley Resort, international seasonal workers in the J-1 visa program are a vital part of the lifeblood of a resort that employs more than 3,000 people in winter. In this episode of Last Chair, Deer Valley recruiting manager Meg Wandishin shares the important role J-1s play at the resort.
The student-based J-1 program, launched in the 1960s, has become an important tool for the tourism industry, including ski resorts. It opens doors for international students to travel, work, improve their English, and gain experience in the United States through cultural exchange.
A passionate skier, Wandishin grew up in Maine. A chance meeting with a businessman led her into recruiting. She loved the work, but she also loved skiing. After heading to Utah for what was supposed to be a short visit, she quickly realized she had found a new home.
“I took my chance to ski bum, and explore all the amazing mountains and places out here,” she said. “And just absolutely fell in love with the area.”
When a recruiting job opened at Deer Valley, she jumped at it. Today, she helps oversee hiring across the resort, including the vital J-1 program.
In recruiting J-1 candidates, Deer Valley primarily looks to the Southern Hemisphere, especially Latin America – Argentina, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Brazil, and beyond. Each winter, the resort’s workforce swells to more than 3,300 employees, and the J-1 program helps fill critical seasonal roles. But, as Wandishin emphasizes, its value goes far beyond staffing.
It’s not just about the work. It’s a cultural exchange. Students come to learn, improve their English, experience life in the U.S., and build friendships that last long after the season ends.
For many, it’s their first time seeing snow. Deer Valley leans into that experience, offering ski lessons and encouraging J-1 employees to embrace the mountains they help bring to life for guests. By season’s end, it’s not uncommon to see first-time skiers confidently navigating blue runs – an evolution Wandishin finds especially rewarding.
“There’s something amazing about watching that full journey,” she said. “From interviewing someone in Lima or Buenos Aires, to seeing them months later skiing with friends and feeling at home here—it’s incredibly special.”
The impact flows both ways. Domestic staff gain new perspectives working alongside peers from around the world, while guests feel the energy and enthusiasm J-1 workers bring to every interaction.
So next time you spot a hometown on a nametag that’s thousands of miles away, say hello, ask a question, and make them feel welcome in their Utah home for the season.
“We primarily hire out of the southern hemisphere because their summer is our winter. So they can come and spend the bulk of their summer vacation with us, make some money, and work with us. And then also get to experience Park City and just life in the United States for them as well.” - Meg Wandishin
