Early Ups | Jared Winkler

By Yeti Jun 15, 2026
From park features to dream job: meet Brighton’s Jared Winkler.
Early Ups | Jared Winkler

Some people find a career path. Others build it themselves. And sometimes, it's built out of scrap metal, snow and a passion for riding.

Long before he was helping shape the voice and vision of Brighton, Jared Winkler was a young snowboarder in Big Cottonwood Canyon building park features with his friends. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into an opportunity. Brighton noticed the energy, the innovation and the love for the mountains, and invited Jared to help build terrain park features for the resort.

That one opportunity snowballed into a lifelong career at Brighton.

Over the years, Jared has worn a lot of hats, and that willingness to learn and lead eventually guided him into his current role helping oversee marketing efforts at one of Utah’s top ski resorts. Fast forward to today, and Jared’s kids are now growing up sliding down the very same mountain he did as a kid. Future employees? We sure hope so!

While you’ll usually find Jared behind a desk in the marketing office leading a team of incredible folks, you’re just as likely to find him chasing pow or casting lines. Life’s all about balance, and Jared definitely knows how to have fun!

His story is a reminder that ski resort jobs aren’t always just jobs. They can become careers rooted in a love for the mountains. The ski industry is built by passionate people who care deeply about mountain culture and creating unforgettable experiences for others.

So if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work at a ski resort, consider this your sign. Your dream job might start with a shovel or bumping chairs, but you never know where it might lead.

Looking to explore ski resort careers in Utah? From seasonal gigs to long-term careers, Utah’s resorts offer opportunities both on and off the mountain. Learn more about working in Utah’s ski industry and discover where a job in the mountains could take you.