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J-1s: Cultural and Labor Values Whatever the future of the J-1 program, there is no denying its value, both as an important source of short-term laborers and a way to break down barriers and deepen cultural understanding among people from all over the world. “We value the cultural exchange that happens across our resort and appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences our J-1 and H-2B team members bring to the mountain,” Heon said. “Aside from filling a labor gap that cannot be filled locally,” agreed Sullivan, “our J-1 participants bring the vibrancy of their various cultures to our community. As soon-to-be young professionals in their respective industries, they contribute highly educated and service-oriented per- spectives to the departments they work in, elevating our entire team and creating a global network of connections among our guests and domestic staff.” At Camelback, Popovich said the value of the J-1 program is multi-faceted. “They help us to increase our staffing levels at peak times. Our local population is only so large. The J-1 program almost becomes a world-wide extension of our local popu- lation. We enjoy the opportunity to have a team as diverse as the guests we serve.” “J-1s are great to have around,” Ben- ton agreed. “They definitely bring a whole new facet to our work/life.”
“We’ll adapt to any regulatory chang- es as needed,” added Heon at Sunday River. “We will continue to review our seasonal staffing needs as we do each year, including both the J-1 and H-2B programs.” Zero Tolerance of Harassment Despite the popularity of the internation- al student/worker program, workplace issues inevitably can arise, including harassment that might be directed at some of these workers from guests or even other staff. HR officials are adamant that harassment of any kind, directed at anyone, is not acceptable or tolerated. “We have a zero tolerance harassment policy that applies to all guests and team members,” said Sullivan at Windham. “We teach de-escalation for any type of situation,” added Popovich at Camel- back. “It’s not just focused on interna- tional work and travel programs, but all types of situations.” Same at Taos, said Benton. “We have very few, very isolated incidents between guests and staff. We stress de-escalation training and tools. I don’t think it’s a huge problem where we are. We are more concerned for our community at large, and have sent out resources of community partners and resources for our employees to take home and spread to their friends and families.” What About Next Season?
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The situation with J-1s could be quite different next season. The Trump administration’s budget proposal for fiscal 2026 imposes deep cuts to the State Department budget, including a 93 percent cut for the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which oversees the J-1 program. That would seriously limit the bureau’s ability to process visas. However, it is Congress that sets the federal budget, and Congress typically makes its own budget- ary decisions separate from the President’s budget request. Fortunately, the J-1 program has plenty of supporters in Congress, and even within the administration. Marco Rubio was a strong supporter while he was a Senator from Florida, which ranks third overall in states that use these special stu- dent visas, and he has continued to support the program as the Secretary of State. National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) director of risk and regulatory affairs Dave Byrd told SAM that the association is individually lobbying members of Congress, especially Republicans and newly elected members. It is also joining other stakeholders outside the ski industry in lobbying Congress to keep the program fully funded and alive. Further, NSAA plans to recruit Republican governors in ski states to send a letter of support for the program to Rubio, emphasizing how valuable the program is for businesses in their states and especially for rural economies. Individual resorts can get involved, too, by contacting their senators and representatives to make sure they understand the program’s value and urging them to keep it and the ECA funded. Byrd stressed that congressional representatives and senators need to hear directly from ski areas themselves. “NSAA can assist and coordinate in that outreach,” he added.
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