Alpine Motel

Work & Travel USA: Resort Worker at Alpine Motel, Cooke City, Montana

Imagine waking up to snow-capped peaks, pine-scented mountain air and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park just minutes from your front door. That is everyday life when you join the team at Alpine Motel in the tiny, legendary mountain town of Cooke City, Montana – one of the most spectacular Work & Travel placements in the United States.

About the Position

As a Resort Worker, you will be part of a small, close-knit crew that keeps this classic Rocky Mountain motel running smoothly for travellers, hikers and wildlife photographers from all over the world. Because the team is small, you will learn a bit of everything – perfect if you want real hospitality experience for your CV, not just one repetitive task.

• Cleaning and preparing guest rooms and cabins to a high standard (making beds, changing linens, restocking amenities)
• Assisting with laundry, folding and stocking supplies
• Keeping common areas, lobby, porches and outdoor spaces tidy and welcoming
• Greeting guests, answering simple questions and helping with check-in support
• Light maintenance and general property upkeep tasks
• Working as a team to make sure every guest leaves a great review

Pay & Working Conditions

• Hourly rate: $14.00 per hour
• Tips: Yes – guests frequently leave tips for great service, boosting your weekly income
• Hours: approximately 37 hours per week, with the possibility of extra hours during peak season
• Season: Summer to Fall – one of the longest and most profitable seasons in the program
• Overtime: paid according to U.S. federal and Montana state labor law

Why Cooke City, Montana?

Cooke City is a small, historic mining town of only around 100 residents, sitting at 2,360 metres altitude in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors:

• Yellowstone National Park – the northeast entrance is only 6 km away; explore Lamar Valley, geysers, canyons and hot springs on your days off
• Beartooth Highway – called "the most beautiful drive in America," with alpine lakes and mountain passes
• Wildlife – wolves, grizzly and black bears, bison, moose and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat
• Adventure – hiking, fishing, horseback riding, waterfalls, camping and endless photography
• International crew – meet students from around the world and American travellers passing through

This is a remote mountain destination – there are no shopping malls or nightclubs, but if you want authentic America, unforgettable nature and the chance to save money because there is little to spend it on, Cooke City is unbeatable.

What We Are Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the J-1 Work & Travel USA program
• Conversational English – enough to communicate with guests and teammates
• A positive, hard-working attitude and willingness to help wherever needed
• Reliability, punctuality and attention to detail
• Comfortable living and working in a small, remote mountain community
• Physically able to stand, walk, bend and lift during shifts
• Previous hospitality or cleaning experience is a plus but not required – full training provided

Benefits

• Competitive $14/hour wage plus tips
• Employer-arranged housing options in the area (details confirmed at placement)
• Long Summer-to-Fall season = more earnings and more time to travel
• Live on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park
• Real U.S. hospitality experience and an international reference for your CV
• Friendships and memories that last a lifetime

Places in Cooke City are extremely limited every season – apply early to secure your spot at Alpine Motel and spend your summer where the wild American West still begins.