WINTER PARK, Colo. -- Colorado ski resorts are seeing a significant spike in the number of job applicants for the upcoming ski season.

The industry attributes the increase to high unemployment and more people looking for seasonal work.

"It's something of an advantage to us. The talent pool is very rich this year, which is good for our business, and it will ultimately be good for our guests. We're seeing more and more applications for every job that's posted," said Winter Park director of human resources Karen Gadberry.

Vail Resorts, which employs 16,000 people and is the largest ski operator in the U.S., has increased its efforts to recruit domestically because of high unemployment. A resort spokeswoman said international hires are down 70 percent.

Winter Park is also focusing on domestic applications.

"We've limited our international hiring to about half of what it has been over the course of the past decade," said Gadberry. "But we also think that a diverse workforce really adds to guest service."

Gadberry said they are also seeing a lot of overqualified applicants, like doctors and lawyers who might just be looking for a change of pace during the recession.

"Here people are thinking, 'This might be the time where I really just want to take my opportunity to work a winter season at a resort,'" said Gadberry.

Vail Resorts will host two job fairs in September. Winter Park will host one in October.

"We're very excited. The leaves are starting to change, people are starting to talk more about snow," said Gadberry.

While seasonal ski resort positions don't offer traditional benefits, there are perks.

Winter Park employees get a free season pass, access to 12 additional Colorado resorts, free lessons, equipment discounts, food and beverage discounts, access to employee housing and medical benefits are available to seasonal employees after three years.