Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Jobs in the mountains

27th August 2009, by Chris Gill

(c) Ski Beat - chalet nursery

Working a season in a ski resort: it’s a dream shared by many winter sports fans seeking quality slope time, new friends and partying – with a little work thrown in to pay for it. The reality isn’t quite like that, but there is no denying it can be a very rewarding experience. Every winter, people of all ages take up seasonal jobs in ski resorts; most love it and many return for more. But there are crucial choices to make.

CHOOSING A JOB

The traditional winter job has always been for chalet hosts or resort representatives, but these days there are lots of other possibilities. Businesses often have administration and reception roles; many need maintenance people or bar staff too. Some employers need cover during peak weeks, such as school holidays, or when vacancies arise due to staff drop-out, illness or injury. School specialists such as PGL have part-time placements for reps and instructors – PGL limits their rep placements to four weeks, with half-term compulsory. Earnings vary widely, depending on the level of responsibility; expect £50 to £250 per week, plus lift pass, lodging, full insurance and transfers to/from the resort.

WHERE TO FIND ONE

Major French resorts are the obvious starting point for chalet work. Swiss, Austrian and North American resorts are generally better suited to hotel, leisure or rep work. In North America one company usually runs the whole resort infrastructure – lifts, ski school, ski shops, kindergarten – so it can be simpler to look for casual work there. You’ll need a visa to work in Switzerland or North America.

WHEN TO APPLY

Recruitment generally takes place between July and October, with a second intake in November. You’ll normally head out to the resort in December. But you could wait until mid-season to take advantage of drop-out vacancies.

HOW TO GO

You need to decide whether you want a ‘packaged’ job with a tour operator or to look for work independently. If you head out independently, Alpservice can help you find cheap lodging – and people to share with if you need them – for the season or for just a few weeks in resorts in France, Austria, Japan and North America. If you prefer the security of working for a tour operator, you will normally be provided with accommodation, a lift pass and insurance etc; major companies generally have the most vacancies to fill, but smaller outfits can offer a more individual and personal approach.

KEEPING INFORMED

Web-based agencies are a great source of information. They can notify you of suitable vacancies and put your CV out to potential employers. Seasonworkers.com has forums and resort reviews from seasonaires sharing their experiences. BUNAC (British Universities North America Club) is an excellent starting point if you fancy the States or Canada, although its scope is considerably wider than that. Recruitment fairs or workshops, such as those arranged by Natives, have experts on hand to answer your questions.

WHAT ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING?

Previous experience and/or relevant qualifications will almost certainly be required in some form. Some posts necessitate a formal qualification – an NNEB certificate to work with children, for example. Instructors must also be certified. Foreign language skills are helpful, but essential only for resort reps. Of course, being able to communicate effectively will make settling into resort life easier and help you to establish a better rapport with the locals. If you are hoping to improve your language skills, make sure you go to a resort where English doesn’t dominate. Companies often provide pre-season training, perhaps in hygiene or customer service, or you can sign up for one of the proper courses offered, such as cookery classes or ski technician training.

DOES THE DREAM MATCH REALITY?

Reports suggest 30-40% of workers do more than one season. But seasonal work is tough, often juggling late nights and early starts. Key factors for survival seem to be developing a sensible routine and maintaining the correct attitude. If you go expecting a full-on party and not much work, you are likely to be disappointed. If you go with an open mind, a strong work ethic and the determination to enjoy the experience, you are likely to end the season planning the next.

SOME MYTHS:

Myth
You need to be in
your 20s
Fact
You’re never too old
Myth
You have to be a
chalet host
Fact
There are lots of
alternatives
Myth
It’s just for singles
Fact
Couples are
employed too
Myth
It’s an easy life
Fact
Seasonal work can
be tough
Myth
It is for the whole
season
Fact
Part-time placements
are available

TOP TEN TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SEASON

• Consider the options: what type of work you would enjoy most given the skills you possess.
• Think about where you would like to be based: resorts vary enormously in character and size – remember you’ll be spending the whole season there. But …
• Don’t limit your choices too much; it’s much harder to find something suitable if you do.
• Ask around: while you are on holiday, chat to your local host or rep for advice. They might be able to put you in touch with their employer.
• Go to a jobs fair or a workshop such as those arranged by Natives: they generally cover what you’ll need to know and you can put your questions to the experts.
• Join an agency: web-based agencies are a great source of information. They can notify you of suitable vacancies and put your CV out to potential employers.
• Apply early, to get the pick of jobs and resorts. Or head out mid-season to take advantage of dropout vacancies.
• Make a plan: should things go wrong, it’s worth having some savings – especially if travelling independently.
• Acquire more skills: look out for one of the basic courses offered, such as cookery classes or ski technician training.
• Be realistic: seasonal work is tougher than most people expect.

 

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