Taking on a Ski Job in a Winter Resort: Is It For You?

I can personally vouch for the fact that getting a ski job in the mountains is lots of fun and a great life experience. However, that doesn’t mean that it is for everyone. After having seen people come and go from the resorts I worked in, I realised how important it was for those considering ski jobs to be fully aware of what is involved, so that they can decide if they are cut out for it.

While the media portray the life of seasonal workers to be one big party, you have to realise that there is a little more to it than fun and frolics. However, with that being said, if you get the balance right you can have a fabulous time.

Who Does A Ski Season?

Although not definitive, most people that working in ski jobs are aged between 18 and 35. The idea is very appealing to graduates, undergraduates, school leavers and gap year students, but you do get retirees and people on a career break too. As a result of this wide demographic, there is abundant diversity in terms of background and culture.

If you are happy being away from home and are open minded and sociable, then you will get so much out of the experience. Conversely, if you are someone who shies away from meeting new people and is uncomfortable about learning in new and unfamiliar situations, you might struggle to enjoy a ski season.

It Is Not A Holiday!

One of my roles during my later years working in the industry involved managing a number of ski chalets and their staff. I was shocked at how many of the new staff coming to work treated the whole experience like a holiday. Having been on several chalet holidays, some had a vision that they were going to enjoy 5 months of the same.

If you have been on a chalet holiday, you may have been struck by how relaxed the reps and chalet staff were. It is likely that, because they were all doing a good job, they didn’t let you know about the tougher elements of the work that they have to deal with. So if you are considering applying for a ski job, you have to be realistic.

What Personality Traits Should I Have

When running a chalet, or working in any ski job, you are more than likely going to be dealing with people. Chalet hosts are there to make sure their guests have the best holiday possible, so to be one you need to be open, honest, friendly, approachable, and willing to go that extra mile when your guests need you to.

You also have to be organised and efficient. Managing a chalet means that you don’t leave in the morning until all of the chores are done and afternoon tea is set up. The quicker you do this, the sooner you get out on the slopes. You also need to be flexible, thrive at work as a team and be able to manage pressure without getting stressed.

Most importantly, a positive attitude is essential. You will get so much more out of the experience if you make the most of what is on offer. Meeting lots of like-minded people, perfecting your skiing or snowboarding skills, trying new sports, and gaining a huge amount of varied work experience are all part of the package.

If you still think you fit the bill, go on and apply. You won’t regret it!

Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for the best ski chalet accommodation in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, or tips on getting a ski job in the region, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the experience of a lifetime.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.