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Start Applying For Ski Resort Jobs Now
Though the summer season hasn’t even started it is already time to start thinking about snow covered mountains and what they can do to please your bank manager.
Those looking to spend a couple of weeks whizzing up and down mountains and in and out of bars have plenty of time before they need to book their hols. Those of us wanting a job in Europe’s ski resorts have to start acting now.
Bureaucracy
Before Brexit UK applicants applying to a British tour operator typically required a UK passport, a UK bank account and a permanent UK National Insurance number. Three years since Britain left the European Union, the government has done nothing to help British ski tour operators and companies operating in Europe.
Hope has faded regulations would evolve to help out British seasonaires working in the Alps. Current work permit rules are complex and different for working in each European country. Some businesses, such as Powder White, pivoted their operations out of the EU altogether.
Irish seasonaires, British dual passport holders and EU nationals that lived in the UK before December 31, 2020 have all benefitted by being in higher demand each season.
But though many British tour operators are unwilling to bother with navigating the extra bureaucracy, an increasing number say they will accept British passport holders to at least some degree, particularly in France and Switzerland.
The Jobs
Recruitment for some winter tour operators has already begun but most will start at the end of May, though many companies encourage applications throughout the year. Early application is advisable and most jobs will be taken by the end of October. Competition for jobs is fierce. YSE, for instance, receive over 1,250 applications each year for just 35 to 40 jobs.
The classic role is that of chalet host but other ski resort positions include hotel cooks and chefs, resort reps, ski reps and instructors, managers, bar staff, hotel waiting staff, maintenance people, housekeepers, kitchen porters, night porters, general assistants, childcarers, nightwatchman, laundry staff and accountants.
Qualifications
Whatever role you choose to take on, you should be an enthusiastic hard worker with good customer service skills to stand a chance of landing one of these much sought after positions. For some roles a second European language is required or will increase your chances of being hired.
Benefits
Benefits vary slightly from company to company but most packages will include wages, full board and accommodation, full medical and liability insurance, transport to and from your home country, one day off per week and pre season training. For most the true benefit is a chance to get out on the slopes and enjoy free hire of ski or snowboard equipment and a season’s lift pass.
We will post a load of ski employment resources tomorrow to the blog but here are a few companies to check out right now:
UK Tour & Chalet Operators
Below is a quick rundown of some of the tour operators that are or shortly will be looking to recruit for next season.
Erna Low
Founded in 1932, Erna Low organise thousands of holidays in the French Alps.
Flexiski
Are particularly looking for chalet chefs who like to express their cooking ability.
Inghams
Founded in 1934, Inghams starts recruiting ski staff from June and accepts applications all year round.
Le Ski
A family run tour operator looking for a happy and helpful team who enjoy socialising with people from all walks of life.
Neilson
Operates in several resorts in Andorra, Austria, France and Italy.
Powder Byrne
Powder Byrne annually recruits over 200 staff, including full season positions and peak week positions during the school holidays for those who cannot commit to a whole season.
Skiworld
Skiworld operate over 130 chalets in 24 resorts in Europe and North America.
TUI
Each winter season 1000 members of staff are wanted to work within the Thomson, First Choice and Crystal Holidays brands.
Work a Season
The recruitment website for several tour operators including Esprit Holidays and Ski Total.
YSE
Have around 20 chalets in Val d’Isere.
Further Information
Ski resort employers often post their vacancies to the Jobs Abroad Bulletin. Other useful resources we have written in the past and on our other sites include:
More ski resort links can be found in our directory
https://www.jobsabroadbulletin.co.uk/work-abroad-directory/ski-resort-jobs-abroad/
Ski Resort Jobs in the Alps for Nannies and Childcare Staff
https://www.jobsabroadbulletin.co.uk/…/ski-resort-jobs-in-the-alps-for-nannies-and-childcare-staff/
Blogger’s Guide to Ski Resort Jobs
https://www.jobsabroadbulletin.co.uk/…/bloggers-guide-to-ski-resort-jobs/
Image courtesy Guilhem Vellut
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This piece was first published in an older version of our blog which included the following comments:
Tims ski chalets said: “The smaller companies may have more openings for promotions in the near future than the larger ones. That’s something to consider if your ambitious.”
