That's La Plagne contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon affiliate program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I never recommend anything I haven't experienced myself, and the commission helps me keep this site running at full speed! See my Disclosure Policy for extra information.

From Application to Employment: How to Work a Ski Season

what jobs are available to work on a ski season

Types of jobs in ski resorts

If you're interested in working a ski season, consider applying to a winter tour operator. These companies typically provide accommodation and meals, which can make it easier to last the entire season. Additionally, working with other season workers can be a great way to meet new people and learn about the best skiing, boarding, and social spots in the area.

Click to the bit you need, or keep on reading!

Ski companies need people who are versatile and able to handle anything that comes their way. Whether it's working on the slopes, in the kitchen, or behind the front desk, a ski season job requires a “jack of all trades” mentality. So, if you're up for the challenge and ready to work hard, a ski season job might be just what you're looking for!

how to work a ski season and make friends

It's important to note that the work can be challenging. You will be working at altitude, which is challenging in itself, and the work can be physically difficult and also long hours. It’s important that you are fully prepared for the physical demands.

Once you've secured a job, be prepared for long hours and hard work, but also for the opportunity to make lifelong friendships with your coworkers and fellow seasonnaires.

To get a better idea of what to expect, check out the following job descriptions of classic European ski resort jobs.

Chalet Hosts

If you're looking to work a ski season in Europe, becoming a chalet host is a popular option. As a chalet host, you'll be responsible for cooking and cleaning for guests staying in a ski chalet. This can include preparing breakfast, afternoon tea, and a three-course dinner, as well as cleaning the chalet and providing excellent customer service. Many ski companies offer chalet host positions, and it's a great way to experience the ski season while earning money and meeting new people.

To be a successful chalet host, it's important to be organized, outgoing, and detail-oriented. You'll need to be able to think on your feet and come up with solutions quickly, especially when unexpected challenges arise, such as dietary restrictions, flight delays, or extra guests. Good communication skills are also a must, as you'll be interacting with guests and colleagues on a daily basis.

For the catering aspect of chalet hosting, ski companies will ask for varying levels of experience, from domestic cooking to professional chefs. You will likely be asked to write a 3-course menu for varying dietary requirements as part of the application process. Then moving on to a physical demonstration of your catering ability.

A good option for those new to the catering profession and looking for a chalet host role is to consider a cooking school that trains you specifically for working in the ski industry. There are several ski companies that will provide you with a role upon successful completion of such courses.

Have a look at:

However, they aren’t cheap, costing up to £2,500, putting them out of a lot of people's budgets. It can be more beneficial to get a hospitality job in the UK and get practical experience and increase your value in that way.

Get all the juiciest inside secrets about La Plagne, direct to your inbox.

La Plagne lift pass sales, accommodation deals & ski school discounts before anyone else knows about them.

Ski Chalet or Resort Manager

If you're looking to work a ski season in Europe, becoming a chalet or resort manager can be a great option. As a chalet manager, you'll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a ski chalet, including managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, and handling administrative tasks. To become a chalet manager, you'll typically need experience in hospitality or customer service, as well as strong organizational and leadership skills. Many ski companies also offer training programs for new chalet managers, so be sure to research your options and find a program that fits your needs.

Depending on the company you work for, you may be responsible for managing a property or supporting the resort manager in keeping everything running smoothly. This includes ensuring guest satisfaction, boosting team morale, and communicating effectively with suppliers and other staff members. It's a challenging role, but one that can offer incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As a chalet manager, you will need to be a confident and decisive problem solver with excellent communication skills. Your responsibilities will include managing budgets, overseeing staffing logistics, and conducting regular chalet checks. To succeed in this role, you will need previous management experience and a can-do attitude that will help you tackle any challenge that comes your way.

Finally, if you're looking for more responsibility and don't mind sacrificing some ski time, a managerial role might be a good fit. However, keep in mind that these positions often require working during the day and being on-call in the evenings. If skiing is your top priority, you may want to consider other roles that allow for more time on the slopes. Ultimately, it's important to find a balance between work and play that works for you.

Ski Chef

Working a ski season as a chef can be a great opportunity to combine your love of cooking with your passion for skiing. Many ski companies offer seasonal employment opportunities for chefs, ranging from small cafes and restaurants to catered ski chalets, large hotels and lodges.

To get started, you'll need to have some experience in the kitchen and be willing to work long hours in a fast-paced environment. You'll also need to be comfortable working with a team and be able to adapt to changing menus and dietary restrictions.

Many establishments look for experienced chefs, but even if you have minimal certifications and a knack for cooking, there may be opportunities for you. It's important to research the specific requirements and job openings at different resorts to find the best fit for you.

If you want to work as a chef, but are also prioritising ski time, consider becoming a chef in a chalet that doesn't serve lunch. This will give you a break between breakfast and dinner service, allowing you to hit the slopes or explore the local area. Working in a chalet also provides a more intimate work environment, giving you the opportunity to connect with guests who are enjoying your culinary creations.

Ski Season: Drivers

One popular job is working as a driver for a resort or transfer company. However, this job often involves more than just driving. Many chalet companies also require their drivers to have handyman skills, as they may be called upon to fix maintenance issues such as changing light bulbs or repairing leaks. So if you're looking to work as a driver during the ski season, be prepared to wear multiple hats and be ready to help out wherever needed!

As a driver, it is your responsibility to drive skiers and snowboarders up the hill on a chair lift or shuttle people around certain areas. So it is essential that you are confident driving larger vehicles whilst making small talk with guests and driving in challenging conditions: snow, icy and busy roads with limited parking.

If you do decide to work as a driver, some companies provide their own fleet of vehicles for airport transfers and guest transportation to and from the ski lifts.

Some positions may require more than just a clean driver's license, so it's important to be aware of any additional qualifications or certifications you may need. To work as a chalet driver, a UK driving licence might be enough. However, be aware that to work as an airport transfer driver, you will need the correct certification to do so:

An EU D/D1 and FIMO Voyageurs Permis, or UK driving licence and current Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
Valid SEFRI (Swiss visa) authorisation is often asked for with transfers heading into Geneva airport
Valid VTC licence is very desirable

Ski chalet and hotel maintenance

If you have experience or qualifications in a trade such as plumbing, electrical work, or general handyman skills, some chalets and hotels may be looking for someone like you to help maintain their properties. Consider reaching out to companies in resort areas to see if they have any openings for skilled workers on their teams.

However, don’t expect to receive the same level of payment as you would in your country of residence. Your qualifications won't be recognised in Europe, so you will not be able to charge, e.g., as a professional plumber. It is more likely that you will be working as a general handyman and also completing tasks such as cleaning, snow shovelling, and basic repairs.

Ski season childcare staff

One popular job option is working in childcare at a ski resort with a family ski job. Many family ski companies and tour operators offer daycare services for the children of their guests, and they need ski holiday childcare staff to supervise and entertain the kids. Ski nannies get to spend their days playing in the snow, going on hot chocolate trips, and creating fun activities for kids.

To work in childcare with a family ski job on a season, it is typically required to have previous experience and qualifications such as NNEB, CACHE, NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent and be able to pass a background check. You'll also need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle multiple tasks at once.

Also, be aware that a downside of ski resort childcare is that your work schedule will likely be during the lift's opening hours, which means less time on the ski slopes for you. Additionally, your day off may not align with your fellow ski buddies, who are doing other resort roles. But there are plenty of other ski nannies around the resort to make friends with. Family ski company jobs are often in high demand, so be prepared to apply early and attend several interviews.

Ski resort and hotel bar staff

Working as bar staff in a ski resort is a fantastic opportunity to socialize and make new friends with locals and other seasonal workers. While the job is fun and sociable, it does come with late nights and dealing with intoxicated customers. If you're willing to sacrifice some sleep, you'll have more time to hit the slopes during the day.

Bar and waiting jobs don't require any previous experience or training, but they are typically lower-paying positions. However, if you work in a popular bar, you can earn good tips. With dedication and hard work, you may even have the opportunity to move up to a team leader or management position.

The perks and benefits of restaurant/bar jobs in ski resorts vary depending on the company. But typically, staff in public bars enjoy an elevated position amongst the other seasonnaires as they have one of the “cooler” jobs. Working anti-social hours does mean a lot more time to ski, so it can be a great job if skiing is your priority.

The downsides are that you are working when most of the socialising happens, although you are at the venue! Plus, trying to work a full-time job through the night and ski all day can quickly lead to burnout.

That's La Plagne & the types of jobs you can do during ski season.

I hope this helps answer your questions about what to expect working in different roles during a ski season. Clearly, there are advantages and downsides to each role, so it's about finding the right ski season job for you.

What do you think? Do you have any questions – have I missed out on anything, or any roles you want to know more about? Hit me up in the comments or drop me a DM on any of the socials.