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From Application to Employment: How to Work a Ski Season
How and where to find your perfect ski job
Looking for a winter job that's both exciting and rewarding? Consider working a ski season! However, if you're a UK national looking to work in European ski resorts after Brexit, there are some important things to keep in mind. This guide will walk you through the process of finding ski season job opportunities, from family ski jobs to working behind popular ski season bars. It will also provide tips on where to look, how to apply, and how to make the most of your winter adventure. With careful planning and preparation, you can have an unforgettable experience working in the snow-covered mountains.
Can couples apply for ski season jobs?
First, let me answer this frequently asked question with a resounding YES! If you and your partner are looking for seasonal work, consider applying as a couple. Employers often prefer hiring couples because they tend to be more committed to staying for the entire season. Also, it often helps out the ski company with their staff accommodation that they only need to provide 1 accommodation to a couple instead of finding separate beds/places to live.
To be clear, couples can mean romantic couples or friends travelling together. Typically, duo or couple roles are recruited for chalet hosting as chalets of 14 + guests take 2 staff to manage the housekeeping and catering.
By presenting yourselves as a team, you may have a better chance of finding a job quickly. Keep in mind that you may end up working in different roles or departments, but it's worth it for the opportunity to work together.
Research ski season jobs and apply early
The first step to working a ski season is to research job opportunities and apply early. Post-Brexit, companies are beginning their employment cycles much sooner than in past years. Ski companies begin their recruitment process at the end of the current ski season, so from April, you can expect to see job advertisements cropping up. So it’s important to start your job search early.
Check out job boards like CoolWorks, SkiJobs.com, and Season Workers to find open positions at ski resorts. You can also check the websites of individual ski resorts and ski companies to see if they have any job openings posted.
Be sure to read the job descriptions carefully and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.
Be aware that companies with large groups of families or children will begin the recruitment process early as family ski company jobs require the right mix of professional skills as well as the ability to communicate and work with children. Family ski jobs are often in high demand.
Where to look for ski season jobs
Finding work in European resorts can be challenging due to language barriers and legal issues. Consider checking out tour operator and organization websites, using Google to search for recruitment websites, and looking in national and local newspapers. You can also find job listings and related information in specialist magazines, both the ski and snowboard industry and your professional sector (childcare, catering, etc.).
Social Media
Whilst Facebook might be one of the older social platforms, there are an endless number of communities on the platform geared around each ski resort as well as job boards. Ski companies will typically post their recruitment openings in these groups. Depending on where you are looking to work, look for the following combinations of jobs on Facebook:
[ski resort name] + [year] + [jobs] + [seasonnaire]
So, for example, in La Plagne, where I am based, there are the following groups:
- La Plagne Seasonnaires 23/24
- La Plagne Saison – 2022/2023
- Les Saisonniers de La Plagne
- JOBS in Paradiski – La Plagne & Les Arcs
Then, there are recruitment pages and groups on social media. Have a look at:
Staffing and recruitment agencies
You can also reach out to staffing agencies that specialize in seasonal work. These agencies tend to recruit and provide staff for higher-end and luxury chalet and hospitality companies.
Check out:
Employee refferals
Many ski companies offer employee referral programs, so your ski friends may be able to refer you for a job and earn a bonus in the process. But even if there is no referral bonus, staff are often willing to refer good candidates. It is true that a word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted member of the team is much more powerful than a well-written CV.
This is particularly true for jobs with a practical element that needs demonstrating, for example, cheffing ability, childcare and child management skills. Family ski company jobs, in particular, will want to know how you are able to interact with and engage with children and groups on family ski trips. A referral for a family ski job can go a long way to increasing your credibility.
So don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help – the ski community is known for being welcoming and supportive.
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Ski industry networking
Additionally, networking with people who have worked ski seasons before can be helpful to find a ski job opportunity and making connections in the ski industry. Building relationships with industry professionals can help you learn about job openings before they are advertised and can give you an edge in the hiring process.
Head to your local snow centre and attend job fairs, industry events, and conferences to meet people who work in the industry and learn about their experiences. You can also join professional organizations or online communities related to skiing or outdoor recreation to connect with others in the field.
There is The Snow Week, which will have a weekend in London and a weekend in Birmingham in October. Whilst this is a bit late to start your networking in regards to finding a job, it is a great place to meet other snow sports enthusiasts. Find out more about The Snow Week.
With a little research and persistence, you can find the perfect ski season job for you. And don't forget to brush up on your skiing or snowboarding skills!
Prepare a strong resume and cover letter
Once you have found job opportunities that interest you, it’s time to prepare a strong resume and cover letter. Your resume should highlight your relevant skills and experience, such as customer service, hospitality, or outdoor recreation. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Your cover letter should introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in working at the ski resort. It’s also a good idea to mention any relevant experience or skills that make you a good fit for the job. Make sure to proofread both your resume and cover letter before submitting them.
TOP TIPS: Follow these steps to stand out and create a winning CV.
- Avoid spelling mistakes and typos at all costs. Even if you don't have a degree from a top university, a well-written CV can make all the difference. Have someone reliable read through your CV to catch any errors.
- Use a catchy headline to grab the employer's attention. Make sure it highlights your skills and experience without going overboard.
- Use keywords to showcase your relevant experiences, such as working as a barman or waiter. If you've worked multiple seasons, make that clear.
- Organize your CV logically, either chronologically or by highlighting your most relevant skills first.
- Keep it to one page only. You don't need to ramble on for multiple pages.
- Personalize your CV for each job application. Don't send the same CV for different jobs.
- Keep it simple and professional. Avoid using too many colours or eccentricities.
- Include a persuasive cover letter in the same email as your CV to generate interest.
That's La Plagne & how to find and apply for ski jobs successfully
Wishing you all the success in finding the perfect ski season and job role for you. And don't forget, you can always drop me any questions you have in the comments below or send me a DM on the socials, I pick up Instagram the quickest.
Read the next steps in my “how to work a ski season guide” here.
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