Ski: working at a ski resort
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?>
I'd love to spend next winter on the slopes, but as a poor student I can't afford it
Sure you can. Work your way through the season. There are plenty of ski companies crying out for people to work in their chalets and hotels, cook in the kitchens and take care of the guests on site. When you're off duty, you can hit the slopes.
That sounds fantastic, who will employ me?
There are plenty of operators in the market. The big players are the tour operators such as Mark Warner, Scott Dunn Ski, Crystal Holidays, First Choice Ski and Thomson Ski. There are also some independent players such as Esprit Ski and Equity who actively recruit in this area.
Where am I headed?
Think mountains. The Alps in Europe mainly offer skiing in France, Austria and Italy. Yes, Switzerland too - but because it's outside the EU things get a little more tricky with visas. If you find a company looking to fill positions in North America, expect to head for the Rocky Mountains in the west, although there is some skiing on the east coast.
When do I go?
The season depends on the resort you're in. For Europe, the earliest is usually the end of November, the latest is mid-December, in time for the Christmas holiday season. Expect to be there until the end of April, maybe early May. The same months apply for North American resorts on the whole.
Am I going to make any money?
It must be said the wages in this field aren't great. With a UK operator in a European resort, general staff will earn about £70 a week with £50 being paid on a weekly basis and the remainder paid as a retainer at the end of the contract. If you leave before the contract finishes, you'll get some, but not all of the retainer. In the kitchen, wages are higher, with commis chefs on about £80 a week and a head chef earning £150-£250 a week.
On that money the perks must be good
Skis, boots and a ski pass for the resort area you're in are all part of the deal. Each company deals with things differently and some will expect you to put down a payment as a bond for the equipment.
You won't pay tax on your earnings and you'll get tips in the resort from the guests. Naturally all food and accommodation is provided and you can expect half-price drinks at any of the bars your holiday company owns. Your uniforms will be provided and you'll get your laundry done. So there's really only alcohol to spend your earnings on. If you're not extravagant, it would be possible to save £2,000 or more in a winter season.
I've heard all about the chalet girl and boy parties - is it really like that?
Hmmmm - the ski companies probably would say there's a lively social scene. There's certainly an element of partying and as you're working with like-minded people it's not hard to develop a social circle. You can ski or snowboard on your time off and you'll be living the carefree lifestyle, which is what appeals to so many young people. There's also the possibility of using or learning another language if you're so inclined.
There's got to be something wrong with this job or everyone would do it
Well, you do work six days a week, and while most companies say you'll work eight hours, it could be more. The worst day is transfer day. The guests get up to leave at 5am and you've got eight hours to turn the hotel around. So if you're a chalet rep, expect a flurry of cleaning rooms on that day. That's the one day when hitting the slopes will be out of the questions - unless you're a chef, in which case you may find it's your quietest day.
One more thing…
You'll need to hold a current EU passport and have a British national insurance number in order to work for most of the companies that operate in the ski resorts.
Job descriptions
Hotel manager:Oversees the whole operation and reports to the regional or country rep for the company.
Assistant hotel manager:Usually in hotels with more than 100 guests.
Customer service officers/reps:Most good companies have someone who is fluent in the local language to assist guests. They organise the rooms, the manifest sheets and the transfers and deal with complaints and praise from the guests.
Ski host:They meet the guests at the airport and do the transfer. During the week they take guests out and act as a guide to the best skiing on the mountain. After dinner they provide entertainment. This is definitely a hospitality role for those with a bit of personality who really love skiing.
Accountant:Someone has to look after all that money.
Restaurant manager:Usually will oversee the entire food offering as well as the housekeeping in some cases.
Restaurant supervisor:They will focus on the restaurant and ensure it is running smoothly.
Head bar person:In charge of ordering, etc.
Bar person:Makes cocktails and will enjoy being with people. Often for jobs like this - and for waiters - companies are looking for people who have an outgoing personality.
Club chalet staff:These are the entry-level positions you're likely to get. They're the housekeeper and the waiter rolled into one. Expect to serve breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as cleaning and tidying rooms.
Commis chef:Will assist with food preparation and cleaning in the kitchen.
Chef de partie:Will have own section of the kitchen - eg, fish, meat, sauce.
Pastry chef:For all those yummy croissants.
Sous chef:Will oversee the kitchen as a whole.
Head chef:Unfortunately there's lots of paperwork here. While you'll be hired as a hands-on operator, you're still in charge of all the ordering and preparing of menus. Some companies will have fixed menus for the first two weeks, then let you have a free rein for the rest of the season.
Main players
- Crystal:
- Thomson: [www.thomsonski.co.uk/ski/resortinfo.asp](http://www.thomsonski.co.uk/ski/resortinfo.asp) tel 020 8832 7633
- First Choice Ski: [www.fcski.co.uk](http://www.fcski.co.uk)
- The Ski Company: [www.skicompany.co.uk](http://www.skicompany.co.uk) tel 01451 843 125
- Scott Dunn Ski: [www.scottdunn.co.uk](http://www.scottdunn.co.uk) tel 020 8682 5087
- Esprit Ski: [www.esprit-holidays.co.uk](http://www.esprit-holidays.co.uk) tel 01252 618 300
- Equity: [www.equity.co.uk/employment](http://www.equity.co.uk/employment)
Useful information
- [www.findaskijob.com
