It really important that you read this section before sending us an e-mail, we literally
get hundreds of emails asking us questions that are answered on the web site, however if
you still have a query and you can't find the answer simply email us at
questions@skiconnection.co.uk.
- Who posts the jobs on the site?
- Once employed, how do I get to the resort?
- When should I apply?
- When does the season begin and end?
- How much will I get paid?
- How much hard work is involved?
- What's the accommodation like?
- Do I have a chance to choose the resort?
- Do I get provided with a uniform?
- Do I have to take out insurance?
- Do I have to speak another language?
- Whats it really like working in a ski resort?
- What happens if I want to leave?
- Do I need qualification to work in a ski resort?
Who posts the
jobs on the site?
We have between fifty and one hundred ski operators and employers who post current job vacancies. All applications are sent directly to the ski operators, so you will need to search the site for jobs that interest you.
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Once employed,
how do I get to the resort?
If you are contracted to work for a Ski Operator for the season they will arrange your transport (unless they tell you otherwise). Some companies fly their staff out to the resorts but more often than not, you will find yourself on a long bus journey which is actually good fun as you get to meet the rest of the staff.
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When should I apply?
Different operators recruit at different times of year. Rule of thumb is that they start recruiting a month after the last season has ended, so start applying from June. Some operators have all their places filled by the beginning of September although it is still worth apply right up to the end of November as some companies take longer than others. It’s also worth applying once the season has started as people do get injured or decide its not for them and pack it in.
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When does the season
begin and end?
All positions usually start in early December, you then have a weeks training (sometimes two) before the season starts and the season then finishs at the end of April after a weeks packing up and cleaning.
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How
much will I get paid?
It depends on the position you hold, usually chalet staff and hotel staff earn around £50 a week, nannies usually earn a bit more but their skiing is far more limited, and resort reps can earn up to £150 per week. You do however get tips from guests and don't forget that you are given accommodation, ski equipment and more often than not a seasonal ski pass which is worth a few thousand! You are also provided with food, accommodation, boot hire and insurance.
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How
much hard work is involved?
We are not going to lie to you, there is plenty of time to ski and party but there is also a lot of hard work involved. Don't think this is going to be a six month holiday. Expect to work an average of around 60 hours a week.
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What's
the accommodation like?
The truth is is varies. You can find yourself in the heart of the resort or you may find that they have staff quarters just outside the resort, it all depends on the company that you work for. Chalet girls often live in the chalet they cater for and hotel staff can often find themselves staying in the hotel. Be prepared to share a room with someone unless you are a resort manager or rep. If you are a freelancer you may have to find your own accommodation.
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Do
I have a chance to choose the resort?
If operators have a presence in lots of resorts they usually hold the interviews and then decide where to post you. You can sometimes state a preference. If you specifically want to go to one resort there are operators who only work in Meribel or in Val d'Isere for example, so you are best off applying to them. Chalets are also usually assigned to you on arrival.
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Do I get provided
with a uniform?
Yes, Ski Companies all have uniforms that have their branding and logo on them. Some provide you with the entire uniform; some only give you the jacket. Chalet girls are usually given branded polo shirts to work in, and many ski companies ask that you bring some cord trousers to work in, while you are in the chalet.Be warned that some uniforms are better than others. Some Ski Operators insist that you wear your staff jacket when skiing as it gives them added coverage and some don't, you need to check with the operator. It is however wise to take out some skiing gear with you. If you are looking for ski clothing try Fat Face or White Stuff, who both do really nice clothing. Check the link library.
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Do
I have to take out insurance?
No, when you work for a tour operator, part of your package is that they arrange insurance for all their staff. You should however confirm this when you are offered a position.
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Do
I have to speak another language?
Some positions e.g. resort manager and reps are required to have an additoinal language. However in the majority of positions the answer is no, but if you do, it will add weight to your application.
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Whats
it really like working in a ski resort?
Working in ski resorts can be fantastic, provided that you are prepared to work hard. Your clients get referred to as punters, and some weeks they will be lovely and some weeks you will have the guests from hell, at that point you just tell yourself that by the end of the week they will be gone! Its a real work hard, play hard environment. You get to know the other staff and a real community is built up amongst the workers. The more organised you are the more you get to ski. There are also lots of perks for ski workers, if you are a chalet girl, its worth making an extra banoffi pie and delivering it to the boys who work in the pizza shop. I used to take one a week to the boys in Meribel and was always guaranteed a free pizza on my day off. There are lots of other trick and tips as well, chalet girls with little space in their fridge tend to use the window ledges outside, ski guides often get taken for lunch (and in many cases the restaurant will give you back your meal in cash for taking your clients there) and when you get to know the bar staff in the local pubs, often you get quite a few drinks. The pay isn't great in ski resorts so the staff tend to stick together and help each other out. You'll learn all the tricks and perks out there, and if you are a first timer, its always a good move to make friends with a seasoned pro!
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What
happens if I want to leave?
Usually if you decide you have had enough then you will be made to pay for your own flight home. If you simply don't like the company you are working for sometimes you can find another job out there but be warned some contracts come with small print that says, if you leave the company you cannot work in the same resort for the next six months.
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Do I need qualification to work in a ski resort?
It's not essential to be a qualified cook to work as a chalet girl, but it will be looked upon favourably when operators review your application. If however you want to work as a chef in a hotel, qualifications are a must. The same goes for ski instructor qualifications. If you want to work as an instructor, ski schools will insist that you are qualified, however if you have over twenty weeks skiing experience some Ski Operators will take you on as a ski guide, which is often a great way to gain enough skiing experience to then take your instructor qualifications.
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