Am I Too Old To Do A Ski Season in My Thirties?

So you're craving a career break and a ski season is on your mind, but you have this fear - 'I've reached my thirties, am I too old??'

A normal Wednesday afternoon at Happy's

Bluebird ski da

Another epic working day by Cookie Cafe

Day off exploring in Veriber!

Finding snow on a hot day

Afternoon snow shoeing with Hanny

my experience

First off, I did my first ski season when I was 26 and my second one when I was 30. I remember thinking at 26 - "fuck, I'm gonna be the old granny" and I had no idea what job I wanted to do. Despite this, I went ahead and applied for EVERYTHING, from managerial positions to hosting. Honestly I thought I'd get a hosting position pretty easily (because I'm a decent cook), but it was quite challenging without a 'cookery course' under my belt and I got rejected A LOT. Despite this, I managed to secure as job as a Chalet Manager in Meribel (I was fresh out of my job in London where I was working as a manager, so having those skills went in my favour massively). For the interview I had to bake something so I chose to make cinnamon buns, WHICH TOOK HOURS (I would not recommend doing this the night before, omg). I think they were impressed with my culinary skills, despite having no previous ski season experience and I got the job.

Next thing I know, I am on the plane heading to Courchevel to do the 10-day training (which was with all the other managers and resort reps). I knew instantly that I was going to be fine when I arrived and saw that the people there ranged from 23-63.

I soon met my new housemates who were chalet host's and they quickly became my closest friends. I was supplied with a constant drip of baguette, cheese, brownies and left over beef bourg all season - absolute legends. We definitely had questionable accommodation... the two girls were in tiny beds in the living room and our kitchen was TINY - it looked like it was built in the 60's. I somehow managed to get a double bed (sofa bed might I add) in my own room and a wardrobe, which was fine. My first thought when I saw this though, was wtf...(as pictured below)

my first seasonal accommodation experience...two beds in the living room ;D

not buzzing... as you can see

BUT, we grew to love it (it's amazing what fairy lights can do to a place). We were also in prime location and had a balcony with epic views of Meribel, so swings and roundabouts. Meribel was SO FUN, if you can do a season there, do it! Ronnie's is still my favourite Apres bar in the whole world and The 3 Valley's piste is huge, so you'll never get bored.

A few piccies from 2k19/20... I had to deliver wine one evening and it made me cry because it was so late and I was lacking sleep, the fourth picture was the last beer I had before we got sent home early (due to covid...), the last pic is the wing mirror I smacked off the company van when I had to drive a bunch of hot, drunk 30 something's home from apres and I wasn't concentrating, I was SO embarrassed, the guests found it hilarious though and one of them asked me out for a pity drink, so not all bad ;) The sunsets from Ronnie's in Meribel were always epic (pic 6). Pic 9 I am sporting one of my housemates jumpers which we all fought over to wear, cool jumpers are just a vibe when you're skiing and bored of your jacket.

Looking back at these pictures, it's crazy to think that I felt so old doing a season at 26. Now I am in my thirties, I just don't think age matters, you'll make friends with the people you have things in common with and if you don't, they're just not your people.

beer peche was my go to drink during season one, so good!

An afternoon in VT before going back to the chalet

crying and delivering wine... get a girl who can do it all

last beer on the slopes!

Epic sunsets outside of Ronnie's

enjoying some sunshine in VT

Hanging out with the gang during our last few days

Valley Rally in Meribel

on the way up!

Epic views in Meribel

had an epic fail driving guests one day... oops

Smiles after an epic day skiing in Val D

enjoying the view

When I applied for my second seasonal role, I genuinely did not even think that doing a ski season in my thirities was old. If anything, I thought 'how lucky am I that I get to do this again every day, when some of my friends would only DREAM of opportunities like this' - it's all about perspective.

To me, the positives of being older on a ski season is that you know who you are (you're probably not going to get tempted to do ket off a key by a 18 year old), you can manage your time better, you prioritise ski time, you get better sleep, you'll make yummier meals for yourself, you'll hang out with like-minded people, you won't get fomo as much, you'll know when to say no and you'll probably be more efficient on changeover day (due to being less hungover). I found my hospitality skills were pretty well oiled by 30 and I could get on easily with the guests, handle complaints without taking offence and make some decent tips. HOWEVER all of that being said, if you have not done a season, life experience and a good head on your shoulders goes a long way, plus any previous managerial experience and/or a passion for cooking. I also want to add... if you do just want to let you hair down and go wild, then you absolutely can do that too, apres is extremely fun.

During this season I decided not to take a managerial role and to host instead - I honestly LOVED IT. I was hosting with another girl in a 14 man chalet and we found a very good flow of working, which meant maximum ski time and lots of time for other activities. I often enjoyed going for coffees, attending the local yoga studio or watching movies with my friends. I also didn't have to deal with driving, customer complaints and regular meet up's with the resort team. Many of my friends were also in their thirties (most of whom were on career breaks) and I could always count on them to hit the dance floor with me sober until 4am - fuelled on good vibes and cheesy R&B music. As soon as the EDM came on, I found myself tucked up in bed with a tea and my red light.

You'll find people of all abilities to0, from those who have never skied, to more advanced skiers. I often found myself in a group of skiers who were better than me, which forced me to up my game and do runs I would never usually consider. I quickly became a much better and more confident skier - s0mething I am now very grateful for. If you are new to skiing, I would strongly recommend getting lessons as it's a fast way to gain new skills and make new friends in the same position as you. Skipping lessons to learn from your friends sounds fun initially, but you'll learn more with an instructor and 90% of the time, they're cute.

I also found other activities to do in my spare time too, when I needed a break from the slopes. I enjoyed painting, going swimming, hitting the sauna, playing tennis (Morzine is known to not have too much snow in resort) and going on dates - turns out most people on a season are very similar to you! I was keen to explore the local area and take initiative to meet like-minded people who shared similar outlooks to me, it was great! I had a very good work life balance on my second season and didn't come home utterly exhausted like my first one.

favourable skills if it's your first season

• Managerial skills / experience organising teams

• Cashier / sales experience (reps often take moeny and sell lift passes so these skills are useful)

• General life experience (many people I met were teachers, lawyers, doctors) - some companies actively hire those on career breaks

• Carpentry / maintenance / plumbing skills - always extremely desirable on a season. Many companies will have a dedicated handyman

• A clean driving license if you want to be a resort driver (+ many managerial positions will expect you to drive too)

• Food Hygiene course Level 2 (an online course that is required if working around food - you will definitely need this if hosting)

• A passion for cooking / hosting / making drinks is handy

• Interpersonal skills - the ability to talk to people from all walks of life (e.g., previous experience working in a shop, PR, comms, waitressing etc...)

• Commitment to working long hours

• Any hospitality experience is highly desirable

• Creativity - companies love those who go the extra mile for guests and can be extra creative when cooking

• A sense of humour - vital! you have to learn to laugh at the silly shit, because seasonal work can be frustrating and people will definitely get on your nerves

  
  

finding the right job

It might be challenging, particularly for first-time applicants to find a suitable role. I'd apply early for winter 2025 - some companies start the recruitment process in April/May. I would also say that if you really want to do a season now (October) you can directly email companies, even if they are not employing and ask to be added to their reserve list. People drop out of seasons all the time due to injury, inability to do the job, fatigue etc... so it's always great to be on a backup list. I got hired in December as I wasn't planning on doing a season, but it worked out perfectly.

I would recommend not taking a job if it doesn't feel right. I got rejected by many companies and I also turned some down. One company turned me down initially, then when I got to resort I met the GM of that company who I soon became friends with. He complained about his staff constantly and asked if I could jump ship, which made me laugh as his boss had deemed me 'too inexperienced' for the job.

If you get a feeling or don't vibe with the person interviewing you, you probably won't love the staff they hire either. You'll know when you speak to the manager that the company will have a good vibe or not. Both companies I worked for were middle class companies and so expectations were high, but not premium - I enjoyed that because it was super chill, unlike some of the other top dollar companies where you will need to have a high level skillset and a lot more experience.

things they don't tell you...

Seasonal work is hard. You will feel overworked, under paid and get annoyed at management when they don't bring you potatoes because you're all out, or when your guest is sick up the wall and you have to clean it, or when you find out you have four back-to-back weeks of small kids, so have to be back in the chalet early to prep kids' tea - WORST! It is also an intense environment if you are living in a big, shared house with people who aren't well versed in doing their dishes or being clean. The job in itself is long and you have to always be on good form, even when you're operating on no sleep. Changeover days are shit, there isn't really any way out of that one - you'll work a 16-hour day with hopefully an afternoon nap if you're lucky.

Companies vary in what they pay for. The good ones will:

• Provide ski hire (some companies will dock this from your pay on a monthly basis, as with the lift pass)

• A lift pass (check that it covers the whole mountain, not just your resort)

• Flights and transfers to and from resort

• Holiday pay

  
  

Read your contract - it is likely to be in French so you might have to translate it. Check that the company are going to pay for you to get to resort - often they reimburse you if you complete the season but the better companies will look after you the whole way through, from start to completion.

My last company made me pay for my lift pass (at a discounted rate) monthly and I had to pay for my flight home. My first company paid for everything which was amazing, but then the accommodation was shit, so it really just depends. I think most companies will provide flights to resort and free ski hire. Lift passes you usually pay for. I would suggest buying a discounted lift pass from the lift pass website directly in May/June time - some people did this last season and saved over 4oo Euros.

Make sure you get holiday pay or time in lieu; you'll probably work more than your contract so this is important. I used to track my hours on my last job and let management know each week how much overtime I was doing.

I would definitely ask to see accommodation pictures when you get your job and check how far you will be living from you chalet. You want to have a nice place to chill after a long shift, otherwise it can be very hard to switch off.

People don't often say it, but doing a season in your thirities is so normal. I'd go as far to say, most people are doing seasons later in life now, as they missed out in their twenties.

Overall

There truly are people from all walks of life on a ski season and the best thing is 99% of people just want to hit the slopes, so regardless of age you will have something in common with almost everyone you meet.

If you want to meet amazing people, experience a different way of life, breathe in that fresh alpine air, eat delicious food and wake up BUZZING every day to going skiing, then just commit to doing a season RIGHT NOW - it will be the best decision you will make and there is no way that you'll regret it.

Despite all the small annoyances, the moment you're at the top of the hill all your problems fade away, literally. It sounds cheesy, but it's the best lifestyle. So, if I have convinved you that you are not too old to do a season in your thirities, then get applying right now and if you ever need any advice, please just send me an email and I'd be happy to help.

Ciao for now, Bex

(a girl in her thrities who will probably do many more ski seasons)