Tips for Landing Your Dream Ski Season Job: It's Easier Than You Think...

Ever dreamed of spending your winter surrounded by fresh powder, dancing at 3 pm with an Aperol in your hand and skiing so hard that you can no longer feel your feet? I know, it sounds like heaven, right? If you agree, then a ski season job might be the perfect job for you. I am a HUGE advocate for seasonal jobs, particularly ones that tick all the boxes. Being outside all day? Tick. Learning new skills and being surrounded by like-minded people? Tick. Living in a mountain resort and playing in the snow all day? Tick.

So today I thought I'd share some practical tips and insights to help you land your dream ski season job and to help you make the most of this amazing opportunity.

Understanding Ski Job Opportunities: What’s Even Out There?

Before diving into applications and resorts, it’s important to understand the variety of ski job opportunities available and if you have the skillset to match. Ski resorts offer a wide range of roles beyond just ski instructors. Here are some common positions you might consider (especially if working in Europe):

• Ski/Snowboard Instructor: Teaching others how to ski or snowboard is a great choice, but a hard one to land if you are from the UK. Certifications are required (and are tricky to get unless you are from the EU), but if you can secure the job, it’s a rewarding way to share your passion for the slopes and make good money! French instructors are some of the best-paid instructors out there.

• Hospitality Roles: From working in resort restaurants, bars, or hotels, these jobs offer a social atmosphere and flexible hours. It helps hugely if you can speak the local language.

• Chalet Roles: Very popular in French and Austrian resorts. Jobs vary from entry-level to more skilled, depending on the company/quality of the chalet. Chalet Chefs are highly regarded too. This job is hard work, but it provides maximum ski time.

• Retail Staff: Ski shops and rental centres need staff to help customers with equipment and gear - this is a good gig that offers a good work-life balance. It helps to speak the local language!

• Nanny/childcare: There is an abundance of childcare roles, from nannying to working in a creche or hotel. Different roles have different schedules and daily responsibilities, so check before accepting the role if it aligns to what you want to do.

• Event Staff: Many resorts host competitions, festivals, and events that require temporary staff - this might suit if you can commit to working a full season, but still want to go out for a few weeks/months.

  
  

Knowing what’s available helps you target your applications and prepare accordingly!

How to Prepare for Your Ski Season Job Hunt

Preparation is key to standing out in the competitive world of ski season work. Here’s how I approached it, and what I recommend:

1. Research Resorts and Locations

   Different resorts have different vibes, clientele, and job availability. Some are family-friendly, others cater to hardcore skiers (Chamonix, Verbier), luxury travellers (Courcheval) or party animals (Val Thorens, St Anton). Decide what environment suits you best, then apply for jobs in those areas. For example, VT in the 3 Valleys has a huge party scene compared to quieter places like Les Menuires or La Tania, whereas somewhere like Val d'Isere and Meribel have a mix of everything.

   
   

2. Get Certified if Needed

   If you want to be a ski or snowboard instructor, look into certifications like the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) or equivalent. These can take time, so plan ahead of time and if it is even possible with your skillset. If working in hospitality, you'll almost certainly need a Food Hygiene Level 2.

   
   

3. Update Your CV and Cover Letter

   Highlight any relevant experience, such as customer service, outdoor skills, or previous seasonal work. Tailor your cover letter to each company, showing enthusiasm and knowledge about their business - do not skimp out on this! Personalising your emails and cover letters is essential to standing out and looking like you know your stuff.

   
   

4. Network and Use Online Resources

   Join forums, Facebook groups, and websites dedicated to seasonal work. There are many excellent resources online that prove invaluable for connecting with employers and other seasonal workers. Check out my TikTok (@roamwithbex) or Ski Season Guide for more info on this.

   
   

5. Prepare for Interviews

   Be ready to talk about your adaptability, teamwork skills, and passion for the mountains. Many resorts value attitude and willingness to learn as much as experience. Don't be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine! Write notes before your interview and keep them on your screen so you don't forget important questions/qualities about yourself.

   
   

What to Expect When You Start Your Ski Season Job

Starting a ski season job is exciting but can also be challenging. Here’s what I learned from my first season:

• Long Hours and Physical Work

Ski jobs often involve early mornings, late nights, and being on your feet for hours. It’s important to pace yourself, stay hydrated and get enough sleep (which can be tough when you want to party five times a week!)

• Living in Shared Accommodation

Many resorts offer staff housing, which is a fantastic way to meet people but requires flexibility and good communication. My top tip is to always do your dishes and take out the recycling. I promise you'll be the easiest (and most loved) person to live with. Try not to sweat the small things, seasonnaires aren't always the most considerate people to live with - they're tired and messy. Have weekly cleanups and respect each other's privacy as much as possible to help keep the peace!

• Building a Community

One of the best parts of ski season work is the friendships you form. Embrace the social side and get involved in activities outside work. You'll meet many other people from different companies, especially if you work in a smaller resort. Making new connections is fun and important, as you never know if you'll want to return the following year. If you're single, get on the dating apps! It's a great way to meet like-minded people as chance are - they'll probably love to ski.

• Learning New Skills

Whether it’s mastering customer service in a busy restaurant or improving your skiing technique, every day brings new challenges and growth. You really do leave seasons with a totally new perspective on life, as well as a newfound ability to handle stress and push yourself well out of your comfort zone.

Ski equipment resting outside a mountain lodge

Tips for Making the Most of Your Ski Season Experience

Okay, so you've landed an epic job in a resort you're truly excited about - congrats! Now you have to survive the whole season. Consider some of these things you help you succeed...

• Stay Organised

Keep track of your schedule, pay and training. This helps avoid surprises and keeps your season running smoothly. Make sure to ask about holiday pay or time in lieu - often contracts are 40 hours a week, but chalet hosts in particular often work beyond that. Log all the hours you work overtime, as you are protected by the French system if you have a French contract!

• Budget Wisely

Seasonal life can be expensive! It is very easy to get carried away spending money in bars, clubs and in restaurants on the mountains. Try to save money where you can and plan for off days or travel. If you work in a chalet, use your tip money for spending and try to save your salary - if you work for more luxury companies, you'll find the tips can keep you going all season long! Making lunch at home and bringing a hip flask is a good way to save cash.

• Explore the Area

Take advantage of your new home! Explore new runs, go on local hikes, or take part in cultural experiences. This is your chance to live like a local, and if you do, there are so many fun things you can do! Last winter, I went sledging, snow-shoeing, had a cheese fondue on the mountain, went to local pub quizzes, events on the mountains etc... and it was so much fun. I also took a few trips to Annecy and skied in Verbier for a few days at the end of the season. Always check your lift pass to see if it comes with any free days in other ski resorts. My Avoriaz ski pass came with 3 free days to ski in Verbier, which was a nice perk.

• Document Your Journey

Whether through journaling, photography, or blogging, capturing your experience can be rewarding and inspiring for others! Many of my friends document their season on TikTok or on the app Slopes, which documents every time you go skiing (and records things like top speed, KM's covered etc...) I personally kept a journal and wrote when I could (although I was often exhausted).

Embracing an Unconventional Lifestyle Through Seasonal Work

Choosing a ski season job is more than just a temporary gig - it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s about breaking free from the conventional life, embracing adventure and discovering new parts of yourself. I’ve found that this kind of work teaches resilience, adaptability, and the joy of living in the moment.

If you’re feeling stuck or craving change, consider how seasonal work like this can open doors to new experiences and personal growth. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it.

For more insights and resources on how to find and thrive in seasonal roles, check out some of my other blog posts or download my seasonal guide, which has over 70 pages of information to help you secure that dream job.

Leaping into seasonal work can transform your life in unexpected ways. With the right preparation, mindset, and a willingness to embrace the unknown, you can land your dream ski job and create memories that last a lifetime.

Good luck!