What is it Like to Work a Season?
A season in a holiday resort involves a lot of hard work, as well as the better publicised social scene and activities that draw people to doing a season, like skiing and boarding and the equivalent fun to be had in Lapland or the Alps in summer.
The Jobs
There are a number of possible jobs, mainly in catering, child care and operational support; there are full details elsewhere on this site. These jobs have the advantage that they normally include accommodation and, as we are located in the UK, you can secure your job before you arrive and not have to risk trudging around resorts knocking on doors and failing to find something suitable, in the way of work or accommodation. As well as a full season, we also take staff for shorter-term contracts. For instance, in the ski programme, while most people start work in December, we have vacancies for January, February and March starts and even for the last 2 or 3 weeks of the season; that suits those who are at university during the Easter holidays.
The Package
Check with any potential employer to see what’s included with your job. Like most reputable British operators, we provide accommodation, travel, equipment hire and a season’s lift pass, or access to other activities and other benefits as part of your package, as well as free medical insurance to cover you for illness and ski injuries. The accommodation is usually basic; don’t expect to live like a guest, and you will probably be sharing a room with other members of your resort team.
The Wages
Given the high value of the board and lodging and the ski/activity package, the pay is generally at ‘pocket money’ levels. It varies according to the skills or experience required, as do the hours and other benefits, including tips, so do your research before you apply and remember to ask appropriate questions at interview if your questions have not been answered. Also make sure you budget carefully for the season, as it is very easy to overspend if you tackle the night-life too enthusiastically and splash out on ski or board equipment and clothing, mountain bikes etc.
The Lifestyle
While working in a ski or summer Alpine, or a Lapland resort may sound like the best job in the world, and it is great fun and very rewarding, be aware that it can be stressful and tiring. You will work six days a week, often long hours and, although you often get time off during the day, you will work on split shifts. You will generally need to get up early and you’ll have to accept that on good days you’ll miss the fresh powder because you have to work. Ski resorts in particular are also renowned for being party places, so expect lots of late nights and hung-over mornings, which must not affect the way you do your job. Again, you need to pace yourself so that you do not run yourself down and become ill.
However, with this being said, most people who work a winter or summer season have an amazing and sometimes life-changing experience, and many go back for more. For some, such a season is the first step on a career ladder in the travel and hospitality industry. Most senior mangers in ski companies started off just as you are – by ‘doing a season’, and then stayed.