Why should you get a ski job?
If the simple prospect of being able to ski or snowboard all season isn’t enough, there are one or two compelling angles. Maybe your London stint is coming to a close and you’re looking for a way to extend the transition home. Perhaps you plan to stay in London but are mulling a short sabbatical from work. Even if you are simply looking to explore a new hobby while making some cash, the snow is a good place to start.
What to expect from a ski job
Setting up a job doesn’t have to be difficult. If you decide to work for a tour operator your accommodation and food will be taken care of – thus making the adventure more economical.
The work is normally harder than most perceive and you can’t expect a holiday in the snow like the ones you’ve had with mates. That said, there is leisure mixed with the work. Scanning the jobs on offer – ski representatives, lift operators, catering & bar work, teaching, childcare, maintenance crew and many others – will give you a little more insight.
The language barrier can make finding work in European resorts difficult, and undoubtedly skills in a foreign tongue will help, but depending on your role, arming yourself with a few basics should provide a good enough foundation. In any regard, most companies will supply some sort of training and continued support throughout the season.
Best places to get a ski job
The most popular spots are in France, Austria, Switzerland, Canada and the USA, but choosing a location is dependant on factors such as budget, language, skills, experience and whether you plan to continue travelling after the work ends.
Whistler (Canada)
Whislter ski resort is located about 75 miles from Vancouver and is considered by many as the best ski resort in North America, some might say the world. It features various terrains so all skiers are catered for and with over 33 chairlifts and 7102 skiable acres it’s one vast expanse. The Whistler village means visitors have plenty to do off the slopes – shopping, cool bars, excellent lodging and bundles of restaurants. For more information check www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Vail (Colorado USA)
Vail is a premier ski resort boasting impeccable views from every side of the mountain and featuring over 5,000 skiable acres. The mountain is perfect for skiers of intermediate level but all will experience some degree of challenge. There are many restaurants and lodges to pick from. For more information check www.skijob1.com
Chamonix (France)
In a spectacular location below Mont Blanc, the Alps highest mountain, Chamonix is an iconic ski resort. The area is known for its mountain climbing, skiing, and for being the location of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Chamonix has several separate ski areas with the most famous being the 12-mile Vallée Blanche descent along the Mer du Glace glacier. For more information check www.charmonet.com
Grindelwald (Switzerland)
Any visitor will experience a fairytale-like feeling of familiarity at Grindelwald. It is situated at the base of the snow-capped Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – some of the most spectacular peaks in the Alps. In addition to Grindelwald’s home area, skiing extends across as far as Wengen. For more information check www.ski-jobs.co.uk
The 2008/09 season is expected to bring a flurry of new destinations such as Formigal in Spain and Kranjska in Slovenia. Formigal’s 130km ski area and resort infrastructure has put Spain back on the map where wintersports are concerned, while the spacious slopes and professional English-speaking ski schools are just a couple of the reasons skiers might head off the beaten track to Kranjska.
Ski job contacts
www.nonstopski.com
www.expatexplore.com
www.traveltalktours.com
www.onthegotours.com
www.topdecktravel.co.uk
www.intrepidtravel.com
www.skijob1.snow.com
www.ski-jobs.co.uk
[ Source: Australian Times ]