Getting a job in the mountains for the season is many people's idea of living the dream. Sadly it is not all powder - occasionally you have turn up for work if you want to still be there by April. So with that in mind, which ski jobs really are the dream ticket to the slopes, and which of them are actually a nightmare? Of course this is a very subjective question, the answer to which depends a lot on what you want to get out of your winter. Loads of free time on the hill, or a slightly ruined kidney from the epic parties? A credible job that enhances your future work prospects, or something that keeps you fed and watered in return for very little effort? To help you decide, here is an at-a-glance look at the typical ski jobs out there so you can decide for yourself what your dream job is this winter.
Chalet Host - The Classic job. Plenty of hard work and early starts, but a good host works out how to party hard, ski hard and still keep the guests delighted. Not everyone does though, be warned!
Specialist Chef - Not every chalet company has specialist chefs - often this roll is combined with chalet hosting. When they do, they expect a high standard morning and night. The payback though is taking plenty of glory, and if you are efficient you can get lots of skiing in.
Ski Host - Probably the coolest looking job, but it is not all it is cracked up to be. You don't get to do much of the skiing you would like to do, and have to be very nice to people all day. Not everyone can hack that, but those that this comes naturally to will have a great time.
Driver - Driving to and from the airport for a season has its ups and downs. Expect some horribly early starts, to get lost a few times, and if you are doing it full time you will only get a day or two a week free to hit the slopes. On the up side, you only have to deal with guests for an hour or two!
Bar Staff - Needs little explaining. Choose your bar carefully though, if you intend to make the most of the early morning fresh powder then you don't want to be working till 6am, and you will need to have a pretty strong will to drag yourself out of bed every morning regardless.
Ski Shop/Hire - If you love kit, this is probably the job for you. It is not all selling ski jackets though, most shops do a big trade in ski hire. That means you need to get pretty good at ski fitting and ski repairs. Shops are open all day, so don't expect much ski time other than your day off.
Nanny - Nannies are in great demand in ski resorts, whether private or for a company offering childcare services. If you like working with children then this is of course a great role, but when do people want a nanny? When the ski lifts are open or for a night out.
Cleaner - The ultimate role for a ski bum looking for a no hassle winter. Turn up and clean during Saturday and Sunday changeovers, and then you will probably have much of the week off, save the odd mid week touch up. Most places have high standards though, so don't expect to get away with a rough job.
Lift attendants - Liftys enjoy a pretty special status on the mountain. Standing in the cold all day watching everyone else have fun isn't really a job for everyone however. On the up side, the social scene is great, and you are guaranteed the first run of the day every day. Make the most of it though!
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Find out more about working with your significant other, or friend, as a chalet host couple. We analyse the job from the skills required to the perks on offer.
