Sölden is one of Austria's best known resorts, with more tourists and better pistes, though it is not especially popular with British tourists. Well placed to offer high altitude and glacier skiing, this resort also enjoys a longer season than most, which means your employment is extended giving you more time to earn and more time to play. So what else makes this a great place to work?
The skiing takes advantage of three 3km high mountains, Gaislachkogl, Schwarze Schneide and Tiefenbachkogl, known locally as the Big3. Each has some amazing runs and the whole area is really well connected with lifts and mountain railways. The elevation and the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers mean this area gets precipitation even when others are stuggling, so your day off is unlikely to coincide with patchy snow, and even if it does, the 150 canons are more than capable of filling in the gaps. Sölden is a resort that really cares about its appearance and attracts world cup racing at the start of every year. And if you are a snowboarder then you are also well provided for, with a specialist 300 meter long terrain park at Giggijoch, which is above the Hochsölden part of town.
The nightlife of this town is something special. Some places are quiet and sleepy, most are able to generate a decent atmosphere once people come off the slopes to discuss the day's events over a drink or a meal. As for Sölden; lively would be a very apt description. The centre of town is stuffed full of bars, clubs and restaurants. We reckon the best place to eat, (assuming you aren't a talented chalet chef!) is Culinaria on Plattestrasse. It's a bit out of town, but worth the climb for the local dishes. The zander and sauerkraut dish is worth a visit alone! All in all, a very friendly place, meaning you won't be stuck in your digs at night watching poor quality Austrian television gameshows.
As Sölden is not a resort where many British companies have a base, you may struggle to find employment through traditional methods, but that is not to say there aren't any jobs. As with any resort, there is a demand for seasonal staff. The area is popular with German tourists so if you sprechen Deutsch you will have an immediate advantage, even if it is just a bit of conversational ability. Hotel and bar jobs will be most readily available, with instructor jobs more difficult to come by. If you are serious about teaching in this region, you would do well to have a look at the Anwarter, Landeslehrer and Staatlicher courses, which make up the Austrian Ski Diploma. Quite a few Austrian ski schools like you to have this before they will back you to teach.
Sölden is in the Tirol area of Austria. For more about working in Austria, please visit the main page here: Austria
So what are the options if there is no snow on the ground, or if you need a quick fix during the summer months, between trips to Les Deux Alpes. Outdoor dry ski slopes have been around for years and have always been very popular, and more recently indoor winter sports centres have been springing up and they can now be found in most regions.
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.
Ever wondered what a chalet host really does? Read our detailed guide, covering every aspect of the job, including an hour by hour over view of a typical day in the mountains.
