Ski Season

[White Stuff]

Hi! I've just graduated from st.andrews as of last thursday and am currently in a law firm filing and typing. Thrilling. Not. I've decided that since I don't want to continue with this mind numbingly boring work and don't want to find a proper job I'm going to do a ski season this winter.

Has anynone done one of these before, and can they recommend any particular resorts or companies to work for? I'd be really grateful for any recommendations as there's so much info out there. Thanking you in advance!!

[Bread Roll]

Not done a ski season myself, but as an ex-campsite courier, I can point you towards the following website for more info. Its got a whole section on winter season jobs and also a message board for such banter:

http://www.seasonworkers.com

[hr]

CALLBACK!!?! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!

[Guest]

Thank you Bread roll!!

[cberry]

Best place to do research is:

http://www.natives.co.uk/

But more importantly, you need to consider a few things:

->What level of a skier are you and what are you interested in? For advanced/off piste skiers would prefer different mountains than boarders who like parks, etc.

->What type of work are you looking for? Tuning skis, waiting tables, teaching, or lifty?

->What country do you prefer? Would you like english speaking (Canada/USA) where your job prospects are better, etc?

If you answer a few of those (on the forum or email crb4) I could try pointing you in the right direction. I've never done a season but do lots of skiing and have researched doing a season.

[Al]

I did a ski season before i went to st a, had an absolutely great time so much so i'm just in the process of sorting out work for this coming season!

If your thinking about doing a season then there are three important things you need to think about/consider

1) What do you want to do?
e.g. rep role, driver, host, nanny etc....
All fairly hard work/long hours. Expect to work 50-60hrs per week with one day off - altho once you sort your routine out you'll get much more mountain time.

2) What kind of person are you?
in other words which resort will you have the best time. If your a party animal then request one of big "french" (...pretty much english) resorts. Val D'isere, Meribel, Tignes, etc... If your up for the other extreme go to a smaller resort such as Cortina or Cassiano in the Dolomites.
For something in between one of the austrian/swiss resorts are a good bet.

3) Is this a serious job or more of an experience thing?
The more prestigious the company the greater the dedication required, but also the higher the remuneration.
TOP TOP END - Descent International. Really REALLY expensive. this is a FULL TIME job. Not much mountain time
Scott Dunn - caters for premium market, hard work, hard play, competitive salary.
Snow Line VIP - middle/top-ish of the road
Crystal / Inghams etc... - Mass market, usually younger workers, work, get pissed, work, ski, get pissed. Good laugh but pay isnt as good.

Dont expect to get paid a fortune, ski season work is all about a lifestyle not earning a mint to take home!

I worked for Scott Dunn. Great company. Guests were on the whole proper people but fairly easy going.

There is only ONE website for seasonaires:

www.natives.co.uk

One word of warning. Your first season will not be your last!