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Catriona McKimmie Marketing Assistant

Skiing since the age of five and passionate about all things snow. On a mission to bring you the latest updates, news and features from all of our resorts.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Working a Ski Season

Fri June 07, 2019

Every year we send over 200 fresh-faced seasonaires out to the French and Austrian Alps to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime working in one of our 10 resorts. We employ people from all walks of life united by one thing: a desire to immerse themselves in resort life for up to 5 months and ski, ski ski. Learn the ropes quickly and you could be skiing up to 5 hours day in, day out, for the best part of half the year.

Almost everyone in the UK team has worked a season at some point, so we’ve complied a list of the top 10 things we wish we’d known before embarking on a winter season:

1)      You have not packed the right clothes.

It might seem easy – a couple of ski outfits, your uniform and something to relax – but we can guarantee that you’ll have forgotten something vital. Think outside the box – fancy dress will definitely rear its ugly head at several points over the winter. Embrace life with a communal wardrobe shared amongst your roommates and you should be able to muddle through.

2)      You can eat more cake than you think.

Whatever job you’re posted in, cake will be a regular fixture of daily life. There always seems to be leftovers and you’ll never learn how to say no.

3)      Sleep is for the weak.

The 6:30am alarm will seem like second nature after your first week of guests. The first few mornings will be difficult but once you’ve made it through you’ll pick extra skiing time over a mid-afternoon nap every time.

4)      Vegetarian guests are a blessing in disguise.

Being confronted with a chalet-full of different dietary requirements might seem like an impossible task to begin with, but it’s the perfect chance to try your hand at cooking a new menu and learning about different ingredients. The satisfaction from nailing a technically difficult menu and ensuring that everyone has a memorable week is a thrill like no other.

5)      You’ll ski every week…aside from half term.

When you’re used to empty slopes and having your favourite run all to yourself it can be a rude awakening when half the UK descends in mid-February. Use the week to deep clean the chalet while your guests are out skiing and you’ll be way ahead at the end of the season.

6)      Your guests will surprise you every week.

VIP SKI clientele come from all walks of life and no two weeks will be the same. From families on first ski holidays to corporate groups, each party will present different challenges and opportunities. Getting to know your guests is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job and can really make your season.

7)      Seasonaire food and drink discounts are everything.

Producing your seasonaire card and saving 20% on your burger or round of drinks will make you feel like a temporary millionaire. Almost everywhere offers discounts for those lucky enough to work in resort, so make sure you ask around.

8)      The table is the best dancefloor.

Après-ski doesn’t really kick off until someone’s dancing on the table in ski boots. Why is it so much more fun than on the floor? No-one knows, but it’s scientifically proven.

9)      Eventually, you’ll get tired of baguettes and croissants.

At the beginning of the season the unlimited supply of French carbohydrates feels like the greatest thing in the world but come March the lack of plain sliced bread will start to grate. Pace yourself in order to avoid the transmogrification into a pain au chocolate by early April.

10)      It’ll be over before you know it.

One day you’re counting down the sleeps till Christmas and then before you know it you’re waving your last guests off and contemplating deep clean. When you’re living in the mountains, working a job you love and skiing every day with your best friends time passes in the blink of an eye. Enjoy it while it lasts!

If you think you've got what it takes...

...submit a cover letter and CV to recruit@vip-chalets.com to be considered for a role. Read about our top tips for acing an interview with VIP SKI and find out more about what we’re looking for and what’s on offer.

If you love spending time in the mountains all year round, then apply for a role in our summer chalet programme. Recruitment is almost finished but we’re always on the lookout for passionate people to join the team. Get in touch if you'd like to be considered.

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Please contact Louise, Jess, Maxine or Millie if you have any questions.

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