The Reality of Life at a Ski Resort

You’ll enjoy working at a ski resort if you:

• Love the mountains, outdoor scenery, and winter sports.
• Enjoy socializing with new people in a fun atmosphere (there’s plenty going on and lots of parties).
• Want to gain work experience in tourism and hospitality.

If you don’t like the cold, the mountains, or partying with new people, working at a ski resort might not be for you.

If you don’t like being too geographically isolated, living in the mountains may not be for you either. Some larger resorts don’t feel isolated at all, so it really depends.

You’ll also need to be flexible and able to adapt to changing weather conditions. Sudden snowfall can mean a sharp increase in activity, or the opposite!

Pros of working in a ski station

• Depending on the benefits offered by your employer, you may be able to save money during your contract and put some aside to travel once the winter season is over.
• Working in the mountains allows you to discover an interesting part of French culture and immerse yourself in spectacular natural surroundings every day.
• You’ll meet lots of people and may live in a shared community. It’s a great way to make friends and practise your French.
• You can improve your skiing skills or have a blast on the slopes if you’re already a fan.
• The pay can be quite attractive.

Cons of working in a ski station

• Life in the mountains isn’t for everyone. You need to be comfortable with challenging weather conditions and the possibility of feeling isolated.
• The cost of living is higher.
• The work period can be long and intense.
• Committing to a season generally means staying in the same place for three to five months.