If you have the freedom to do it, securing a seasonal job at a ski resort can be very tempting. You have the opportunity of working at top class resorts such as Powder Mountain, where you can experience the quality of the resort at unusually affordable prices. Look for opportunities like Powder Mountain, where you can not only rent but even purchase a home affordably. You also get to experience the camaraderie of mixing with other people who are working the season, and improve your skiing skills during your time off.

One thing it’s important to note is that working the season is not the same as taking a holiday. You are expected to work hard and be flexible. If you have that in mind then you should be able to enjoy working a season and get the most out of the experience. We are going to take a look at the type of job you may be able to secure and things you need to think about during the application process.

What types of job are available?

You do not have to be an expert skier to work at a ski resort; in fact many people seek seasonal ski resort work so that they can improve their skiing expertise. So what sort of jobs are available if you are looking for seasonal ski resort work?

Working as a ski rep

If you love working with people then you will probably enjoy working as a ski rep. Much the same as any holiday rep, the main aspect of working as a ski rep is helping people who are visiting the resort. This means that you will be expected to deal with questions and problems, sell après ski events, run resort events and organise important functions such as ski hire. This role is a varied and interesting one, but it can be difficult and testing.

Working in ski chalets

One of the best things about working in a ski chalet is that you can often get a significant amount of time to yourself once you have got a feel for the job. Of course, this depends on considerations such as is there a changeover taking place? This type of activity can make like very busy indeed. Chalet jobs vary from maid service to management and working as a chef.

Working as an instructor

If you do have a talent for winter sports you may want to train as an instructor. You should make sure that you secure an internationally recognised qualification. Instructing can be a lot of fun if you are passionate about skiing or boarding. Of course, you need to be good with people too.

Where to look for jobs

Once you have decided what type of work you want to search for, the next important factor is knowing where to look. You can search the website of each resort individually or you can search specialist websites such as Coolworks or Season Workers.

If you decide to use one of the specialist websites you will find you have access to a wide range of resort based jobs. The roles on offer vary greatly, from working in photography at Mammoth Mountain to instructing at Breckenridge. You should be able to find something to suit your skills.

Application and interview

If you are applying for a seasonal job in a ski resort you should know that there will be plenty of competition. This is why you need to make your application stand out. There are several things you should think about.

• Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the requirements of the role.
• Always double check punctuation and spelling. You may want to have someone else check as well.
• Think about your online presence. Does your email address sound professional? If you do not want a prospective employer to see your Facebook account then make sure your privacy settings are set accordingly.
• Be well informed about the job you are applying for. This helps you to make sure your application is completed in a way that gives you the best chance of success.

If you pay attention to your application then you stand a better chance of being invited to an interview. If you do progress to the interview stage then remember:

• Get to know as much about the resort and the job as possible.
• Re-read your application and be familiar with it.
• Think about examples of customer service, including times when you have dealt with a difficult situation.
• Be prepared for potential group interviews.
• As with any interview, be prepared and do not be late.

There is a lot of competition for any seasonal ski resort role so you need to work hard to give yourself the best chance of success. If you do not get the first job you apply for then try again. Hopefully, with some perseverance, you will get the chance to spend a season working in a ski resort.