Should I Do A Ski Season?
Just got your A level results? Not sure what to do? How about going to do a ski season in the Alps?
There are endless clichéd reasons for doing winter seasons but the biggest draw remains the chance to ski or snowboard in world famous resorts almost every day of the season. However, a question that hovers over the decision is: should I make that move and how will it affect my future?
Most universities encourage a gap year and employers view it in a positive light as it shows that you have gone out and discovered hard work and independence. So, nothing to worry about there? The big concern for many people is what if you love it so much that you want to keep on doing it. Is there a future in the ski industry?
The answerer is yes. In the ski industry we love to employ people that have been out in the mountains getting firsthand experience of the in-resort ski industry. When in the Alps there are many opportunities to work your way up the corporate ladder, into resort management, operations and accountancy. Some people even go on to start up their own independent ski company. When you tire with ski seasons then you can make your mark in the thriving UK based ski industry.
The opportunities that await you in the UK are varied and full of people as passionate about winter sports as you are. You may find work in the large tour operator’s recruitment departments as they love the experience you have gained in the mountains. You could end up working in the prestigious Ski Club of Great Britain who employ over 50 staff. There are chances that you could find work at one of the many dry and indoor slopes across the UK.
One of the biggest employment opportunities in the UK of ex season staff is with Ski Specialist travel agents. We are one of these travel agents and our office is full of people who have worked in the mountains and really enjoy what they do. We have blogged in the past about what it is like to work for Interactive Resorts and have also made an Infographic about the staff that work here, so we won’t go on about it now.
The bottom line is that if you want to work in the ski industry in the UK in any role be it management, marketing, IT, HR, sales, operations or events, then you will need to spend some time in the Alps.
If you want reassurance about doing a season then this is us saying go do it, there is a future working in the ski industry if you want it. Go to Val d’Isere and play with the rich and famous, party in the Après mecca of St Anton, experience the legendary off-piste of Verbier. Then come home and share your knowledge with others, who work in real jobs in a less exciting industry.
To find a job working a ski season go to our friends at Natives.co.uk, they are a ski jobs specialist and you will be able to find the perfect winter season job with them.
One Comment
Great post and a great experience for school leavers, a ski season teaches independence, responsibility and proves to future employees you are not afraid of hard work, , but I am now going to sound like a right old kill joy to anyone who believe that doing a season is easy to get into.
In this (I hate to say it) economic climate there is more competition for each position in the alps than there was 13 years ago when I was applying for my first season job, and now the 18/19 yr old potential gap yearers are also up against more mature candidates who are taking a sabbatical from work or have been made redundant and perhaps missed out on their gap year, so before they go to the interview (or complete the application form even) they need to be equipped with good reasons why they are a better candidate than someone who has life skills, experience in the work field and to be honest isn`t all about the partying.
Doing a ski season can lead on to a career as the blogger says. I know people who took a gap year did a season and then the gap year turned into a gap life and are doing pretty well for themselves.