Working Winter Holidays

If you want an adventure, to work abroad or to enhance your CV this winter season, then a working winter holiday could be perfect for you.

Every year the winter season creates hundreds of job opportunities around the world, as holidaymakers flock to popular destinations such as France, Switzerland and Canada. This extra influx of travellers need to be looked after, and this is where you come in.

Depending on what skills you have, what type of person you are, and what kind of experience you want, there is usually a variety of positions available. Just remember that every company and establishment has different definitions of roles, and different positions available each year.

Chalet Host

As a Chalet Host you will have daily contact with guests, preparing their meals, cleaning their chalet and generally making sure they are happy during their stay.

Resort Rep

As a Rep you will usually be responsible for providing customer service and making sure that everything flows smoothly at your resort; you will look after guests, answer questions or queries and help plan events.

Hotel Assistant

This can involve cleaning rooms, serving food or drinks, and generally assisting the hotel in anything they need, it could even involve food shopping and preparation.

Bar staff

As well as serving drinks and interacting with guests, you could also be required to clean the bar, monitor stock, and cash up.

Washer-Uppers

Although one of the least glamorous of the jobs available, this job requires no interaction with guests, and no language skills. The clue is in the title; basically you will do all the washing up.

Jobs such as Ski Instructors, Nannies and Chefs are also available, but mainly require previous experience and qualifications.

Before you make any decisions or commit to anything, make sure;

• You are booking through a reputable firm or website.
• Whether you need a working visa (If so you need to apply for this weeks in advance – check our Visas, Passports and EHIC page for more information)
• Exactly how long your contract will last, some are a few weeks, and others expect you to work the entire winter season, which could last months!
• Always remember to invest in adequate travel insurance which will cover you for working abroad and any activities you might partake in. (For more information visit our Winter Sports Travel Insurance Buyers Guide.)
• Make sure that your university or employer knows about your plans.