Employment for the winter
Obviously to survive the whole winter in Tignes it is essential to find a Job. Not only will it give you the money you need to live off but it's also a great way to meet people and find out what really goes on in the resort. So although it will probably mean slightly less time on the slopes it will ensure you really get the most out of your stay.
Throughout the winter we will be posting the odd job that becomes available in Tignes. However Natives offer a great range of jobs, from a wide variety of professions and from a number of resorts throughout the world. With a host of questions answered and practical advise given they're well worth a visit!
Due to increased enquiries for winter jobs we have teamed up with Natives to offer you an easy and accessible way to see what jobs are available this coming winter in the mountains!
Whether you're looking for a one off part time job or considering a serious career change then search through our database of companies recruiting for this winter to find the job you're looking for.
There can be hundreds of jobs listed here, so please remember... - Take your time - if you want a job, don't rush your application - Check when to apply as there are plenty of deadlines to be aware of. - Read each company's specific requirements & what jobs are available We have added a brief description of some of the jobs below.
Best of luck and have a great season!
With the help from the highly experienced team at Natives here are some brief introductions to the what jobs are on offer with tour operators. Local suppliers also have jobs available as barmen, waiters and chefs. Instruction is a highly technical area and is not covered here.
Chalet Girls/Boys
Minimum age 18/20 years (no maximum age - some staff are in their 50s). Chalet reps/hosts/girls/boys (every company has a different description) are important jobs as you will have close day-to-day contact with the guests. Duties include preparing breakfast, afternoon tea with home baked cakes and a three course dinner with wine. You are also responsible for keeping the chalet clean and generally looking after the welfare of the guests.
Chalets can range in size from 6 to 40 bed properties and many companies also run Club Hotels (see below) which can take many more. Generally it will just be you, unless you have more than 12 guests, although you can expect help from 'floating' members of staff.
Most companies do not require written qualifications, although relevant catering and budgeting experience is very useful. Many companies will ask you to complete a menu plan prior to interview. The menus should be of a dinner party standard, offering good wholesome meals with a local flavour, but taking into consideration available food supplies and budgetary constraints.
If are keen to become a Chalet Host, but don't have any catering experience there are a number of cookery courses available over the summer. Natives will bring you details of these when they come in.
Resort Reps & Resort Managers
Minimum age 21 years. Reps are responsible for all aspects of the smooth running of a resort. This includes providing information to the guests, organising day and après ski events, dealing with problems, and escorting the guests to and from the airport.
You need to be self-motivated with a out-going personality, capable of working on your own or as part of a team. Relevant experience in a customer service environment is useful.
Many Reps also have ski escorting responsibilities, although in many countries legal restrictions mean this is very limited. For these jobs you should have skied or boarded for a minimum of 10 weeks and be competent on every type of terrain.
Stamina and enthusiasm is essential as you tend to work a 6/7 day week. In addition you need to speak French, German, Italian or Spanish to a good conversational level. Resort Managers must be fluent.
Club Hotel Managers
Many ski companies operates 'Club Hotels'. These properties range in size from 30 to over 200 beds and tend to offer the informality of a chalet holiday, but in a hotel environment. The emphasis is on a relaxing, informal and highly sociable atmosphere.
Hotel managers need to have good management skills and previous experience in the hotel industry. Responsibilities include management and training of large teams of staff (anything up to 60 people), plus quality control and all health & safety aspects of the hotel and accounts.
Languages are essential and this is another 6/7 day a week job.
Chefs
In many cases, ski companies will require qualified chefs, either because this is their policy or for large Club Hotels. This can include Head Chefs and Assistant Chefs and responsibilities are similar to chalet staff: you need to provide breakfast, afternoon tea with home baked cakes and a three-course dinner or speciality dinner for guests. Additionally in Club Hotels, responsibilities include:
Planning and costing of weekly menus. Ensuring the highest standard of food production. Controlling, in conjunction with the Hotel Manager, the food budgets. Staff management of the kitchen team, including assistant chefs and kitchen porters. Health and safety aspects of the kitchen operation. Creative role and the design of "Speciality" meals, based on a theme or regional influence. Languages are not required. There is one day off a week.
Club Hotel Assistants or Chalet 'Floaters'
Minimum age 19. The main tasks in Club Hotels are to wait on tables and clean the guests rooms. Floaters are likely to help in larger chalets, where responsibilities may also include assisting with the shopping, food preparation and keeping the area around the chalet clear of snow and ice. Some also help with transfers. Previous experience in a customer services restaurant or hotel environment is useful. This is also a six-day week job. Again languages are an advantage but not essential.
Plongeurs (Washers-Up)
Minimum age 19. Guess what this one involves. Usually based in a Club Hotels there is no guest contact, but you may end up assisting with shopping, food preparation and 'deneigement'. This is also a six-day week job. Languages are not required.
Nannies & Children's Representatives
Minimum age 19. The role of a Nanny or Children's Representative working in a ski resort is demanding but fun. These positions are ideal for recently qualified nannies or people with childcare experience who are looking for a challenge.
Nannies tend to have their own crèches based in resort, which are run under by a local Nanny Manager. These usually cover children up to the age of 4 or 5, with separate clubs for older children. It is only working with older children that non-NNEB qualified applicants may be able to get a job and only then if you have childcare experience.
Nanny jobs can be for 5 or 6 days, with the one day off and the extra day (if relevant) spent assisting elsewhere in resort or taking a transfer to the airport.
French is not required but is useful. Placements for Student Nannies for one to three weeks are also possible.
Bar Staff
There is generally a minimum age of around 24. Bar staff can be responsible for all aspects of running a bar. This includes ordering and controlling stock, service, cleanliness and accounts, as well as assisting in other chalet duties. Good social skills are essential.
Previous experience and good conversational French are an advantage.
Maintenance Men
Minimum age 21. Responsible for chalet and vehicle maintenance, assisting with airport transfers, helping out in chalets on the chalet staff day off and driving duties as required. This is a a varied and unpredictable role which calls for initiative, independence and flexibility.
Proven experience in carpentry, plumbing and/or vehicle maintenance/repair experience and general repair/maintenance is essential, as is a clean driving licence.
Peak Season Jobs
Many companies employ staff just for peak season weeks. Typically these are companies with operations for schools, or who concentrate on families. However some can simply work with corporate groups and have peaks during the season. These jobs can be chalet hosting, rep-ing and child-care jobs. The package is typically similar to usual and the most popular dates for these jobs are February half-term, April, Christmas and New Year.
Companies who recruit for peak weeks only include:
Equity Travel First Choice PGL The Ski Club of Great Britain
Ski jobs, summer jobs, and 'real' jobs.
"What are you waiting for? With Natives, finding a seasonal job is easy to do. We answer your questions, find you a job and help you have the time of your life."
"If you're looking for an easy ride, you might as well stop now. At Natives we won't pull the wool over your eyes - it's not a non-stop party; it can be very hard work; you don't get paid much. Sounds great, no?"
"Buy hey, if you're not sure, don't spend too long thinking about it. You'll just have to trust us - there's a reason why we keep going back for more."
Taken from www.natives.co.uk
