Jobs & Employment

Discover diverse ski season employment opportunities, from instructing and snowboarding to hospitality and lift operations. Learn different job types and how to secure your ideal position for the season.

Types of Instructor Roles

Understanding the different instructor roles helps you target positions that match your qualifications and career goals.

Ski Instructor
£80-£200/day
Teach skiing to groups and individuals of all abilities, from beginners to advanced skiers.

Requirements:

  • BASI Level 1 minimum
  • Strong skiing ability
  • Good communication skills
Snowboard Instructor
£80-£180/day
Provide snowboarding instruction across all levels, focusing on technique and safety.

Requirements:

  • BASI Level 1 (Snowboard)
  • Advanced snowboarding skills
  • Teaching aptitude
Children's Instructor
£90-£220/day
Specialize in teaching children aged 3-12, combining instruction with childcare skills.

Requirements:

  • BASI Level 1+
  • Childcare experience
  • Enhanced DBS check
  • Patience and energy
Private Instructor
£150-£400/day
Deliver personalized one-on-one or small group lessons, often for premium clients.

Requirements:

  • BASI Level 2+
  • Excellent communication
  • Professional presentation
Lift Operator
£50-£120/day
Operate ski lifts and cable cars, ensuring guest safety and smooth operations throughout the day.

Requirements:

  • Safety awareness
  • Good communication
  • Physical fitness
  • Attention to detail
Hospitality & Bar Staff
£45-£100/day
Work in resort restaurants, bars, and cafés, providing excellent customer service to guests.

Requirements:

  • Customer service experience
  • Friendly demeanor
  • Basic language skills helpful
Resort Retail & Equipment
£50-£110/day
Manage ski rental shops, equipment sales, and retail outlets at the resort.

Requirements:

  • Retail experience
  • Product knowledge (learnable)
  • Sales skills
Resort Administration & Guest Services
£55-£130/day
Handle bookings, guest inquiries, and administrative tasks for the resort.

Requirements:

  • Administrative skills
  • Organizational ability
  • Customer service experience

Employment Routes

There are several pathways to securing ski instructor work. Each has different requirements, benefits, and challenges.

Direct Employment with Ski Schools
Apply directly to established ski schools at major resorts. Most common route for first-time instructors.

Advantages

  • • Structured training
  • • Guaranteed hours
  • • Accommodation often included

! Considerations

  • • Lower pay rates
  • • Less flexibility
  • • Competitive application process
Tour Operator Programmes
Work for UK tour operators providing instruction to their clients at partner resorts.

Advantages

  • • UK-based support
  • • Organized accommodation
  • • Structured season

! Considerations

  • • Limited to specific resorts
  • • Moderate pay
  • • Less international experience
Freelance/Independent Instruction
Work independently, finding your own clients and managing your schedule.

Advantages

  • • Higher earning potential
  • • Flexibility
  • • Build own client base

! Considerations

  • • Requires higher qualifications
  • • Inconsistent income
  • • Self-employment admin
Resort Staff Programmes
Combine instruction with other resort roles (hospitality, retail, lift operations).

Advantages

  • • Guaranteed income
  • • Varied experience
  • • Easier to secure

! Considerations

  • • Less instruction time
  • • Lower specialist pay
  • • Busy schedule

Application Timeline

1
6-12 Months Before Season
Research destinations, complete qualifications, prepare CV
2
4-6 Months Before Season
Apply to ski schools and tour operators, start visa process
3
2-3 Months Before Season
Attend interviews, secure contracts, finalize accommodation
4
1 Month Before Season
Book flights, arrange insurance, complete pre-season training

Ready to Start Your Job Search?

Download our interview preparation guide and CV template to maximize your chances of securing your ideal position.