Find ski jobs in Austria

Austria is the second most popular destination in Europe after the French Alps for Brits choosing to work a ski season. In this article we discuss the types of ski jobs available in Austria, and find out more about the resorts that make this country such a great place to work a ski season.

So why choose Austria?

Lower cost of living

Something which is essential to every traveller - keeping the cost of living down as low as possible to ensure that you can enjoy your experience to the max! Consequently, Austria could be a good choice for you. Austria is less expensive than the popular big resorts of the Alps. Crucial things such as lift passes (if not already included in your job package), and of course meals out and partying generally costs less!

The picturesque setting

Austria is renown for its classic, picturesque setting. You just need to think of the sound of music!! The pretty smaller resorts may appeal to you over than the mega resorts of the Alps. Kitzbühel is recommended for its spectacular beauty and its charming medieval town. It is the oldest Austrian resort dating back to 1892. The skiing is also excellent as even the Austrian ski team regularly go there to train. If you are looking for a resort with breathtaking, stunning scenery, a welcoming ambiance and a place where you can become familiar with all the runs, Austria may be the place for you!

Great nightlife

An important element to all ski seasons! It is not just the Alps that has an amazing nightlife. Ischgl is famous for its opening and closing parties, where you can party on the mountain top to performances from A-list artists such as The Killers and Robbie Williams. Ischgl is known to be more expensive, yet if you are looking for an older crowd this could be a good option. St. Anton is also fantastic for its nightlife, yet this time has a younger crowd. St. Anton is a place of hardcore slopes and hardcore partying. Mayrhofen is also known for its crazy partying and drinking. In addition, it is important to note that the well-known Snowbombing festival takes place there every April. A week-long mixture of famous DJs and bands, all on the slopes.

Ski resorts in Austria

Mountain work

Perhaps the most well known ski resort in Austria is Kitzbühel, but there are plenty more great resorts offering relaible snow and great facilities for holiday makers and seasonaires alike. The Alps are a pretty mountain range but quite a few people argue that the Austrian Alps are particularly beautiful with picture postcard views that will quickly wear out the battery on your phone!

High altitude resorts – Example resort: Solden. Resort altitude 3000m. Solden has skiing availbale at over 3000m on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. This significanly extends the season, which means more money in your pocket as a ski season worker.

Ski in ski out resorts – Example resort: Konigsleiten. Resort altitude 1600m. With immediate access to the slopes, Konigsleiten offers plenty of ski in ski out chalet accommodation - it is a fantastic place to work and the snow conditions are superb.

Job requirements for Austria

rules and regulations

- Some jobs will have age restrictions. If your job requires you to drive you will need to be +21 for insurance reasons.

- Although German is not essential, in some jobs the ability to speak German may be important. Working in a non-Austrian business such as a ski hire shop or an Irish bar for example will obviously be less important.

- Make sure you have a UK bank account and that you have a national insurance number. It is cheaper for British companies to pay you this way so most of them insist upon it.

Types of ski jobs available in Austria

Ski season jobs at the Austrian ski resorts fall into the following broad categories:

Ski Instructor Austria

A dream job at a ski season is instructing skiing on the slopes. If you are not currently qualified this still could be possible if you complete a course giving you a qualification and a guaranteed job at the end. In Austria, the Level 1 and 2 qualifications are known as Anwärter and Landes. You can teach worldwide with them, but as they include a bit of conversational German, you will be especially suited to Austrian ski resorts. Our friends as Ski Instructor Academy are currently offering a course in Austria that includes full training and a guaranteed job for your first season!

Chalet jobs in Austria

Similarly to France, chalet work requires a certain level of expertise. In a catered chalet you are expected to provide a substantial breakfast, usually lunch and a full three-course meal for dinner. Nevertheless, if your cooking skills are not currently up to scratch, you could complete a chalet cookery course to ensure that you are at the level that is required. If you wish to work in Austria couples are in demand.

Bar work

Working in shifts means that there is free time on the slopes and to enjoy the culture. Furthermore, as previously mentioned applying to a bar that is owned by an English speaker, such as an Irish bar makes you far more employable if you can’t remember your German from school!

Childcare staff in Austria

If you would enjoy working with children and would appreciate the extra pay you may wish to apply for a job as an au pair. Although this would mean that you would not be out on the slopes during the day you may find this job more rewarding than bar work.

Hospitality and Catering jobs in Austria

AThis category consists of chalet chefs, which are the most commonly advertised, and jobs working in hotels. To be a chalet chef you must be qualified and experienced.

Drivers / Maintenance

Obviously a clean driving licence is a must. Although you could find yourself with plenty of free time, especially if you are working on a rota basis, being on call means you may have to cancel any plans at short notice.