Find ski jobs in France
When people talk about skiing and working in a ski resort, the first place that comes to mind is the Alps. You can travel as far as Japan, New Zealand, Canada, but for the majority of Brits, the European Alps are the most popular destination for those wishing to work a winter season. The area stretches more than a thousand kilometres and encompasses eight different countries. If the Alps are the most popular ski region in the world, the favourite place to find ski jobs is France.
Why does everyone want to work in France?
location, location, location
The magnet that is French skiing is certainly felt by us Brits, with thousands and thousands of us heading out each winter to find jobs that allow us to enjoy the seasonaire lifestyle. Although the popularity of the French resorts guarantees a higher cost of living while you are out there, if you have your wits about you, there will be ways to avoid the obvious tourist traps.
One of the biggest plus points for France is its location. A short flight or long train ride (heck you could even drive there!) means you aren’t too far from home, and as a member of the EU, there are no restrictions for British nationals in terms of work permits and visas. Make sure you have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to cover the cost of any medical treatment – don’t assume you will never actually need it, you’d be surprised how many people do themselves damage while working a ski season.
Don’t expect to earn big wages in France – think more about the perks of the job! An amazing working environment that people back home would trade every day of the week. Your employer will likely provide everything you will need in terms of ski or board hire. They probably have an arrangement with the local hire place that will get you boots and skis, though you will need to take your own appropriate winter clothing. Season long lift passes will also be included as a perk for the majority of jobs.
Ski resorts in France
Choosing your working environment
Ski resorts like Alpe d’Huez, Chamonix, and Val d’Isere will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has even the slightest knowledge of skiing. If you are looking for reliable powder and ski conditions, slopes and snow parks that will suit all abilities from complete beginners to advanced skiers, and places with a great night life, France has it all, in spades! As winter sports attract so many tourists it is hardly surprising that numerous ski areas have become established to take their money. There are more than 350 resorts attracting upwards of ten million people a year, contributing billions of Euros to the French economy.
Types of ski resort in France
Occupying a large chunk of the Western Alps, France has every type of resort you can imagine, but is perhaps most famous for linking resorts together to create huge ski areas. Examples include the Paradiski and The Three Valleys.
Mega resorts – attracting the most tourists, they are found at higher altitudes where snowfall will be more predictable and reliable and will allow the tour operators to extend the season at both ends due to early and late snowfalls. In order to attract the maximum number of visitors, each ski area will have plenty of interest for all ski abilities, so plenty of blue as well as black runs. The associated towns will have more hotel beds, and there will be more restaurants and bars. This means more staff to keep the resorts ticking during the season.
Example resort: Tignes. Resort altitude 2000m. Capacity 30,000 beds
Small to medium resorts – tend to be quieter, sometimes more picturesque, and attract more in the way of families and French tourists. Resorts in this category may target beginner to intermediate, or intermediate to expert skiers – certainly worth thinking about if you plan to take a ski job off the beaten track. On the up side as far as we are concerned, a resort of this size is likely to give you a feeling of being in France, rather than on the side of a mountain that could be anywhere in Europe.
Example resort: Le Corbier. Resort altitude 1550m. Capacity 9000 beds
Requirements for ski jobs in France
rules and regulations
- You may be looking after British guest most of the time but you are still living in France, so the ability to speak at least a bit of the language is often a benefit if not a requirement.
- Some jobs will have age restrictions. If your job requires you to drive you will need to be +21 for insurance reasons.
- 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.
- Although (at the time of writing) we still don't know exactly how Brexit is going to affect your opportunities to work a ski season, we will keep you posted with any new developments. At the moment, ski companies are still recruiting British staff for the up coming 2019/20 European ski season.
Types of ski jobs available in France
As we have already said, French resorts attract as many as ten million people. Chances are, if you wanted to go and find work as a plasterer or a dentist you’d be in with a chance, but the bulk of jobs in France will fall into the following broad categories:
Chalet jobs in France
Chalet work covers many areas of expertise, from cleaning to customer service. You’ll almost certainly need to know how to cook if you are looking after a smaller chalet that does not have its own kitchen staff. We aren’t talking about a quick round of sandwiches either; in a catered chalet guests will expect a substantial breakfast, often lunch, and a full three course meal every evening. If you and your partner have customer service and catering experience between you, chalet couples are in demand.
Bar work
Perhaps the easiest type of ski work to obtain in France is bar related. Clearing tables, collecting jars and serving drinks is the type of work that will see a steady turnover during a season as people do stints while passing though. The hours also mean you have a decent amount of the day free to do as you please, though you may be pretty tired if you are expected to work into the small hours of the morning. This type of vacancy may be ideal if your job in France is designed to give you as much time to ski as possible!
Childcare staff in France
Almost the opposite end of the spectrum from bar work, while you are looking after little ones you aren’t going to be drinking, and you are going to miss most of the day while other people are out skiing. If you enjoy working as a nanny then there are plenty of jobs available and the pay is comparable to similar jobs here in the UK.
Hospitality and Catering jobs in France
Another broad category but the most commonly advertised catering job is that of the chalet chef. Qualified and experienced chefs, prepared to cook at altitude and run their own kitchen with little help from anyone else, are in high demand. You can expect a reasonable salary, but precious little time out on the piste.
Drivers / Maintenance
We’d love to know the history behind this, but for some reason, these two are generally requested of the same person. As well as driving guests to and from the chalet or hotel, you will be called in to fix any problems with the fabric of the property. You will have to be fairly flexible in regards to your hours of work and the type of work will require you to be a bit of a jack of all trades. Obviously a clean driving licence is also a must. Although you could find yourself with plenty of free time, being on call means you may have to cancel any plans at short notice.
Resort Managers (French Alps)
France
Competitive
Our Resort Managers are required to effectively manage the hosting team, develop & maintain supplier relationships and deliver the highest standard of customer service to ensure our guests have a great holiday! Reserve applications open.
Posted by: The Alpine Generation
More Details & Application
Chalet Host - Couple
France
Competitive wage, bonus and holiday pay
We are looking for a couple to run our catered chalet in Montchavin-Les Coches, La Plagne (part of the Paradiski ski area 420m of piste), for the coming winter season 2324. If you don't mind hard work, love cooking, like the outdoors and would enjoy looking after our guests, then this is for you.
Posted by: Ski La Source
More Details & Application
Resort Rep
France
Competitive
This role is for someone to represent La Source and look after our self catered guests who will be staying in our 3 self catered chalets and 2 self catered apartments. This role involves housekeeping on Saturdays, also to assist Darren(General Manager), must speak French
Posted by: Ski La Source
More Details & Application
Chalet Chef
France
Evenings only, €15-€20ph including lodgings
We are the specialist chalet caterer in Alpe d'Huez, Vaujany and Oz en Oisans, offering private chefs to self catered accommodation groups
We offer 3 menu options to our guests (organised in advance), aimed around fresh, tasty & healthy produce, locally sourced and purchased - This is a FUN role!
Posted by: Ski Peak
More Details & Application
Summer Chalet Positions
France
Full time 4-month French contract
We are recruiting to join our catered chalet team in Chamonix for Summer 23.
Catering and/or service industry experience is a must. Driving is a bonus.
Singles, friends and couples are welcome to apply.
Posted by: Nomadic Ski
More Details & Application
Ski rep
France
11.52 € per hour
We are a small ski company based in Val Cenis, a traditional French resort with excellent skiing in the Maurienne valley of the Alps, looking for an English-speaking rep with an EU passport for this season 2023/24 (from 16th December 2023 to 9th April 2024).
Posted by: MGS Ski Ltd
More Details & Application
Resort Assistant/Chauffeur
France
11.52 euros per hour – French SMIC contract – 35 hours
To provide an effective and comprehensive driving service for all clients, as well as supporting the chalet teams to effectively run their chalet. You will be a regular point of contact for our guests on a daily basis so you must have a passion for providing excellent service.
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Sous Chef
France
Competitive
Our Sous Chefs have professional kitchen experience, and relish the opportunity to meet and deliver the high standards of catering required at VIP SKI, to our guests in both our hotels and CLUB Chalets. The Sous Chef works alongside the Head Chef to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen.
Posted by: VIP Ski
More Details & Application
Chalet Host Couples (French Alps)
France
Competitive
Our chalet couples host our larger 12-16 person chalets. The role is an all-round chalet hosting role shared between the two of you, and includes preparing and serving delicious homemade meals, housekeeping and providing an excellent guest experience. Reserve applications open for mid-season start.
Posted by: The Alpine Generation
More Details & Application
Resort Managers
France and Austria
Competitive
Are you a logical leader, ultimately unflappable and daringly dynamic? It’s time to step up… take on the ultimate resort role which is as rewarding as it is challenging. The Resort Manager role is highly varied role and would suit a confident, capable person with plenty of ski season experience
Posted by: Skiworld
More Details & Application
Nanny
France
11.52 euros per hour – French SMIC contract – 35 hours
We are a luxury chalet company, based in the resort of St Martin de Belleville in the 3 Valleys ski area. We operate 7 boutique ski chalets each with chef, host and resort assistant/driver teams. We are an owner operated business, now in our eleventh year with a staff of 28, including management.
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Excellent Chef in Les Gets, France
France
Competitive wage, accommodation, food, travel, full area lift pass, ski hire, part of a fantastic team
The role of a Chalet Chef is very varied and requires you to think on your feet in challenging situations. You need to be committed to ensuring excellent customer service, paying a genuine interest in our guests to make sure they have the best possible holiday at Jack & Jill.
Posted by: Jack and Jill Holidays
More Details & Application
Chalet Host
France
11.52 euros per hour – French SMIC contract – 39 hours
We are a luxury chalet company, based in the resort of St Martin de Belleville in the 3 Valleys ski area. We operate 7 boutique ski chalets each with chef, host and driver teams. We are an owner operated business, now in our eleventh season with a staff of around 28, including management.
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Resort Managers
France
Paid
Each winter we seek exceptional individuals to manage each of our resorts. With overall responsibility for the day to day activities of VIP SKI in the resort, complete flexibility is necessary for this role. We look for individuals who have seasonal Alpine experience and are passionate about skiing.
Posted by: VIP Ski
More Details & Application
Chalet Hosts (French Alps)
France
Competitive
Across our portfolio of properties in Morzine, Courchevel/La Tania and La Plagne, our chalet hosts are responsible for providing our guests with a great catering experience, a clean and comfortable chalet and a wealth of knowledge about the resort. Reserve applications open for mid-season start.
Posted by: The Alpine Generation
More Details & Application
Childcare
Europe
Upon Application
Fancy spending your winter living in a ski resort? We are looking for qualified childcare staff who have a great work ethic and fun and engaging personality.
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Chalet Chef
France
2500 euros per month
We are a luxury chalet company, based in the resort of St Martin de Belleville in the 3 Valleys ski area. We operate 7 boutique ski chalets each with chef, host and driver teams. We have a staff of around 28 and are an owner operated business now in our eleventh year
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Chalet Couple
France
Competitive salary + full 3 valley ski pass + accommodation + Lessons & ski/board equipment hire +living expenses covered.
Are you a couple looking to work for a small fun & friendly ski company in the outstanding ski resort of Meribel in the French Alps?
We employ couples (Chalet chef & Chalet host) to run each of our six chalets, and you will be located in the mighty 3 valleys - the world’s largest ski area.
Posted by: Ski Blanc
More Details & Application
Maintenance Technician
France
11.52 euros per hour – French SMIC contract – 35 hours
Reporting to the Head of Maintenance, you are responsible for sorting any maintenance issues with the chalets/vehicles and to ensure the product is consistently delivered across the business at all time
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Chalet Cook/Host
France
Experience Dependant
We’re looking for talented chef hosts with positive attitudes and a love of the mountains to work in our 8 man chalets. You'll cook our sumptuous 5 day, 3 course menu, while keeping high standards of cleanliness throughout the chalet, controlling stock and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere
Posted by: Alpoholics
More Details & Application
Ski and Snowboard Instructors
France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland
Varies
Looking to get paid to teach people how to ski and snowboard this coming winter? At OutdoorJAC we help recruit for multi-resort tour operators and small specialist independent ski holiday companies. Share your CV with us to improve your chances of a job offer!
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Chalet Host Couple
France and Austria
Competitive
Together you’ll be the heart and soul of a catered chalet, welcoming guests from the moment they step into resort until their holiday comes to an end.
Posted by: Skiworld
More Details & Application
Nanny
France
Paid
Meribel Nanny Services are searching for experienced, energetic freelance childcarers to work as nannies in the Courchevel and Meribel Valleys, rates from 25€ per hour
Posted by: Meribel Nanny Services
More Details & Application
Chalet Chef Host Couple
France
Tbc
The role is to run one of our two neighbouring 10-14 bed chalets in Morzine. The couple will have in-chalet accommodation provided with own room but lounge a bathroom shared with couple running the other chalet next door. Teamwork makes the dreamwork so must be well motivated team members.
Posted by: Skiology
More Details & Application
Ski Resort Manager Jobs
France
Competitive
We regularly receive jobs for ski resort staff of managerial level. If you have already worked a season and are looking to step up to a more senior role, or if you have management experience in another field, we may have the right job for you!
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Driver: Airport & resort transfers, chalet assistant, logistics and minor maintenance
France
Paid
As a driver you are the guests first impression of the company when you pick them up at the airport and their last impression when you drop them off.
Posted by: Skiology
More Details & Application
Driver/Maintenance Person
France, Italy, etc
Various
We are looking for qualified and experienced drivers, and maintenance people, to help maintain chalet for the coming winter season.
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Operations Assistant
France
€2,200 per month (gross)
As the Operations Assistant, you will be assisting across the resort providing support to the Head of Housekeeping and Head of Vehicles & Maintenance.
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Chef Couple Chalet Manager
France
Well paid
BELVAL is an owner-run ski chalet company, operating for the seventh year, two of the most luxurious chalets in VAL D’ISERE France. We are ski-in, ski-out. We have hammam, wi-fi, large screen home cinema, whole house stereo, extraordinary view over Val d’Isère, etc…
Posted by: BELVAL
More Details & Application
Chalet Couples
France
Dependant upon experience
If you and your partner or close friend would like the chance to work a ski season as what the ski industry terms a chalet couple, we would love to hear from you.
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Chalet Couple
France
Upon Application
Spend the winter in the heart of the Three Valleys running one of our beautiful chalets! We are looking for couples or friends to be part of our small luxury chalet company.
Applicants must be legal to work in France
Posted by: Alpine Escape
More Details & Application
Ski Chalet Chef
France
Competitive
Each year we recruit chefs to work in luxury chalets throughout Europe. And our search for qualified and experienced chefs and chalet cooks to work during the coming season is now underway.
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Experienced Chalet Hosts
France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland
Competitive
We would like to hear from people who have previous experience working as chalet hosts in a winter resort. If you have at least one season under your belt please get in touch.
Posted by: OutdoorJAC
More Details & Application
Chef de Partie – Skilt or Club Hotel– Skibound Winter 23/24
France
Competitive Seasonal Package
A winter season with Skibound is like no other. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we offer a unique ski experience to budding skiers from all over the world with school and youth groups at the heart of our business.
Posted by: Skibound
More Details & Application
Chalet Hosts
France & Austria
Competitive
Be the heart and soul of a catered chalet, welcoming guests from the moment they step into resort until their holiday comes to an end. Just imagine living and working in one of the top snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps, where you can ski or snowboard almost every day of the week!
Posted by: Skiworld
More Details & Application
Chalet Chef
France
French CDD contract, 1507€ per month net (NIV 1 ECHELON 3), 2 days off p/w
We are looking for talented Chefs to join our small team and spend this winter in one of our Boutique Ski chalets in the 3 Valleys, France.
Our chefs have two full days off per week, cooking breakfast, afternoon tea & dinners only !
Posted by: Alpine Escape
More Details & Application
Chalet Managers
France and Austria
Competitive
Is your love for food and service unrivalled? Do you know your pâté from your parfait? Do you have real enthusiasm and determination to deliver the highest of standards and are able to inspire and lead a team of hosts to do the same?
Posted by: Skiworld
More Details & Application
Chalet Couple (professional chef & host)
France
Very competitive salary, holiday pay; 2 days off a week; end of season bonus; full ski pack
Now in our 16th season, Alpine365 is an award-winning, friendly, independent chalet company with 5 lovely chalets in La Plagne. We're looking for chalet couples for Winter 2023/24 - one of you is a professional chef with restaurant experience; the other a welcoming, experienced host.
Posted by: Alpine 365
More Details & Application
Winter Chalet Hosts Chamonix
France
Competitive
Chalet Chef or Chalet Couple
Living and working in the centre of Chamonix.
Winter season with option for Summer. December 2023 to end of April 2024.
Excellent monthly salary. Plus accommodation in resort centre, walking distance to work.
Posted by: Nomadic Ski
More Details & Application
Professional Chef & Host Couple
France
On application
About us
Ice and Fire are known for having experienced, confident and professional staff in all our chalets. We hire professional chefs and chalet hosts with front-of-house and Hotel/restaurant experience. Our team are of high standards across our chalets.
Posted by: Ice and Fire Ski
More Details & Application
Head of Maintenance, Vehicles and Supplies
France
€2,500 per month (gross)
Reporting to the Operations Manager and MD - being responsible for dealing with the relevant individuals, to ensure any maintenance issues within the chalets or vehicles, are resolved efficiently and effectively to ensure the White Mountain Chalets product is consistently delivered at all times
Posted by: White Mountain Chalets
More Details & Application
Area Manager
France & Austria
Competitive
Responsible for all aspects of Resort Operations within an allocated area incorporating several ski resorts, an Area Manager is the pinnacle of seasonaire achievement. Pass your knowledge and experience down through your resort teams and watch them excel.
Posted by: Skiworld
More Details & Application