Employment at Ski Fields

Question
Hi Lisa,

I'm currently investigating employment opportunities at Australian ski resorts,
however i would be unable to commence employment until mid august which
is effectively 1/2 way to 2/3 the way through the season. All the jobs
advertised currently are full season jobs - do you know if jobs do come up
during the season if people are unable to stick out the full season or have to
leave for other reasons? I'm currently at a bit of a crossroads with my life and
thought working at the snow would be a fun experience and a good chance
to get back into skiing after about a 8 year break (not that i was that regular
a skier then either). I'm not afraid of hard work and have been working at a
5-star hotel so figure i would have appropriate skills and experience. Thanks
for any advice you can give!

Answer
Hi Lauren & thanks for the question.

Ski resorts in Australia do their hiring very early in the year [feb-april] due to the enourmous amount of paperwork that is required to be done [entering 500+ people into the system takes time]especially when they have to interview all new staff & apply for visas as well.

You will need to apply to each resort you would like to work at - there are some co-owned which opens up opportunity as well. Go and fill in the application forms and get them in BY THE DATES SPECIFIED. Resorts are inundated with potential workers and returning staff have preference for obvious reasons. Late applications are generally discarded - although you may get a letter of thanks and asking you to apply again next year. Do exactly what is required and get it in. Your photo should be of you smiling and having fun - but also professional [not the drunk party pic]. You are employed to sell holiday cheer afterall.

Not being available until August isnt all that helpful - but yes there are certainly people who leave mid season [often uni students on break have to leave early or those who dont like the cold - there are also many terminated by the resorts as well for misconduct]. Fill in the application and tell them why you arent available, you may be able to get some part-time/casual work. And if you're keen to stay to the end of the season [oct long weekend] you could be invaluable, you could also be one of the last 5 people on the mountain too[but that has its perks as well]. Could you possibly offer them some weekends of work before August?

However if you're looking at a resort that is open over the summer [Thredbo, Lake Crackenback, Jindibyne all in NSW] and looking to work in hotel sector you may find yourself very useful & employable. Most of the resorts i think also have hotel accommodation within their framework [which will get you the lift pass].

Working as an instructor you would need to arrive before the season as you will need ongoing and further training before the crowds arrive - as well as attend the 5 day interview process [yes 5 days, and at your expense]. Perhaps you could look into this once you get there for next year if you're interested in this kind of work.

However, upon saying that, finding accommodation could be tricky. AND you need to arrive at any resort cashed up [take $1000]. Anyones first season in the snow is detrimental to any bank account. A second job is also a really good idea if you're working on-snow during the day.

Being at a cross-roads is a great time to hit the ski resorts. The people the atmosphere and the lifestyle is a breath of fresh air and helps you regain that spark in life *sighs* & is a great way to travel the world as well as being for any age group!!

Is it an option to keep working and apply for next year when you can go and do the whole season? If not, apply - i always figure the worst they can say is 'no', so what's to lose?

goodluck making choices, go with whatever feels right
if you need any more info, just ask

lisa