Applying for Val Thorens Jobs

Jobs, Courses & Qualifications

Living and working in the mountains doesn�t need to be a pipedream. Whether you are looking to fill a gap year by doing a ski season, or if your ambitions lie more for the long term, there are a whole host of options for you to consider. In this section, you can find information on the types of job available, what types of courses and qualifications may help you land the job of your choice, and how and when to apply. You can also use our job finder service to help you land that perfect job.

When to Apply?

If you�re serious about doing a season then you should get in early so that you can get the pick of the jobs. Most tour operators start recruiting as early as May/June for the following winter season and demand for positions is high. You can usually apply through the company�s website and will need to complete an application form either on-line or by post. Some companies will accept on spec CVs but you will generally need to fill out their own application form at some point so you may as well find out the correct procedure in the beginning.

Interviews are carried out throughout the summer months but jobs are offered out on a �first come, first served basis� so it is in your interest to try and see prospective employers as soon as possible. If you are successful and get offered the job you want, you may be asked to pay a commitment bond (approx. �100) to secure your offer. As it is quite normal for job seekers to �do the rounds� of tour operators, many companies adopt this policy as a safeguard that you will turn up at the start of season. However, the bond is usually fully refunded on the successful completion of the winter.

Don�t worry if you end up leaving it late to apply, many people for one reason or another, drop out as the season approaches and last minute vacancies are common.

If you decide to just head out to resort and take your chance once there, then ensure that you arrive in plenty time (mid/late November for winter and mid May for summer in the Alps). Be prepared to do lots of door knocking and have enough funds to tide you over until you secure work and get your first pay cheque. The more people you speak to, the more people know you�re available. Bar staff and tour operator staff are the ones to befriend, and check out any local notice boards and websites (like ours!) for positions vacant.

last updated 1-Feb-2008

Visas & Passports

Not everyone requires a work permit or "autorisation de travail" to work in France, so if you fall into one of the following categories, you�re OK:

You are a citizen of a European Union member country

You are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) state

You are a Swiss national

Foreign nationals from any country other than those listed above must be in possession of a valid work permit and a long stay visa in order to secure employment in France. Both of these documents can only be applied for PRIOR to arriving in the country.

To work with a tour operator, most companies require you to hold a valid EC passport and a UK National Insurance number. If you hold an EC ancestral visa then you will probably find it easier to gain employment with a UK based company than a local French employer.

For more information see here

Swiss Permits - working in Switzerland is a little different to France and non-Swiss nationals DO require a work permit in order to be legally employed. The official procedure is that you must first find a job and then your new employer will apply for your work permit on your behalf. Depending on your nationality, you may also require a visa to enter Switzerland in the first place. The latest regulations for working in Switzerland can be found here

last updated 12-Mar-2008

CVs & Interviews

Although ski resort jobs are relatively plentiful, they are also highly sought after so you can be sure that there will be many other people applying for the same job as you. It doesn�t take much thought and preparation to increase your chances of being hired, but you will be surprised how many people don�t seem to bother! Here are a few pointers to consider before approaching prospective employers:

Write a well prepared CV/Application Form - keep your CV clear and concise and to a maximum of 2 pages � employers don�t have time to read lengthy descriptions of every job you�ve ever had. With application forms, make sure you complete all the boxes required and really sell yourself where given the opportunity to. Ensure that your skills and experience stand out and that they are relevant for the position you are applying for. Be honest - can you really cook for 20 / speak 3 languages? Remember the people interviewing you are probably experienced seasonal workers and will spot stretching of the truth a mile off�..or test you on it!

Read up on the company you�re applying to and what the job involves - sounds obvious but you�d be surprised how many people turn up to interview with absolutely no idea what they�ve applied for or even know the most fundamental details about the company. If you can�t be bothered��why should they?

Take a good look at yourself - you may think that you�re only applying for a position as a dish washer but a presentable appearance still counts for everything. We�re not talking suited and booted here (although for managerial positions you should be), but torn jeans, a slogan t-shirt and a beany do not scream �hire me!� If you haven�t made an effort when you�re trying to secure a job, what are the chances of you doing so during the season?

Be yourself! - everyone finds interviews a bit nervy but try and relax and chat easily about yourself and your relevant experience. Being an easy conversationalist is a valuable skill in tourism and hospitality as you will inevitably spend much of your time chatting to guests out on holiday. Whilst relaxing to a certain extent is great, always remain polite and don�t become too familiar with your interviewer.

last updated 1-Feb-2008