Season out...?

Hey people, after having briefly met someone when I was on holiday in Alpe D'Huez, they told me that they worked for Crystal as a hotel manager for the season (November - April) She is 21 and they have their ski pass, insurance, accommodation etc paid for - along with a weekly wage.

This year I am in college studying a HND, however. I am finishing my college course in July and considering taking a season out - possibly 2009/2010 in a ski resort somewhere. I know nothing of the French language - other than the obvious Bonjour, Oui etc - Not that it will help working in a resort, although I am very fluent in German and have qualifications to prove that.
Has anyone on this forum done this before? Or know of anyone who has?
If so, do you have any stories to tell, whether it was a good idea? :)

Thanks!

I worked in various resorts for 6 winters and had the best time of my life. Do it!

If you are fluent in German you would be better off working in Austria or (German speaking)Switzerland and you wouldn't have a problem getting a job.

Have you got anything in mind as to what work you want to do? I started out as a waitress and was running a chalet by the end of the 6 years, I don't speak a word of German, some French but I got by wherever I was and I did improve over the years!

I have many stories to tell, but I might get banned from the website :shock:

Our Skiworld chalet host in St Anton had a season in Tignes, and didnt speak much French, and moved to St Anton, and he doesnt speak much German.
I think to work in a bar or in resort you would be best off going somewhere you can use you German, but for a chalet host or working for a UK company, you can probably get to grips with the basics and learn as you go.

If I had my time over again, I'd definitely do it. I was pretty good at German so Austria or Switzerland would be where I'd head.

Go for it.

Do it! It'll be the best time of your life.

With German I'd go for somewhere like St Anton or Zermatt where you'd have a ball!

First of all, thanks for all the quick replies!

NellyPS wrote:Have you got anything in mind as to what work you want to do? I started out as a waitress and was running a chalet by the end of the 6 years, I don't speak a word of German, some French but I got by wherever I was and I did improve over the years!

That's what I don't understand! How can you work in a bar or waitressing for guests if you don't speak their language?

However, you're all full of confidence about it and i'm cetainly determined to do it!
About what I have in mind to work.. I honestly don't mind - anything except catering really - I can't cook to save myself :) haha. Probably behind a bar or something like that. Would be only too happy to do that for a season!

I worked for a UK company, we had Brits and Swedes (not sure why), they usually only ask for a language if you are going to be a rep/manager.

You would probably be better off working for a company as they would give you the package, it's unlikely you would get a season pass out of a bar job, I'm not saying it wouldn't happen, but at least it's guaranteed with a UK company.

Plenty of bar jobs through english companies though, I used to look in the back of the magazines around September time, although sure it's all available on the net these days.

Good luck and have fun!

Baillie check out the job`s pages, The link is at the top of the page.



AJ Adele