Working in the Mountains: Seasonal Jobs in the Ski Resorts

Working where others go on holiday: In the ski resorts of the Alps, that’s a very real possibility, and this winter it’s more attractive than it has been in years. Chefs, lift operators, ski instructors and service staff are in high demand, with many resorts struggling to fill their seasonal positions. Hotels, mountain railways and alpine huts are facing a severe shortage of workers, and are responding with higher wages, free accommodation, meals and even complimentary ski passes.

What used to be a typical job for students or gap-year adventurers has become a well-paid experience in the mountains, complete with panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, international colleagues and a work environment that’s anything but routine.

So the question is: What jobs are actually available in the ski resorts? We’ll walk you through the different roles and answer the most important questions about working a winter season in the Alps.

Whether you’re in a mountain hotel, a small guesthouse or a rustic alpine hut, nothing works in winter without motivated staff. In the kitchen chefs, sous-chefs and kitchen assistants make sure guests are well taken care of. And on the service side, friendliness, speed and teamwork are essential, whether it’s during breakfast, out on the sun terrace or in the hustle of après-ski.

At the front office, organisational skills are key: greeting guests, coordinating bookings and offering tips for activities in the area.

Bartenders and bar staff are equally in demand, creating a lively atmosphere in hotel bars and mountain huts while mixing the perfect drinks. Many employers provide accommodation, meals and even shared leisure activities, making these roles ideal for anyone wanting to spend a few months living in the mountains.

Anyone who loves being active and spending time outdoors will find their dream job here. Ski instructors and snowboard guides teach beginners their first turns or accompany experienced riders through the terrain. Ski schools also rely on assistants and coordinators who help organise lessons and keep everything running smoothly.

Just as essential is the lift and slope crew. Lift operators and snowmakers ensure that everything runs perfectly each day, from the gondola lifts to the snowmaking systems. These roles come with unbeatable views, often right on the slopes, and are well suited for career changers with a bit of technical interest.

Every ski day starts with the right equipment, and that’s where retail staff and rental technicians come in. They advise guests, adjust skis, snowboards and boots, and make sure all equipment is in top condition. In larger resorts, they often work closely with workshop specialists who wax skis and check bindings.

Sports shops and souvenir stores are also looking for staff who can impress with product knowledge and a friendly manner. In highly frequented tourist areas, foreign language skills are a clear advantage.

In larger ski resorts, smooth logistics are essential. Bus drivers, shuttle drivers and taxi drivers make sure guests get safely from their accommodation to the base station or to après-ski spots. These roles usually require a passenger transport licence and good local knowledge.

Material and luggage transport is also a crucial part of daily operations: whether delivering supplies to restaurants or handling the daily movement of equipment, drivers and logistics staff keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Anyone with a passion for machinery can also work as a snowcat operator or in snow-clearing services: a role with plenty of responsibility and an unbeatable view of snow-covered mountains.

To keep winter operations running smoothly, practical skills and technical know-how are essential. Electricians, installers, caretakers and all kinds of tradespeople handle repairs, maintenance and technical work in hotels, mountain railways and chalets.

Cleaning and housekeeping staff are just as indispensable, ensuring every day that guests feel comfortable and well looked after. In many resorts, these roles are offered as year-round positions, giving seasonal workers the chance to stay on permanently. Anyone who is reliable and flexible will find secure work here, with clear structures and usually regular working hours.

Alongside major job platforms such as Indeed, Stepstone and regional employment agencies, it’s worth checking out more specialised sites as well.

WinterSummerJobs is one of the most exciting new platforms for anyone looking to work in the Alps. The site brings together job listings from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy: from seasonal roles in mountain huts and lift operations to hotel management positions.

Mountain clubs, tourism associations and the ski resorts’ own websites also publish job openings on a regular basis. In well-known regions like Tyrol, Salzburg, Graubünden or South Tyrol, it’s especially worthwhile to browse the mountain railway portals directly.

When should I apply?

Most employers start recruiting between August and November. Applying early pays off, especially in popular regions or with companies that provide staff accommodation.

Tip: If you remain flexible and are willing to step in at short notice, you have excellent chances of landing attractive jobs with bonus perks, especially during peak winter (December/January).

What qualifications do I need?

In many roles, motivation is more important than formal training. Team spirit, resilience and foreign language skills are definite advantages. Technical or driving-related jobs may require specific licences.

How long does the winter season last?

The winter season typically runs from December to April. In high-altitude or glacier resorts, year-round positions or follow-up summer jobs are often available.

How much does it pay?

Depending on the job and the country, salaries usually range from €1,800 to over €3,900 gross per month. Accommodation, meals and a free ski pass are often included, saving a substantial amount of money. And don’t forget: tips can add a nice extra on top.

Where can I find jobs?

On specialized platforms such as WinterSummerJobs, as well as on Indeed, through alpine clubs and regional tourism associations. Many ski resorts also publish open positions directly on their own websites.

A seasonal job in the mountains is anything but ordinary, it’s an experience you’ll carry with you for life. Anyone who spends the winter working in a ski resort gets to witness mountain life up close: the sun rising over snow-covered peaks in the morning, and maybe a few quiet turns on empty slopes after work. Many seasonal workers return year after year, not just for the money, but for the sense of community, the connection to nature and the unique feeling that winter in the Alps brings.