So, you want to do a ski season?

Thanks so much! I had no clue about the rising thing!
I've worked as a part time swimming teacher for 2 years now (+ a year of volunteering before) and I've done some casual waitressing work for dinners etc, do you think I have a good shot? I also can bake well, tho not as good as making main meals

Also, if you're offered a job, do you get a choice of resort?

Hopefully see you in Les Arcs!

Based on that, I don't see why not.

Don't worry too much about the cooking. An Assistant as opposed to a Host doesn't actually do much cooking. More likely to be veg prep/helping out than actually cooking the meals. That said, Assts do the same training as Hosts 'cos there migh come a time where you need to cover another chalet due to illness etc. Also, it's not uncommon for people to get moved around in training week. ie if you're down to be an Asst, but are a really good cook, they may promote you to Host.

As a new member of staff, you'll be asked for a preference, but aren't guaranteed to get it. Obviously some resorts are more popular (Tignes, Val d'Isere) and some less so (Peisey, Les Gets). If you do another season, as a returner you get to choose the resort you apply for.

Ahh, ok, so the cooking isn't something to worry about Also, when does the training week happen?

Exact dates vary depending on when the season starts, but very basically...

A week for those who choose to do the company-run cookery course (Les Arcs)...

followed by...

A week for normal company training (Les Arcs for France/Austria staff, somewhere else for Switz/Italy staff)...

followed by...

set up (in your own resort).

Has anyone done this before or does anyone have any useful information? I'm looking at doing it in Courchevel (because we know someone who runs a ski company that does a training course there) or in Aosta Valley (because I think I'd prefer to speak Italian rather than French and I know that if you want to work as a ski instructor in France you need the French qualification).

New Generation by any chance? If so they're an excellent ski school, and their 10 week GAP course is always well attended.

As you say, to work in France you have to do the 'Test Technique' in addition to BASI Lvl 2 and EUROTEST, but if EUROTEST becomes a Europe-wide recognised qualification, the French may drop 'Test Technique'.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12406475

If you are thinking of Italy, as the article says, the Italian system is very fragmented, so you may be no better off than training in France.

Nope, Skivolution. But I'll go check out this other ski school.

Ah, I see. Well, since it's another year until I even finish school, that may have happened by the time I come out of university. I am going to have to practice my slalom though- all I do at the moment is normal downhill, no racing.

The thing is, I'm not doing with the view of becoming a ski instructor- it's more something I want to do before I enter the rat race that will be fun but at the same time improve my French or Italian and also give me a back-up plan if I screw up XD

Do you know anything about what qualifications are needed to teach in America/Canada?

EDIT: sorry, it's called Skivo2 now.

Hello,

I am planning on working a season as a chalet host this year. I have an interview with Crystal and one with Hotelplan so far. Really looking forward to it though know it's going to be hard work!

Good luck with your interviews.

With Hotelplan, unless you really like children, try and avoid Esprit and put Total or Inghams as your preference. I don't know how Esprit Hosts can put up with the little darlings for a whole season! Plus they have the extra work of lunch for the children on a resort rota (they do it once/poss twice a week).

You have to do a separate tea for them too don't youas well? But then I suppose that cuts down on the number of meals to make for the dinner.
I think I will say that. I do think kids can be funny and would be nice occasionally but not sure I could be doing with them all the time.

I've heard of them but I think they're based in La Praz.

If you're not looking to go on to be an instructor, then the BASI 1 & 2 course is more than enough. This is what a normal GAP course covers. Anything more is extra expense/time.

You can teach in Canada/US with BASI as it's part of the ISIA, but they tend to favour their own qualifications. (PSIA or CASI/CSAI).

Yep, but they operate in the Courchevel/Trois Vallees area.

Hey, you guys seem to know what you are talking about, I was wondering if you could help me.
I've been invited to go to an espirit holidays interview for a chalet host position, and I have to take and present something that shows my suitability for the job and skills. I have no idea what kind of thing they are after. did you have to do this? :/

Thanks thats super helpful, but do you think its creative enough? there seemed to be quite a lot of empasis on that

Hi

I've got 2 interviews lined up with Crystal and Inghams and I'm really unsure of what to expect from the interviews...
Do they sit you down and ask you to plan out your meals etc.
and I also have to bring something to show off my suitability which I'm worried i could get wrong!

Does anyone have any experience of this? I would be so grateful!

Also what is the dress code for these?
thanks