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Many tour operators now have a dedicated member of the staff whose main task is to show the guests around the resort, ski slopes and après ski entertainment!
This job is as close as it gets to being paid to ski all day and it can be great fun if the guests can ski reasonably and the weather is fine.
Salary
£60 to £90 per week. Normal winter workers package of accommodation, season ski pass, ski hire, medical insurance, and travel to and from the UK. End of season bonus.
Often “treated” to expensive meals at mountain restaurants by guests
Good chance to supplement earnings from tips as you will get to know the guests well.
Qualifications
Ski companions/Guides should be at least 21.
Most companies employ people on their skiing ability which they’ll expect to be of a good, safe standard. You should be able to ski black runs and moguls under control. This is often checked with a ski test on an artificial ski slope in the UK!
We at Gravity Recruitment feel that ski companions should hold at the very least a BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) Level 3 qualification, and hold an up to date first aid qualification from an organisation such as BASP (British Assoc. Ski Patrollers) or the equivalent recognised foreign qualification.
There is a strong legal case in European countries against un-qualified guides showing paying guest around the slopes, but if the operator feels they can offer this service you might as well apply of the job.
A friendly and communicative personality.
Good time keeping skills.
Drivers Licence is useful.
Hours
8 hours a day for 5 days a week longer on change-over days.
Ski Companion / Guide Duties
An early start around 7am every morning helping the driver load the mini bus or meeting the guests at the chalet or lifts as arranged the night before.
Daily checking of the weather and snow conditions.
Checking and sorting out, with the help of the hire shop, guest’s equipment issues.
Guiding guests’ safely around the slopes, within their ability.
Showing points of interest and be knowledgeable about the local mountain environment.
Booking tables required at the chosen mountain restaurants for lunch.
Returning the guests on time to the chalet or hotel in the afternoon at around 4 pm
Supporting the other staff members in their daily duties (that means doing just about anything from helping clean the dishes to helping the Reps with a fondue night)! Basically most companies use you as an extra set of hands in the evening to supplement the other staff.
Ski guiding is not an excuse to ski a bit, have a big boozy lunch and then retire to the bar in the evening!
Special Duties
On change-over days you’ll often be expected to either help clean chalets or escort the guests to the airport. This means an early start and the tasks the same as a Resort Rep!
Pros
Reasonable start in the mornings
You can be skiing pretty much every day!
You’ll get a great tan!
Eat as well as the guests at lunch time.
Have the ability to show the guests the après ski in the resort.
Cons
The weather can be awful and you’ll be expected to guide unless the lifts are shut!
Guests of all abilities will expect to be shown around and you will have to ski snowboard at their speed and levels.
You are not legally allowed to show or guide anyone off-piste! European authorities have regularly arrested UK ski companions / guides for this!
You will not be popular with the local ski instructors if they disapprove of your skiing style / ability.
You will be expected to help out the other staff when you are not guiding.
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