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Diaries - Ski resort worker, Switzerland
I spent the winter months working in Switzerland for a company which specializes in school ski holidays. The majority of schools to visit where affluent private schools or international schools, so we had kids from the middle east, USA and all over Europe. Each of the counselors were assigned a group that they would be responsible for, you would then take the kids skiing of a day and take part in all kinds of activities of a night. The best part about this job was that we were out skiing everyday, many other resort staff was lucky to get a couple of days a week. Also we were ""ski guides"" so titlehough we did offer advice and instruction, our main responsibility was just guiding the kids around the mountain. The whole experience was fantastic but also hard work, as after skiing all day we had to supervise the kids during meals and supervise events of an evening. The evening activities included ice-skating, bum-boarding, swimming, quiz""s and talent shows, we would finally finish looking after the kids at about 8 or 9 at night and if it wasn""t your turn to be on duty in the hotel it was down to the bar for a skin full in preparation for the next days skiing!!!!!!!
Although it was hard work and long hours, I would definitely recommend working a ski season to anybody who is interested. I made friends with people from Australia, Canada, Asia and many other Europeans.
Do....
- What ever you can to get the advanced group!!!!!!! If you get the beginners you are likely to be stuck on the nursery slopes for most of the week.
- Get involved with other resort staff. No one earns a fortune, but all the resort staff will help each other out.
- Get as much skiing in as possible. When you are out there you can sometimes take it for granted and have half days here and there, once you get back home you will regret missing any time you did.
Don""t....
- Expect luxury accommodation, you will most probably be in a room with three or four other people. This can get very crowded and hectic, especially as you all wait until two minutes before you should be downstairs to get ready.
- Eat on the mountain. You will not earn a great deal of money so take a packed lunch with you!!!!! It will save you a fortune especially as you will be up the mountain all day everyday.
- Get smashed before change over day. The worst day of the week is change over day, when current kids go home and new kids arrive. Trying to survive this day with a banging head is a nightmare. |