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Updated guide for today’s seasonaires
You’ve landed the job, sorted your kit, and you’re counting down the days until you hit the slopes. Your first ski season is an unforgettable adventure — but let’s be honest, it’s not always just fresh powder and après-ski. It can be intense, tiring, and occasionally overwhelming.
The good news? With the right preparation and mindset, it can easily become one of the best experiences of your life. Here’s an updated, practical guide to help you survive — and truly enjoy — your first ski season.
🏠 Sort Your Accommodation Early
The sooner the practical stuff is handled, the sooner you can focus on the fun.
Accommodation can make or break your season. If you need proper rest to function, sharing staff housing with hardcore party lovers might not be ideal. Take time to understand:
Who you’ll be sharing with
Distance to work and lifts
Rules around guests, noise, and utilities
There are plenty of options out there — being proactive now will save you stress later and set you up for a smoother season.
💸 Budget (Seriously, Budget)
You’re not heading to the mountains to get rich — you’re going for the experience.
Most ski season wages cover living costs, not luxury lifestyles. Track your spending early and prioritise:
Rent and utilities
Food and essentials
Lift passes or equipment costs
Après-ski is fun, but it adds up quickly. Plenty of seasons have ended early because someone lived like a millionaire in week one. Pace yourself — your future self will thank you.
🤝 Friends for Life
Your fellow seasonaires will be your world for the next few months.
It can feel daunting at first, especially if it’s your first time living abroad, but push yourself to socialise. These are the people you’ll:
Ski with on days off
Party with at night
Rely on during early starts and tough shifts
Make the effort early, and you’ll build friendships that often last long after the snow melts.
💼 Show Commitment at Work
Yes, you’re there for the slopes — but you’re also there to work.
Making a good impression early matters more than you think. Being reliable, positive, and willing to help can lead to:
Better shifts
Extra hours (and extra money)
A strong chance of being invited back next season
Your manager controls more than your rota — impress them and your season will run a lot smoother.
🎿 Make the Most of Your Days Off
It’s tempting to sleep all day after a late night, but remember why you’re there.
You’re being paid to live in the mountains — something people usually spend thousands to do. Use your free time to:
Ski or snowboard as much as possible
Explore different runs and resorts
Improve your skills week by week
If your job includes perks like lift passes or equipment rental, take full advantage. By the end of the season, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve improved.
⛑️ Stay Safe
Every season has stories of people who went too hard, too fast.
Know your limits. Don’t attempt jumps, off-piste routes, or advanced runs just to impress people you met last week. Injuries can end a season before it’s even started.
Ride within your ability, look out for others, and don’t be afraid to say no — the mountains will still be there tomorrow.
🔋 Stay Motivated (Especially Mid-Season)
Almost every seasonaire hits a slump halfway through.
Lack of sleep, cold weather, and homesickness can creep in and make you question your choices. When that happens:
Lean on your friends
Remember how lucky you are to live in the mountains
Focus on the moments you’ll miss once it’s over
That perspective shift usually makes all the difference.
❄️ Final Thoughts
A ski season is hard work — but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, make lifelong friends, and create memories you’ll talk about for years.
Follow these tips, stay open-minded, and you might just find yourself booking a second… third… or fourth season before you know it.