The Dolomite mountains in Northern Italy are known for both high-octane adventure and impressive scenery. The ski season is from December to April and with it comes the chance to beat the winter blues and consider a seasonal live-in job amongst the mountains themselves. Spanning Alto Adige, Trentino and Veneto, the Dolomite region is a varied landscape made up of surprisingly Alpine culture in the German-speaking north and attractive shop-and-ski villages like those in Venetian Civetta.
It’s a beautiful place to visit, and more tempting still to be able to stay for months at a time. The snowsports playground at Ski Dolomiti comprises 12 different areas to get on the slopes and not just for expert skiers either; all manner of people go on ski holidays to Italy during the colder months, meaning there’s plenty of work to be had around the resorts.
Seasonal jobs take many forms but the key element is hospitality. Typical winter jobs include becoming a chalet host, ski host or walking guide:
Chalet hosts are essentially housekeepers and chefs, responsible for welcoming guests, cooking breakfasts and performing domestic chores in the general running of the chalet. You can also apply for general team positions, where your chores will be things like bar work and helping with room change-overs.
Ski hosts and walking guides get more of a chance to explore the region, accompanying guests on days out on the slopes, whether this be a day’s downhill or cross-country skiing or a winter snow-shoe walk.
You don’t necessarily have to be a qualified guide or instructor for many of these posts as your role is more organisational and about helping people settle in and get their bearings.
Thorough research is needed before you apply: organising your travel, making sure you can commit to the full season and checking the accommodation arrangements. As with many live-in jobs, rent is either low or taken out of your wages and you may get some of your meals provided.
Experience is key, particularly as you need a competent level of skiing and walking ability for the ski host positions. Other factors which may help your application are first-aid qualifications and driving licence, although these aren’t essential.
Despite the practical concerns, jobs like this can offer much in return and are incomparable to being stuck in an office or retail job back home. The day-to-day routine can be hard physical work but the rewards are there in front of you; a sunset on the peaks in Carezza, the chance to try out anything from snowboarding to sledging in your free time, or even you may like to continue travelling after the season ends.
If you already have a love for winter sports, are happiest working with people and have an open disposition, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. And if this sounds like it’s up your street, make sure you don’t forget to purchase a quality winter sports travel insurance.
