Do you like skiing, snowboarding or just spending time in a snowy environment? Then consider working and skiing in the UK. Now the UK isn’t known for it’s ski resorts. Even though it snows in different parts of the UK the only place you find ski resorts are in Scotland. So if you would like to ski and work in the UK, why not get a job in a Scottish Ski Resort. If you didn’t know that Scotland had ski resorts, well you will be surprised to learn they have five. And each snow season, the Scottish Ski Resorts require staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. So here’s your chance while on a UK working holiday to extend your stay in Scotland by getting a job in a Scottish Ski Resort or one of the local nearby towns. In this post I will run through where the Scottish Ski resorts are, what job you could get and how to get one. Let’s get into it.
The Five Scottish Ski Resorts
There are five main ski centres in Scotland, all in the Scottish Highlands. The Lecht, Nevis Range Mountain Resort, Cairngorm, Glenshee and Glencoe. Have a look at the map to see where the Scottish ski resorts are.
The 5 Scottish ski resorts are spread across the Scottish Highlands
Scotland has five areas where you find the ski resorts. They are:
Cairngorm Ski Centre
Cairngorm is in the centre of the Scottish Highlands. It is probably the best known of the Scottish Ski resorts and has the UK’s highest Funicular Railway and Restaurant. The nearest town is Aviemore, sometimes referred to as ‘Aussiemore’ due to the number of Aussies who find work in the town. This is quite a party town and has a great vibe to enjoy your time working and skiing in the Scottish Highlands.
Glencoe Ski Centre
Glencoe is on the western side of the Scottish Highlands. It is quite remote even though it is only half an hour away from Glasgow. It boasts some of the steepest on-piste skiing in the country. If you don’t get a job in the Glencoe Ski Centre you could get one in Glasgow, then drive or bus it to ski in your spare time.
Glenshee Ski Centre
Glenshee is the largest of the Scottish Ski resorts. The nearest town to this remote ski centre is Braemar. Here you could find work in one of the hotels, pubs or cafes. Braemar is home to the Scottish Highland Games with members of the royal family attending each year. It is also close to Balmoral Castle and so many people visit this area.
Lecht Ski Centre
This place looks very close to the Cairngorm ski centre on the map but alas, there is no direct road there. The nearest town is Tomintoul. Most ski runs are for beginners to intermediate so is great for those who want to learn to ski or snowboard.
Nevis Range Mountain Resort
This resort is on the western side of the Scottish Highlands with Ben Nevis being the highest mountain in the UK. The Nevis Range is near Fort William, so if you don’t find a position at the ski resort you may find work in this town.
Types of Work in a Scottish Ski Resort
There are different types of work available in the Scottish ski resorts. It can range from working inside or outside. If working inside you could find yourself in a chalet or lodge doing housekeeping. Or maybe front of house greeting and checking in new visitors and checking those out who are leaving. There are also hospitality jobs like waiting, bar work and cooking. in the cafes, bars and restaurants at the resorts and the local towns. Opportunities also exist in ski hire and selling ski lift tickets. Outdoor positions range from snow grooming, being a lift operator and doing mechanical repairs on the ski lifts. If qualified, you could also get a job as a ski or snowboard instructor.
When is the Scottish Ski Season
The Scottish ski season generally runs from November/December to April. But this does depend on the white stuff. It is unpredictable and depends on Mother Nature. They say some of the best snow happens from late January to March. This coincides with the rest of Europe and their ski season.
Where Will You Live if You Get a Job in a Scottish Ski Resort
There isn’t much accommodation available on the mountains, sometimes there is none because the resorts are quite small. In that case you will have to find your own accommodation. A good thing is that most of the resorts provide transport for its workers to get up and down the mountains from the local towns. If you don’t have a job and/or accommodation sorted I suggest your stay in a hostel or small hotel while you find a position. For a bed in a hostel check out HostelWorld. If you are wanting a room in a hotel or B&B check out Booking.com. You could get a job in the hostel or hotel you are staying in and then commute up the mountain to ski or snowboard. Ask at the front office if there are jobs available. You just never know!
How to Find a Job in a Scottish Ski Resort
You can find a job in a Scottish Ski Resort in a number of ways.
Contact a Scottish Ski Resort Directly for a Job
Many contact the resorts directly and I have provided their contact details following. When you go to each resort’s website look for the employment or careers section. This is usually at the bottom. You can get more information here about working in the resort. Plus, there might be a listing of current ski jobs available.
Cairngorm Ski Centre, Tel: (01479) 810 261
Glencoe Ski Centre, Tel: (01855) 851 226
Glenshee Ski Centre, Tel: (013397) 412 320
Lecht Ski Centre, Tel: (01975) 651 440
Nevis Range Mountain Resort, Tel: (01397) 705 855
Do an Internet Search
When I did an internet search of ‘jobs in Scottish ski resorts’, a number of jobs popped up. One website was Seasonal Jobs Abroad which had some jobs available. Also look on the large UK job boards such as Seek.
Other Options to get a job in Scotland’s ski resorts
Some people might see an ad in the local UK press, answer it, and find themselves on their way to the Scottish Highlands. Others just turn up at the ski resorts, walk around the village or nearby town armed with their CV and hand it out. If you don’t find a job in a Scottish ski resort, because they are quite small, and they might have locals already in the positions, you may find something in a local town. Aviemore, near the Cairngorm Ski Centre is known as ‘Aussiemore’ due to the amount of Aussies who find a position there. Positions in the small towns can be in hospitality as a barista, cook, chef, waiting, etc. in the restaurants and cafes. There are also jobs in the local accommodation as chamber maids and serving breakfasts. Then in your free time, you can catch the bus up the mountain for some skiing, snowboarding and just general snow enjoyment.
Catch the Funicular to Work each day!
What Do You Get for Working in a Scottish Ski Resort?
If you secure a job in a Scottish ski resort you will receive a wage. Possibly free or cheap shared accommodation. Transport subsidy to get up and down the mountain if no accommodation available on the mountain. Meals while on duty, maybe a ski lift pass and hopefully a great experience. I say hopefully because some people get there, get a job and find that working in a ski resort isn’t what they expected so they leave. This is good news for people who have turned up in the Scottish Highlands after the snow season has started looking for a job. But all that is on offer is usually negotiable, particularly if the resort is in a hurry (or desperate) to fill a position.
TIP: Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers you for extreme sports. The two insurance companies I recommend you get a quote from are World Nomads and Safety Wing.
What Work Clothes to Pack to Work in a Scottish Ski resort?
* if working outside, thermal underwear and appropriate ski/snowboarding gear (gloves, snow boots, goggles, helmet, etc.). You can hire this.
* non-slip warm shoes and socks for walking around the village.
* for indoors – it is often very warm indoors and you may be wearing t-shirts and shorts! Employers may provide you with a uniform.
Are You ready to get a Job in a Scottish Ski resort?
There you go, if you like the snow getting a job in a Scottish Ski Resort while on your UK working holiday may be ideal. It will be a great way to immerse yourself in the local Scottish culture plus, enjoy the snow and be paid for it.
Other Countries You Could Work and Ski during the Northern Hemisphere Winter
Work and Ski Europe
Ski and Work Canadian
Work and Ski Japan
Have an endless winter and work and ski in a ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere Winter
Work and Ski Australia
Ski and Work New Zealand
Some nice insights there! Working, and earning (even a little) while you are on a holiday is so motivating.