Do you like skiing, snowboarding or just spending time in a snowy environment? Then consider getting 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.
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, cooking, etc. in the cafes, bars and restaurants at the resorts and the local towns. Opportunities also exist in ski hire, being a lift operator and a ski or snowboard instructor if you have the qualifications.
The Five Scottish Ski Resorts
There are five main ski centres in the Scottish Highlands. The Lecht, Nevis Range Mountain Resort, Cairngorm, Glenshee and Glencoe. Have a look at the map to see where they are.
When is the Scottish Ski Season
The Scottish ski season generally runs from November/December to April but it does depend on the white stuff. They say some of the best snow happens from late January to March.
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 cause 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.
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. Many contact the resorts directly and I have provided their contact details following. Some people might see an ad in the local UK press while others just turn up, walk around the village and hope they find something.
If you don’t find a job in a resort, because they are quite small, you could 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.
Contact a Scottish Ski Resort directly for a job
The best way to find a job in a Scottish Ski Resort is to contact the resort directly. Following are the contact details for the five Scottish Ski Resorts. Each of the websites have a career section with current jobs available. There is also lots of other information and links to local accommodation and services available. You could also contact the accommodation and services for positions that might be available.
Cairngorm Ski Centre www.cairngormmountain.org Tel: (01479) 810 261.
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.
Glencoe Ski Centre www.glencoemountain.co.uk Tel: (01855) 851 226.
Glencoe is on the western side of the Scottish Highlands and 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.
Glenshee Ski Centre www.ski-glenshee.co.uk Tel: (013397) 412320.
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 which the Queen attends each year.
Lecht Ski Centre www.lecht.co.uk Tel: (01975) 651440.
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.
Nevis Range Mountain Resort www.nevisrange.co.uk Tel: (01397) 705 855.
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.
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.
Sharyn has travelled most of her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. In her 20’s she went overseas and spent 4 years living, working, playing and travelling through many countries. Her travels inspire her ‘Live Work and Play’ series of working holiday guides and LiveWorkPlayTravel where she shares her knowledge of travel, being a digital nomad and blogging. Sharyn continues to travel and currently calls Melbourne home.
