So you are passionate about winter sports and it’s quite natural that you have thought about becoming a ski instructor this winter. Or, why not, a ski lift manager. But have you asked yourself if you are ready to work in the cold all day long? Will your health allow it? Are you ready to take the risks that come with such duties? Before applying for a winter job, ask yourself the right questions.
1. Am I a chilly person? Am I able to work in the cold all day long?
Exposing oneself to low temperatures for a long time leads to some very real risks. In the first place there is frostbite, red and painful lesions due to freezing of the flesh. More serious is hypothermia, which happens when the body is exposed to intense cold without adequate protection. Before launching headlong into seeking a winter job, ask yourself if you really want to work in the cold for 3 to 4 months in a row. If the answer is yes, you must take all the proper precautions: dress accordingly, hydrate yourself regularly during the work day and eat a consistent meal every day. Maybe you are one of those who loves to work outdoors and breath the air, rather than being inside without seeing the light of day.
2. Does my state of health allow me to work in low temperatures?
Before accepting the position, visit your doctor and ask if your state of health allows you to work outdoors for long periods. For example, if you have blood or circulatory disorders, or if you take certain medications, working outdoors may be contraindicated.
3. Do you like to work with young people and rub shoulders with tourists?
Several seasonal positions in ski resorts require mixing with vacationers, tourists and especially children or teenagers. Are you made for this? Do you like interacting with younger people? Are you a teacher? Children can demand patience. Do you have it? Similarly, when tourists or vacationers are having a good time, your pace of work will be heavier. Are you able to manage your stress and respond to their many requests? Will doing something you are passionate about be enough to help you overcome these obstacles and motivate you?
4. Am I ready to get up early?
Many seasonal jobs required being on the job early in the morning. If the ski resort is close to you, you can get there easily. But if you live an hour or two from your workplace, you will have to get organized. Have you thought about how you are going to get to work? Will you take public transport? A car? Plan your day carefully, taking into account the length of the commute to be made.
5. Can I take the risk of having an accident?
Whether you are a patroller, snowboard instructor or at the controls of a tow truck, winter activities bring some risks. What will happen if you slip and break an arm? Are you ready to take that risk? If you are responsible for children, will you know how to react if one of them has an accident? Of course, you will always receive training to minimize risks. Be aware, however, that for some people this can generate stress.
6. Am I ready to accept lower pay?
Finally, since your job is seasonal, you will receive a lower pay than that of an employee and no benefits.
If, after asking yourself all these questions, your motivation is still intact, go for it! A winter job will let you bail out your finances while having a great experience, both professionally and personally!