The ski host quite simply skis with the guests for the large part of the day. The idea is to show them the best runs, coffee stops and restaurants, as well as create a social atmosphere so that all the guests get to know each other a bit better. You will also help other guests find lessons in the morning, and generally be on hand on the mountain.
If a group is staying for a week you would normally ski with them on 2 or 3 days, just enough to see the whole resort, and leaving them to their own devices the other days. Ski hosting is therefore normally combined with other duties to make it a full time role. These might include barman, driver, or ski fitting.
While it may sound a bit unnecessary (everyone can read a ski map right?) we have always found that the ski hosting is one of the most appreciated aspects of our service. Guests love to be able to ski without having to worry about where they are going, what time it is, where to meet the others for lunch, whether they can ski that run or not. Ski host is a role not many chalet companies have on offer, but those that do tend to take a lot of pride in the service.
For some people, ski hosting looks like the dream job, but be warned. There is a huge difference between skiing with a group of guests and doing your own skiing. It is a very fun, sociable job, and can be amazing with the right group. Skiing in your own time however might be limited to your day off and a few snatched hours here and there. You will find many a time where the chalet host will be up skiing, hitting the park, riding off piste or cruising around with friends, and you will be with the guests, trying to stay upbeat while they struggle down a blue run. It can feel hard at times, but is rewarding and the guests do appreciate it.
The ski hosts day starts around 8, when you will be in the dining room while the guests have breakfast talking about the days skiing ahead, making sure everyone has the right clothes for the conditions, and how many people are going to join you.
The group will then set off at 9 to explore the slopes. On the first day you will start with a green or easy blue run to make sure everyone’s ski gear is working ok, and to test the ability levels in the group. Ideally you want everyone to be a similar level of skier, but this does not always happen. It can be tricky when there is a split in the group, so people management skills become important here. You want to make sure everyone gets the most from their day on the slopes, so if you are on your own you may need to split the group in two and suggest some runs for one of the groups, and where to meet up for a coffee mid morning.
Throughout the day, and depending on the group you will progress the skiing onto longer blues and reds, and occasionally blacks (though rarely is that actually a good idea!). While you will normally lead from the front you have to remember you might be a stronger, fitter and faster skier than most, so stop regularly and keep explaining the route! On trickier slopes you may decide to point people out where to stop lower down, and wait at the top to make sure they all get down safely.
The ski host typically skis all day with the group and returns to the chalet or on the bus with them at the end, usually around 4pm. It is worth staying about for a bit after that to discuss the day with guests over a cup of tea and cake, showing them where they went (so they can go it alone next time) and sharing the inevitable photos and funny stories.
To get the job, your employer will need to know that;
a) You can ski well. Ideally you know the resort to some extent too (though not essential)
b) You are great with people. The entire role relies on this, so you will need to show that you have worked with groups before, have great patience, communication skills and convince them you are a great person to be around all the time. People subject to mood swings, ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ should probably avoid this role!
c) You have a flexible attitude. You will have your day all planned out when you leave, but you will be constantly changing your plans on the spot to suit the group, weather and snow conditions.
Generally skiers are more suited to this than snowboarders, simply because they are more mobile on the mountain.
You definitely get the most time on the slopes of anyone, so you are a guaranteed a good goggle tan and great piste technique. You also get to socialise with the guests a lot more than most other staff, which has its perks, and you can meet some really interesting people. A good ski host can really make the difference between a good ski holiday and a great one, which is very rewarding.
"You definitely get the most time on the slopes of anyone, so you are a guaranteed a good goggle tan"
Written by Alex from Ski Weekender. Ski Weekender run popular ski weekends and short ski breaks in La Clusaz, Grand Bornand and Samoens. Ski hosting is just one of the many inclusions in their ski packages, which cover accommodation, airport transfers and meals as well.