Tips on finding jobs in skiing

The job market for ski rescue workers is season bound. Less rescue workers are needed during the summer ski period than during the peak winter season. Most ski resorts prefer ski patrollers to be experienced or trained in Alpine skiing. A ski resort may make use volunteer ski patrollers, seasonal rescue workers and permanent employees. The age range for getting employed as ski patroller is between 18 and 50, although volunteers are sometimes much older.

Where and how to get employed as ski patroller
The first person to speak to if you want to be employed as ski patroller, is you local rescue patrol leader. He will be able to provide details on joining his team and get you in contact with the ski resort manager. The requirements for each ski area differ and you can either talk to the recruitment officer from a ski resort, or visit a ski job fair. Several seasonal rescue workers are employed at these job fairs every year. Once you have your certification, your instructor can also put in a good word at one of the ski rescue teams.

Qualifications and skills needed to get employed as ski patroller
The ski rescue worker should not only be able to ski well under any circumstances, but must also be qualified in rescue or emergency work. Physical fitness and strength is required to carry the gear and injured persons. Ski resorts only employ certified ski rescue workers.

The following qualifications and skills are required to get employed as ski patroller:

• Excellent ski and snowboarding skills
• Certification in emergency and rescue work
• Completion of rescue operation courses
• Knowledge of ski safety rules, ski lift operations and evacuation methods, and ski equipment
• Good communication and negotiation skills
• Regular attendance of refresher courses
• Assertiveness and the ability to handle difficult situations.