GUIDE

The seasonaire guide

Everything worth knowing before your first (or fifth) season.

Visas & work permits

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can generally work in any EU/EEA country and Switzerland without a visa, though Switzerland and some countries still require you to register locally after arrival.
UK citizens no longer have automatic rights to work in the EU. You usually need a work permit arranged with your employer, or a youth mobility / working holiday scheme where one exists. Check the official government website of the country you are going to before accepting a job.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan run working holiday visas for many nationalities (usually 18–30 or 18–35). Places are limited and some open once a year — apply early.
The USA requires a specific visa (e.g. J-1 for some seasonal programmes). Never travel to work on a tourist visa or ESTA.
Rules change. Treat this as a starting point and always confirm with the official embassy or immigration website.

Seasons are intense: long shifts, six-day weeks at peak times and a lot of socialising. Pace yourself — the season is a marathon.
Winter seasons usually run December to April; summer seasons May to October. Many employers want you for the full season and may hold back a bonus until the end.
Staff housing is often shared, small and close to work. It is a big part of the experience — and of the cost savings.

Check whether pay is quoted per hour, week, month or season, and whether it is before or after tax and deductions for housing and food.
Ask what is included: accommodation, meals, ski or lift pass, equipment, travel and end-of-season bonus all add up.
Tips vary a lot by country and role. Do not rely on them to cover rent.
Get a written contract with your start and end dates, hours, pay and notice period before you travel.

Complete your profile: a clear photo, the languages you speak, your availability dates and any certificates (food hygiene, first aid, lifeguard, driving licence).
Apply early — winter hiring peaks from August to October, summer hiring from January to April.
Keep messages short and specific: which role, which dates, and why you are a good fit.
Be ready for a video interview and reply quickly; good candidates are hired fast.

If a job includes housing, ask how many people share a room and what the deduction is.
If you are finding your own, search early — resort housing runs out well before the season starts.
Never send a deposit to someone you have not verified. Use the messages on Seasonaire Central and ask for a contract or inventory.
Check what is included: bills, wifi, heating, laundry and how far it is from work or the lifts.

Plan for your travel, a deposit, the first month of rent and food before your first payday — often €800–2,000 depending on the resort.
Resort prices are high. Staff discounts, staff meals and cooking at home make a big difference.
Open a local or multi-currency account if you will be paid in another currency.

EU citizens should carry their EHIC (UK citizens a GHIC), but this does not cover everything — mountain rescue and repatriation in particular.
Take out travel or seasonal worker insurance that covers working abroad and, in winter, winter sports if you will ski or board on your days off.
Check whether your employer provides insurance and exactly what it covers.

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