5 Ski Camps to Work in Switzerland This Winter
- Sabrina
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Switzerland has opportunities for international workers to work at ski resorts, and one facet of this type of work is working at a ski camp. To work in Switzerland you do need to be hired for the job first and then apply for a proper work permit. Winter ski camps offer seasonal workers the opportunity to hit the slopes overseas while working with youth. This post lists 5 companies in Switzerland that offer ski camps for you to work at this winter.
Photo Credit: Yuhao Chen
What to Know About Working at a Ski Camp in Switzerland
You Need a VISA to Work at a Ski Camp in Switzerland
If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to obtain the right to work in Switzerland, which means getting a valid work permit. To do so, you will need a job first. I highly reccommend asking your employer what VISA they reccommend/need you to apply for. Many employers will assist/support you through the application process.
Requirements to Work at a Ski Camp in Switzerland
While requirements vary per camp, all ski/snowboard instructors need a recognized instructor certification in order to apply for the job. Most camps prefer their applicants to have experience working with youth and have a valid first aid/CPR certification. Other specific requirements are listed under their respective companies on the list below.
What it's Like Working at a Ski Camp
Working at a ski camp is a lot like working at a summer camp when it comes to the time and energy you put in. Usually it means working 6 days/week for 8-16 hours/day because you are not only teaching but are also eating meals with the kids, facilitating evening activities, and are on call during the night in case of emergencies. A big perk of working at a ski camp is access to the slopes and ski resort amenities. It also means living and working with others from around the world who share a lot of the same interests as you.
To get an in-depth perspective, read: What it's like working at Viamonde Ski Camps: An Interview
How Much Money Can You Make Working at a Ski Camp in Switzerland
The money you make depends the position you work and what each individual company offers their employees. You could average between 500-600 Swiss Francs per week with the possibility of tips, but it's important to know what your contracted pay will be before you accept a job. Generally, accommodation and meals are provided for you, so you do not have many weekly/monthly expenses.
Working at a Ski Camp V.S. Working at a Ski Resort
Working at a ski camp means working with youth around the clock. It means engaging with them during meals and evening activities. It also means utilizing different tones and emotions while teaching skills on and off the slopes. When you are working at a ski resort, your day is generally done after the usual work day ends, you have more free days/hours off, and have the opportunity of working with older cliental. In a way, it's like comparing working at a summer camp versus working at a hotel.
Ski Camps in Switzerland to Work This Winter
1. Viamonde
About
Viamonde is a Swiss company that provides outdoor education and multi-activity programs in Switzerland to international schools.
Location(s)
Resorts are located in; Saas-Grund-Saas-Fee, Nendaz, Anzere, and Leysin.
Positions Available
Viamonde hires ski and snowboard instructors, health care counselors, chefs, activity counselors, and other domestic support staff.
Requirements
Workers require a valid CPR/first aid certification. Ski/snowboard instructors must have a valid instructor certification. Certain positions must be from specific countries (ex: US citizens can be ski instructors but not domestic staff).
Contract Length & Work Hours
Workers can commit to work the full season, from mid-December till the week after Easter, or work a half season from December to February or February to April. Most positions are 6 days/week, 8+ hours/day.
Where to Apply
Apply via their website; here.
Related Articles
About
Les Elfes International is a family run business that offers year-round educational camps for kids and teens ages 6 to 17.
Location(s)
Verbier, Crans-Montana and La Tzoumaz in the Swiss Alps.
Positions Available
Les Elfes hires ski/snowboard instructors and nurses.
Requirements
Applicants must speak English and have experience working in a camp setting or with young people ages 6-18. If you do not have an EU Passport you can be put on a 90 day GAP (trainee) contract.
Contract Length & Work Hours
Contracts are from November to May. Staff should expect to work 6 days/week, 8-16hrs/day.
Where to Apply
Apply via their website; here. (Applications must be open/active to apply.)
3. Lovell Camps
About
Lovell Camps offers international sport and education camps throughout the summer and winter seasons.
Location
Gstaad, Switzerland.
Positions Available
Lovell Camps hires ski/snowboard instructors, general camp counselors, and other positons.
Requirements
Applicants must be 20 years or older and have a university degree (or be in the process of obtaining a degree). Ski/snowboard instructors must have a valid instructor certification.
Contract Length
Contracts start in January or December and end in March.
Where to Apply
Apply via their staff page; here. (You will need to create a Campminder account to apply.)
4. FriLingue
About
FriLingue is a summer and ski camp operator that offers language immersion camps.
Location
Braunwald in Glarnerland.
Positions Available
FriLingue hires instructors, teachers, cooks, and activity leaders. You must reach out to inquire about positions not posted on their job opportunity page.
Requirements
Unknown.
Contract Length
Winter camps take place in December-January.
Where to Apply
Apply via the email provided on their jobs page; here.
5. Camp Suisse
About
Camp Suisee offers multi-activity summer and ski camps for youth ages 7-17.
Location
Val-d’llliez, Switzerland.
Positions Available
Camp Suisse hires ski instructors/counselors, group leaders, chefs, catering, drivers, housekeepers, and more.
Requirements
Staff must be from the EU or from a Free Trade Association country.
Contract Length
Contracts are from January to March.
Where to Apply
Apply via their website; here.
Conclusion
A ski camp job is a great opportunity to live and work abroad while having your meals and accommodation provided for you. If you enjoy working with youth and love hitting the slopes in your free time then a ski camp job may be a great work opportunity. Hopefully one of these 5 ski camps in Switzerland will be a good fit for you. Have you worked at a ski camp abroad? Have you worked with any of these ski camps in Switzerland? If so, please share your experience in the comments below!
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