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How to find a winter sports job in Norway

Working a winter sports job in Norway is a dream for many people. Here's what you need to know about finding a job in the winter sports industry.

How to find a winter sports job in Norway
Here's what you need to know about getting a winter sports job in Norway. Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Winter and seasonal tourism in Norway is a massive industry in Norway- thanks in no part to it hosting some of the best skiing in Europe outside of the Alps.

As a result, winter tourism is an important contributor to the Norwegian economy, especially in smaller municipalities that are reliant on the tourism and trade that attractions like ski resorts or natural phenomena like the northern lights bring.

The winter ski season runs from November until May in most places in Norway, depending on when the first snow settles. Some resorts in the arctic circle will have snow until June.

But how can people find a job in the winter sports industry in Norway? Here’s what you need to know.

Where are winter jobs in Norway located?

Winter sports jobs can be found almost all over Norway. Ski resorts are the biggest draws for both workers and tourists.

Trysil, Hemsedal, Geilo, Hafjell, Voss and Hovden are Norway’s most popular resorts for both Norwegians and tourists.

A lot of the resorts in Norway are near smaller towns and villages. For example, Hemsedal, home to Norway’s second-largest resort, only has a year-round population of around 2,000.

So don’t expect the hustle and bustle of a resort city like Innsbruck in Austria, which has a permanent population of 130,000 people.

This means a lot of the towns have a smaller, cosier feel, especially during the week. In addition to this, none of the bigger resorts can be found anywhere near airports or major cities, meaning long journeys may be required to get to the resort you are planning to work at.

What types of jobs are available in the winter sports industry?

For most people looking for a winter sports job, a seasonal job in hospitality is the most straightforward option for foreigners.

Every resort will have a number of restaurants, hotels and after-ski venues, and they all need seasonal staff in the form of waiters, waitresses, receptionists, cleaners and housekeepers.

Other winter sports jobs in Norway include ski instructors, park shapers at snowboard parks, lift operators and resort reps.

There are also some office-based jobs in marketing and advertising, but these are hard to come by, especially for foreigners. Furthermore, a strong grasp of Norwegian will be required as you’d often be liaising with Norwegian businesses.

These positions typically require a certain level of education and professional experience, though and are not always based directly in mountain resorts.

In Norway, Scandinavian language skills give applicants an edge but aren’t essential. Many tourists from Norway and elsewhere have come to expect those working in hospitality to speak English, so if you don’t speak any Scandinavian languages, it won’t be a massive hurdle to getting a job in Norway. Still, you will be at a disadvantage compared to applicants from Sweden and Denmark who often work seasonal winter jobs in Norway.

READ ALSO: What wages can you expect when working in Norway?

How to find a winter sports job in Norway?

As with most industries, searching online is one of the first steps in finding a job in Norway.

Few jobs are listed in English but can be found on sites like Finn.no or the websites of ski resort operators such as SkiStar.

Applications tend to open in September and will run through to the beginning of November. One thing to be aware of is with some of the larger resort operators such as SkiStar, it may only be possible to fill in some applications in a Scandinavian language.

Personal networks are also a massive part of getting a job in Norway, no matter what industry you are in. If you can think of anyone who might have a link to the resort or business you want to work at, don’t be afraid to get in touch and try and take advantage of any network or contacts at your disposal.

Contacting the hotels, restaurants and resorts directly via phone or email to enquire about the possibility of applying for a job or any potential vacancies is one of the best bets for securing a job. September and October are usually the best times to start this process as businesses begin planning for the winter ahead.

Sending CV’s and applications in English shouldn’t be too big an issue as even though Swede’s and Dane’s make up a large part of the seasonal workforce, there are plenty of workers who don’t speak a Scandinavian language and come from other parts of Europe and the world.

Coming from overseas?

For those already living in the country or elsewhere in the EEA (with freedom of movement around the bloc), working a winter sports job in Norway can be relatively straightforward. However, workers from EU or European Economic Area (EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) must register with the police no later than three months after arriving. And, of course, all workers new to Norway will need a D-number. You can find out how to get a D-number here.

If you already have a Norwegian permit of some kind the rules may be a bit different. Work permit holders will need the job to be relevant to their qualifications and they will need to probably apply for a new permit. Those with a family immigration permit, should face less obstacles. 

A work permit will be required for those from outside the EU/EEA. A work permit can be granted to skilled or seasonal workers. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has an overview of the rules for skilled workers and seasonal workers on its website.

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For members

WORKING IN NORWAY

Can you find a job in Bergen if you don’t speak Norwegian?

As Norway's second-largest city, Bergen is widely regarded as an international hub. Despite its size, many may wonder whether its possible to find a job in the city without speaking Norwegian.

Can you find a job in Bergen if you don't speak Norwegian?

Navigating the Norwegian job market as an international job seeker can pose significant challenges.

Despite Norway’s robust economy and high employment rates, the language barrier is often an obstacle, limiting opportunities for non-Norwegian speakers.

READ MORE: Which skilled jobs in Norway don’t require fluent Norwegian?

This becomes even more pronounced outside the country’s major urban centres, such as the capital, Oslo. In numerous smaller towns and rural areas, the demand for Norwegian language skills is further heightened due to close-knit communities and a lack of international business presence.

Consequently, job postings tailored to non-Norwegian speakers are limited, making it more difficult for many workers dreaming of a life in Norway to find suitable employment.

On top of that, the public sector in the country predominantly favours Norwegian speakers for their positions.

However, there’s no need to be pessimistic. While fluency in Norwegian may be necessary for specific industries and regions of the country, Bergen stands out for its international community and diverse job market, offering numerous prospects for non-Norwegian speakers.

Industries that (often) don’t require Norwegian

In Bergen, a range of industries offer job prospects for international job seekers, even those without a mastery of the Norwegian language.

Among these sectors are academia and research, where the international nature of the field often fosters an environment conducive to English-speaking professionals. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (Havforskningsinstituttet), which has its main offices in Bergen, is an excellent example of an institution that employs and works with international scientists and engineers.

Similarly, the IT and consulting sectors in Bergen often tend to prioritise technical expertise over linguistic proficiency, creating opportunities for skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds.

The accommodation, restaurant, and bar scenes thrive on Bergen’s bustling tourism scene (think fjords), which attracts visitors from around the world. English proficiency is highly valued in these sectors, as it enables effective communication with tourists and ensures a seamless guest experience.

Additionally, the construction sector in Bergen, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and urban development, often requires specialised skills and qualifications rather than language fluency, opening doors for international professionals with relevant expertise.

In all these fields, the ability to communicate effectively in English, coupled with specific skills or experience, can serve as a gateway for international job seekers looking to establish themselves in Bergen’s job market.

Once you’re in, many companies will finance your Norwegian language course (often the case in the IT industry) or at least finance a few of its initial levels (up to B1 or B2).

READ MORE: Bergensk: A beginner’s guide to the Bergen dialect

Where to find jobs in Bergen

When looking for job opportunities in Bergen that do not require Norwegian language skills, start by directing your efforts towards a select few platforms and networks.

Finn.no, Norway’s largest online marketplace, offers a number of job listings across various industries. By utilising the platform’s search filters and specifying your requirements, you can efficiently sift through job postings tailored to your qualifications and preferences and even set up regular job alerts.

READ MORE: The best websites to look for jobs in Norway

Similarly, LinkedIn is also a great job-hunting resource for international job seekers in Bergen. With its expansive user base and rich job search functionalities, LinkedIn provides a user-friendly platform for applying for jobs and connecting with potential employers. It also offers a wide range of job listings in western Norway, and many (if not most) English-speaking jobs will pop up on LinkedIn.

In addition to online platforms, tapping into personal and professional networks within Norway – if you have any – can be very important in identifying job opportunities. So, try to tap into relationships with local contacts, whether through previous work experiences, academic affiliations, or social connections, as they can facilitate introductions to potential employers in the region.

While recruitment agencies, networking events, seminars, and workshops tailored to specific industries can also be helpful in the job search process, focusing initially on Finn.no, LinkedIn, and personal networks often offers a faster, more direct, and more proactive approach to identifying relevant job openings.

If you’re looking for a job in Norway and have yet to perfect your Norwegian, make sure to check out The Local’s our tips on how to find an English speaking job in Norway.

Bryggen souvenirs

Bryggen, the city’s historic wharf, stands as one of Bergen’s most renowned attractions, drawing in countless visitors each year and serving as a focal point in the city’s bustling tourist industry. Photo by Freysteinn G. Jonsson on Unsplash

Not all industries are created equal…

To keep things real, it’s crucial to recognise that not all industries are created equal when it comes to job demand.

At the time of writing, industries such as IT and seafood stand out as prime examples of sectors with high demand for skilled professionals.

READ MORE: What are Norway’s highest-paying jobs and occupations?

In Bergen, both the IT and seafood industries are labour-intensive and heavily reliant on expertise, leading Norway to import a significant number of specialists to meet industry demands.

Consequently, job opportunities in these sectors often attract attention from headhunters and recruiters who actively seek out talent through platforms like LinkedIn.

In contrast, many other sectors in Bergen require a more proactive approach to job searching on your end. In these industries, you’ll need to take the initiative to reach out to potential employers and actively market your skills and qualifications.

Furthermore, the disparity in job demand across industries can also impact job offers. In sectors like IT and consulting, employers may offer competitive salaries, benefits, and incentives to attract top talent.

On the other hand, in industries with lower demand for jobs, job seekers may encounter greater competition for limited positions. So, you may need to be more flexible in terms of job expectations and compensation.

Why it’s worth learning Norwegian even if you don’t need it professionally

Even after landing a job that doesn’t explicitly require Norwegian proficiency, investing in a Norwegian language course is a strategic move with long-term benefits.

While your immediate job requirements may not require Norwegian language skills, don’t get complacent – learning the language can significantly improve career advancement opportunities.

READ ALSO: Why you should learn Norwegian even if you don’t need it for work

In addition to improving communication with colleagues and clients, fluency in Norwegian will demonstrate a certain level of commitment to integration within Norwegian society.

Proficiency in Norwegian will also open doors to networking opportunities, professional development initiatives, and potential career transitions within the Norwegian job market.

So, ultimately, you should look at Norwegian language courses as an investment in both your professional growth and personal integration.

While it will take time to become proficient in the language, the effort will set you up for success and fulfilment in your career and personal life in Norway.

If you’re relocating to the city, make sure to read our explainer on the things foreigners should expect if they live in Bergen

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