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JOBS

Snow business: How to find a job in winter sports in Switzerland

If you are a foreign national, finding employment in Switzerland (and work permit to go with it) could be problematic. But seasonal work may be easier to get — especially if you are a snow buff.

Published: 1 October 2021 14:45 CEST
Snow business: How to find a job in winter sports in Switzerland
Not a snow job: There are lots of winter work opportunities in Switzerland, but you can’t be too choosy. Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

Yes, Switzerland is synonymous with cheese, chocolate and watches, but skiing down snow-covered Alpine slopes is also very “Swiss” (especially if you eat a cheese fondue afterwards).

If you are dreaming of a job in Switzerland but your chances of working in a bank or a big corporation are slim to none, you may get lucky being hired for seasonal work in a winter resort.

Why is winter a good time to get a job in a resort?

While there is some mountain tourism in Switzerland all year round, winter is the busiest season because the economy of the Alpine regions depends heavily on ski industry, along with other winter sports and activities.

As relatively few people live permanently in resort areas, there is a shortage of local employees to work in various jobs that are essential for tourism.

Just as an example, the year-round population in the village of Zermatt, which lies at the foot of the famous Matterhorn, is about 6,000 people, but an estimated 2 million tourists visit the resort each year.

Skiers in Zermatt, with the Matterhorn as backdrop. Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

The situation is the same throughout Swiss resorts — tourists far outnumber the locals — which means “outsiders” must be hired for the efficient running of the economy.

READ MORE: How to find English language jobs in Switzerland

What kind of jobs are up for grabs in winter resorts?

There are many, but be prepared not to be too picky.

“Glamorous” positions such as a ski instructor may be harder to get than a job in a service sector, which includes hotels and restaurants.

That’s because ski and other sport instructors must have special qualifications and be certified.

However, if you feel you have the necessary skills and credentials, you can contact the central body dealing with ski and snowboard instructors, Swiss Snowports, to find out whether your foreign certificate is recognised in Switzerland and which resorts are hiring.

If, however, you don’t have any special qualifications, then your best bet would be working in hotels, restaurants, and other tourist service branches.

There is no other way to say it, but these are the types of jobs that the Swiss don’t want.

Cleaning the streets after heavy snow, like here in ski resort of St. Moritz, could be one of the jobs you could apply for. Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

How should you look for a job?

Pretty much the same way as you’d search for any other work. The Local Switzerland’s job board is a good place to start for all kinds of work. 

This requires a bit of research. You should go on a website of a resort where you want to work (or several resorts if you don’t care where you work) and see if there are any “help wanted” ads.

You can also search individual hotels and restaurants and apply directly.

Additionally, there is an online resource that lists jobs in the hospitality industry across Switzerland, including in mountain resorts.

And these two sites are general sources of vacancies in Switzerland as well:

www.jobs.ch

www.jobup.ch

How much can you earn working in a winter resort?

That depends on a lot of factors, especially on the type of work you do.

Just as a general indication, Swiss ski instructors typically earn around 60 francs an hour, but that too depends on the level of their qualifications.

In the hospitality industry, pay is notoriously low, and not just in ski resorts but elsewhere in Switzerland as well.

Of course “low” in Switzerland may be high in other countries. For instance, an average Swiss wage for a restaurant worker is 19.99 francs an hour.

What kind of permit do you need to work a winter job in Switzerland?

If you already live in Switzerland and have a permit allowing you to work, then you are all set.

Those who come from EU / EFTA states don’t require any authorisation for work up to three months. Beyond this timeframe, they have to register with the communal authorities before taking up work.

What about people from outside Europe?

This is more tricky.

Switzerland doesn’t issue seasonal visas, so you would have to go through the same process as any third-country national wishing to work here.

You must first find an employer who agrees to hire you, and they will then apply for a visa and / or authorisation for you to come to Switzerland.

READ MORE: EXPLAINED: When and how should you renew your Swiss residence permit?

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GENEVA

‘Things have changed’: Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Geneva must be up there when picturing an international city where language is no barrier. Does this hold true for those looking for a job? 

Published: 15 March 2024 14:23 CET
Updated: 23 March 2024 08:42 CET
'Things have changed': Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Organisations such as the International Red Cross, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations are either based in Geneva or have a significant presence there. 

Furthermore, the Geneva region has a population of over half a million, making it an ideal base for global businesses to reach Swiss (and European) markets. 

There is no doubt that the city is a centre of international diplomacy and business and has been for decades. 

Having said that, how hard is it to find a job in Switzerland’s largest francophone city? Or indeed anywhere in Suisse Romande in general? Do you have a chance of securing a role without French language skills? 

The expert view

Recruiters think you might find it challenging if you’re not planning to work for one of the major international bodies. 

Anthony Caffon, Director of Finance at Michael Page, a significant regional recruiter, told The Local: “From our perspective, as a large operator in West Switzerland, only a few roles don’t require candidates to speak French. 

“A few years ago, there was indeed a shortage of skills in the market, and coupled with major multinational companies located here, companies were open to employing non-French speakers. 

“We now notice a change. French is required in 90 percent of the roles we recruit outside international organisations. 

“Organisations would only take on non-French speakers in some highly technical roles, for which there is absolutely no local talent pool,” he said.

‘It was critical for wider job opportunities’

However, when surveyed, readers of The Local had differing perspectives on whether not knowing French was a hindrance to searching for a job in Geneva. 

Sofia, an American, responded: “It depends on the job and sector. French is desirable but not required for international organisations, NGOs, and many private companies such as EA Games or financial companies like Barclays.”

However, she noted that speaking French became more essential when settling in the country.

“It was critical for my Swiss naturalisation, but also to have a wider spectrum of job opportunities and better working relationships.”

Generally, to apply for Swiss citizenship in the canton of Geneva, one must achieve French oral B1 and written A2, as set in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Michael, who lives near Lausanne, agreed with Sofia, telling The Local: “It depends if you work for a multinational or a local company.” 

“If you work for a multinational or Swiss company, you need French. But you can generally use English in the office at Nestle, BAT, PMI, Novartis, or WHO.”

Another respondent, Phil, believed that speaking French would assist in job searching. 

He stated, “I think it depends on your industry. If you work in the pharmaceutical area, then just English is fine.

“If you speak French, however, I think it’s easier to understand the application process and job descriptions.”

A Briton, Katie, thought speaking French could also help smooth the way when starting a new role in Geneva. 

She responded: “It shows you are curious about where you live. It helps build relationships with colleagues and, of course, for some jobs, it is needed.”

‘You can get by fine’

Those seeking to work in Geneva who don’t speak French shouldn’t fret just yet. 

An anonymous respondent from Ireland told The Local: “Some basic French is needed not to look utterly dysfunctional in casual social settings, but if the business works in English, then that is generally sufficient. 

“Once you can complete the technical requirements of your job well, you can get by fine,” they said.

“Some employers will specify that French and English are requirements on the job listings, even if you only need English to do the job. 

“Not having any French can put people off applying for many openings when, in fact, they might be fine applying anyway.”

What have you experienced finding a job in Geneva? Did you need French skills? Let us know in the comments. 

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