How To Plan Or Work A Ski Season - Our 100 Top Resources And Tips
Okay so adult-ing is getting to be a little too much like hard work, you are pretty much “over it”. You have started to let your mind wander and casual daydreams have turned into full on lapses in time, hours go by, unaccounted for but you did decide which skis you were going to buy. This leads you to the obvious, unavoidable reality that its time for you to do a snowboard/ski season, or for the more monetarily challenged, work a ski season!
The mountains are calling and you must go! Therefore we thought we would put a guide together- “The Ultimate Resource” for anyone looking to do a season or go on an extended trip. You need this , it’s good for the soul, please CR us when you use that line to your boss before you do a #MicDrop and storm out the office before trowing your skis over your shoulder and demanding everyone follow you on Insta!
Let’s dive right in with the categories. Considering this awesome research article is so blooming long, simply click where you want to navigate down to and you will be whisked down to the feature you want to read or read the article top to bottom!
PS, if you are looking to get kitted out for the new season, check out all the latest ski jacket and ski pants trends.
Alex Meliss
Sanni Oksanen
Kajsa Larsson
Robin van der Valk
Malou Peterson
Olya Smeshlivaya
Frances Verweij
Janice Power
Jakob Ernst
Joanna Find
Benjamin Kalra
Mirte van Dyk
Elise Sterck
Kyle Ohlson
Eva Hölzl
Mathis Dumas
Leah Evans
Angel Collinson
Axel Lieb
Sebastien Jam
Julian Überbacher
John Collinson
Angelica Sykes
Louis Charnaud
Anthony Robert
So why delay, let’s get stuck in and cover the different sections. Hopefully, with a few ideas, resources, inspiration and lists, you will be able to head to the mountains to “do a season” or spend time in the resorts, having the experience of a lifetime.
Recommended Reading:
- 100 best ski/snowboarding resorts in Europe
- Women’s ski jackets 2020 collection
- Skiing in Andorra – the ultimate guide
- Women’s ski pants 2020 collection
- Best ski resorts in Austria
- Ski clothing style guide for 2020
30 Ski Website, Resources & Forums
Weather Apps & Resort Info
Il Meteo
Il Meteo is an Italian weather app and website that provides national and international coverage. The app is super user-friendly and if you are riding in the Italian Alps, the level of accuracy and information if next level, especially for windy results. Very accurate.
Yr.no
YR is incredible, I know we are supposed to be non biased but it’s too late, after years in the Alps, YR is my trusty, go-to app. Sometimes the snowfall level is a tad pessimistic but over all the info is accurate and its a really simplistic app. A must download.
Snow forecast
A household name, snow forecast is the popular choice for a reason. An excellent and well-trusted website to us to get snowfall and weather info. Sometimes a little optimistic with snowfall levels but its amaze!
Fatmap
YASS! Fatmap is a trail blazer, there is no doubt about that. This incredible app allow you to plot and survay lines, enabling you to make smart and well caluclated choices on the hill. 3D digitalised ski maps, at your finger tips.
i SKI
The iSKI app is really cool, every resort you can think of, every country you maybe didn’t even know you could ski on, all the resort info and ski maps on the app! Download for all the latest info.
Ski Resort Stats
One of the biggest databases of ski resort info, find out which resort it going suit your needs and what you are looking for. Easy to use website and a great resource.
Magazines & Publications
Ski Club GB
This UK institution has been helping UK riders of all ages and abilities navigate the ski world. The ski club has a wealth of info and resources, discounts are more. Head to their wesite to learn more.
Line S
One of the biggest data bases of ski resort info, find out which rsort it going suit your needs and what you are looking for. Esy to use website and a great resource.
In The Snow
The Uk’s most read ski magazine, quite an achalade and one they have certainly earned. Head to In The Snow for stories, inspiration and more!
We Powder
We powder is the go-to place for info in the Netherlands, however, the site can offer info and help to anyone who passes through! Excellent website.
Aka Skidor
For the Swedes this magazine needs little to no intro, it is the pinnacle of Swedish ski coverage. But to everyone else, this will be your new go-to for inspo- even if your Swedish is a little rusty!
Fri Flyt
Fri Flyt is to the Norwegians what Akaskidor is to the swedes or Inthesnow to the Brits. Top quality stories, info and more. Again, even if your Norwegain needs a little work!
On The Snow
Weather conditions, resort updates and more, Onthesnow can offer you the info you need when planning a trip. With a simple and easy to use website, all the info, demonstrated simply!
Inspiration
Stomp It Tutorials
Our prayers to the snow gods have been answered and they send us stomp it tutorials. All your ski questions answered from the basics to the harder tricks. On youtube, IG and on the website!
Y. stompittutorials
Next Generation Media
Headed up by Ola, a die-hard filmer and producer of ski movies, Ola and his crew have been killing it on the urban riding and park scene. Head to the website and IG to get all the stoke!
Midia Film
All the feels right here. For pow shots left right and centre, head to the midia film website. Movies from around Europe and beyond, enough to get you good and vibey!
Freeride World Tour
Okay okay, you may not be competing, but man oh man is it incredible to watch. Big lines, all the stoke in the world and totally unmissable, history-making riders. If you get the feeling you could have a go yourself, why not enter their qualifier series ;)!
Jon Olson
Jon is THE YouTuber to follow for adventure inspo. Travelling around skiing, surfing and more, Jon is living the #Goals life. He will provide you with all the day dreaming content you need before you head to the mountains.
Down Days
You may as well set the website as a bookmark on your browser now as you will be spending all your downtime reading their blog, articles and magazine pieces. From equipment info to film coverage and more.
Protect Our Winters
Winter is the most important thing, that is all. To ensure we can enjoy winters at their best for years to come, head to their website, educate yourself and do your bit- For us and for the future.
Teton Gravity Research
Big lines and ever bigger experiences. Teton Gravity is all above riding powder with a great crew and experiences the unknown. Head to their website to see what projects they have on the go at the moment.
IG. tetongravity
Dew Tour
Stay up to date with everything freestyle on the Dew Tour website. The latest tricks, styles and coolest stuff coming out of the industry.
Days With Kajsa & Malou
This YouTube vlog is the bomb! It;s a total must watch for good vibes, adventures in the pow and the totally charming relationship between these 2 besties.
Planning & Travel
Sky Scanner
Your go-to for the latest flight deals. Plan your trip but plan it smart with the most update prices, search and book for flights around the alps.
Rome 2 Rio
Get from A to B in the cheapest and most efficient manner. No matter if you are going from Morocco to Mayrhofen or indeed, Rome to Rio, rome2rio.com will get you there.
Snow Limits Ski School
It’s always good to be prepared and even better to show your friends your skills on the mountain. Do that by booking a lesson with this super cool ski school if you are around the 3 valleys.
Mountain Tracks
Mountain Tracks is a small team of Mountain Guides and Ski Coaches who all share a passion for the mountains and a determination to share their enthusiasm with the world!
Ongosa
Ongosa helps you find the best adventure instructors. No matter your skill set, no matter your needs, freeride, freesytle or just starting out!
Edge Ski
Coming in hot with our Finnish entry A great resource for resort info, stories and new plus much more. Head to their website and IG for inspo.
Ski.Fi
Resort news in Finnish, Russian, English and German! The quadruple threat. No matter your level, you will find what you need here.
4ActionSport
From surf to snow and all the adventure sports in between, 4actionsport has got the Italian crowd covered with all the info! A must follow on the gram too.
25 Instagrammers You Have To Follow
Sebastien Jam
25 Perfect Ski Season Resorts
Party / Apres Towns
Val D’Isere
Val D’Isere is one of the worlds most famous ski resorts for good reason. A ski town that can also become home. Val D’Isere doesn’t just offer Apres ski, in fact none of the resorts in the list are simply just for apres ski, Val offers an incredible all-rounded experience but man oh man, when 3pm hits, the town comes alive. La Folie Douce, need I say more?
IG. valdisere
Tignes
Tignes is Val D’Iseres cheeky younger sister, a little more approachable, a little more rugged. With incredible mountains that offer something for every rider but the apres ski scene is vibrant and totally cool!
IG. tignesofficiel
Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen, again not just a singular resort where you will only find epic apres. The vibe overall is relaxed and like most Austrian resorts, it has the dream set up, ride all day, party all afternoon and be tucked up in bed by ten ready to do it all the next day.
IG. mayrhofenimzillertal
St Anton
Freeride paradise and apres ski heaven! What a combination. Challenging and exciting terrain plus apres that will create the most sensational memories. Be sure to watch out for Thursday, thats the big day!
IG. stantonamalberg
Morzine
Morzine is a timeless destination originally blotted against a tiny picture postcard village, that has expanded into a hub for apres ski and a fun mountain atmosphere. Situated in the stunning Portes du Soleil, the perfect resort to access all the other amazing destinations in the area.
Powder Resorts
Niseko
A winter wonderland, incredible maritime conditions that have made Niseko a powder paradise. Light, champagne powder that dreams are made of with an up and coming seasonnaire community.
Banff
The ski towns of Banff and Lake Louise are home to the distinctive mountain resorts of Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. Banff has been a low key mecca for riders and we wish to keep it that way, go there, ride hard and enjoy the non competitive lines
Champoluc
Another well kept freeride secret. Nestled deep in the Aosta valley by the Monte Rosa. Champlouc is home to an increasing freeride zone neighboured with Gressoney, pair that with a little of the Italian dolce vita- You have a dream season destination.
Hakuba
Skiing powder in Japan as you imagined it in a dream. Rub shoulders with the worlds best riders as this is their go-to destination. Match that with a great influence from the local Aussies, Hakuba valley is insanely cool.
Engelberg
Skiing between 1’050 and 3’020 metres above sea level: Boasting 82 km of slopes, the Engelberg-TITLIS ski area offers plenty of variety and another low key freeride hub. A cool crew of people, the relaxed atmosphere full of genuine mountain people.
All Round
Cervinia
Cervinia has been a great season town for years but over the past few, popularity is increasing and revealing a great community. A ski resort perfect for intermediates (there is always Zermatt for the pros) and up and coming apres, oh and great nightlife!
Zermatt
Home to the most iconic mountain in the world, the Matterhorn. Zermatt has pretty epic apres, beautiful piste, a great community and awesome freeride in plenty of designated zones and out of bounds areas. Live the luxury lifestyle or live frugally, it suits all styles an budgets. Literally an all-rounder.
Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb offers more choice than nearly any other mountain destination in the world.
With a combination of thrilling descents and exquisite scenery, this is where dreams become reality.
IG. whistlerblackcomb
Chamonix
Cham’ is a destination popular the world over. In the streets of this high-mountain town you’ll hear languages from every corner of the globe. But the people who come to this ‘summit meeting’ share the same way of thinking, the same love for mountaineering, its legends and its ethics.
IG. Chamonixmontblanc
Verbier
As soon as its peaks are covered in snow, the Verbier, Val de Bagnes and La Tzoumaz region sparkles and
shines in all its splendour. In the heart of the Alps of Valais, this well-known destination attracts many
visitors in search of new energy.
Park & Piste
Sestriere
This is the cross roads for the Milky Way and from here you have the choice of either dropping into Sauze d’Oulx or SanSicario. Beyond SanSicario is Cesana, Clavier and eventually Montgenevre across the border in France. A world of skiing opportunity
IG. sestriereonline
Hintertux
Betterpark Hintertux is the highest freestyle-spots in Austria and is considered by many to be the best Snowpark in the Alps. The entrance to the park is at 3,200 metres above sea level at the foot of the majestic Olperer Mountain and is a favourite meeting point for local riders as well as the international scene.
IG. hintertuxergletscher
Stubai Glacier
International top riders, a top-class snowpark and exciting competitions: From 20 to 24 November 2018, the Stubai Glacier at Tyrol, Austria, will once again be the centre of the freeski world.
Treble Cone
Treble Cone, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
IG. trebleconenz
Perisher
One of Australia’s newest resorts built in 1995 this epic place is home to an awesome park, attracting international riders with a great atomosphere. A classic season atmosphere with a little southern hemi flare.
What To Pack- The Ultimate Adventurers Backpack
Invest in a steel water bottle. It will be a trusty companion. Perfect for keeping drinks warm or cold. Cup of tea on a mountain top anyone?
It’s a smart choice to keep items such as a lighter in your backpack. You never know when you may need it.
Ideal for doing equipment fixes, its any good adventurers companion.
Always carry a mid layer with you on the mountain, you never know when the weather will change. Ideally something light and compacts, preferably made of down or man made down.
Invest in a good battery charger on the go, always having a battery on your phone is even smarter on the mountain.
Buy a bottle of spray on ski/snowboard wax, if your equipment is being weird, you can do last minute sprays to get you back to the shop to wax the equipment properly.
This is a total luxury for cash-strapped seasonnaires but bury a 20 in your backpack so its there for emergencies.
There is so much to be said for a good playlist, music has a way of changing your perspective. If it’s work or play or indeed anything in-between, perhaps a walk in the Forrest or a Heli ski descent, a playlist will fill you the thrill, excitement and get those happy endorphins flowing.
UVA and UVB rays are extremely damaging to your eyes. To protect your eyes and your vision, essentially your ability to take in all these experiences in visually, invest in a good pair of polarized sunnies.
Often overlooked and an unnecessary addition to your pack, a simple first aid kit should not be ignored. Whether you are first aid trained or not (of course we recommend everyone undergo first aid training to aid them on their travels), this kit will be your new best friend.
And Finally 10 Different Resort Jobs
There are so many awesome jobs to do on a ski season. Perhaps you don’t speak another language or have any direct skills, there will be something for you rest assured. If you are qualified, ie experience in hospitality or maybe you are bilingual, it could be worth going to local businesses directly and sending your CV like you would back home. If not there are so many amazing website that can help!
Remember to play up your skills, any work experience you have and that you are in town to work hard, ski and have a good time. Employers want to know your are dedicated and committed without letting the whole seasonnaire life get in the way. (It will, but they don’t want to know that ;))
- Chalet Host
- Chalet Chef
- Resort Guide/ Rep
- Ski Instructor
- Bar Staff
- Waitress/waiter
- Kitchen Porter/pot washer
- Ski Tech
- Hotel Reception
- Child care
That’s it that’s all folks. I hope this article proves helpful when planning the adventure of a lifetime. Be sure to follow us on the gram and on FB. You can also leave us comments below and we can answer your questions directly. But one thing is for sure, above all else, wherever you go on your season, whatever you end up doing. . . You better be wearing products from Ridestore, trust me it will help!
Hey, I’m Angelica A Pro Freerider and content producer. I love to write about adventures, inspire people to get outside and discover. Lover of big mountain snowboarding, wine and dogs!