How to plan or work a ski season – 100 top resources and tips
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.
Okay, so adult-ing is getting to be a little too much like hard work; you are pretty much “over it”. You have started letting your mind wander, and casual daydreams have turned into full-on lapses. Hours go by, unaccounted for, but you did decide which skis you would buy. This leads you to the obvious, unavoidable reality that it's time for you to do a snowboard/ski season or work a ski season for the more monetarily challenged!
You need this; it’s good for the soul; please credit us when you use that line to your boss before you do a #MicDrop and storm out the office before throwing 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, 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!
Gear up for the season
As you plan to embrace the winter season on the slopes, you definitely want to ensure you stay warm and stylish. So, it's about time to get you kitted out with the freshest garb for the ski season. For those in search of the perfect outerwear, check out the latest ski jackets trends. Our collections boast of trend-setting designs without compromising the essential features you've come to expect in top-notch ski wear. Don't just hit the slopes; make a fashion statement while you're at it!
How to plan a ski season - Quick find navigation
Weather Apps & Resort Info
Magazines & Publications
Inspiration
Planning & Travel
25 Instagrammers To Follow
25 Perfect Ski Season Resorts
Packing List
10 Ski Season Jobs
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.
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.
W. www.ilmeteo.it
IG. ilmeteoit
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!
W. www.snow-forecast.com
IG. snow.forecast
Fatmap
YASS! Fatmap is a trailblazer; there is no doubt about that. This incredible app allows you to plot and survey lines, enabling you to make smart and well calculated choices on the hill. 3D digitalised ski maps at your fingertips.
W. www.fatmap.com
IG. fatmap_official
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, and all the resort info and ski maps on the app! Download for all the latest info.
W. www.iski.cc
IG. iskicommunity
Ski Resort Stats
One of the biggest databases of ski resort info, find out which resort will suit your needs and what you are looking for. Easy to use the website and a great resource.
W. ski-resort-stats.com
IG. ski_resort_stats
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 website to learn more.
In The Snow
The Uk’s most-read ski magazine, is quite an accolade and one they have certainly earned. Head to In The Snow for stories, inspiration and more!
W. inthesnow.co.uk
IG. inthesnow_magazine
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.
W. www.wepowder.nl
IG. wepowder_forecast
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!
W. akaskidor.se
IG. akaskidormag
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 Norwegian 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 is demonstrated!
W. onthesnow.co.uk
IG. onthesnow
Inspiration
Stomp It Tutorials
Our prayers to the snow gods have been answered, and they send us stomp it tutorials. All your ski questions are answered, from the basics to the more complicated tricks. On youtube, IG and on the website!
W. stompittutorials.com
IG. stompittutorials
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 ;)!
W.freerideworldtour.com
IG. freerideworldtour
Jon Olson
Jon is THE YouTuber to follow for adventure inspo. Jon is living the #Goals life by travelling around skiing, surfing and more. He will provide you with all the daydreaming content you need before you head to the mountains.
W. jonolsondeler.com
Y. Jonolsonvideoblog
IG. Jon Olson
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.
W. protectourwinters.org
IG. protectourwinters
Teton Gravity Research
Big lines and ever bigger experiences. Teton Gravity is all above riding powder with a great crew and experiencing the unknown. Head to their website to see what projects they have on the go at the moment.
W. tetongravity.com
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.
W. dewtour.com
IG. dewtour
Days with Kasja & 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 two besties.
Y. Days Kajsa & Malou
IG. Kajsal
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.
W. skyscanner.net
IG. skyscanner
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.
W. rome2rio.com
IG. rome2rio_official
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 Three Valleys.
W. snowlimitsskischool.com
IG. snowlimitsskischool
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!
W. mountaintracks.co.uk
IG. mountan_tracks
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 the Italian crowd covered with all the info! Must follow on the gram too.
W. 4actionsport.it
IG. 4actionsport
25 Instagrammers you have to follow
Alex Meliss
Vlad Khadarin
Sanni Oksanen
Kajsa Larsson
Dasha Nosova
Malou Peterson
Olya Smeshlivaya
Frances-Verweij
Janice Power
Jakob Ernst
Joanna Find
Benjamin Kalra
Mirte Van Dyk
Sven Thorgren
Kyle Ohlson
Eva Hölzl
Mathis Dumas
Leah Evans
Angel Collinson
Axel Lieb
Sebastien Jam
Julian Uberbacher
John Collinson
Angelica Sykes
Louis Charnaud
25 Perfect Ski Season Resorts
Party / Apres Towns
Val D'Isere
Val D’Isere is one of the world's most famous ski resorts for a 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 on the list is just for apres skiing; Val offers an incredible all-rounded experience, but man, oh man, when 3 pm hits, the town comes alive. La Folie Douce, need I say more?
W. valdisere.com
IG. @valdisere
Tignes
Tignes is Val D’Iseres cheeky younger sister, a little more approachable and rugged. With incredible mountains that offer something for every rider, the apres ski scene is vibrant and cool!
W. tignes.net
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.
W. mayrhofen.com
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, that's the big day!
W.stantonamalberg.com
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.
W. morzine-avoriaz.com
IG. @morzineofficiel
Powder Resorts
Niseko
A winter wonderland with 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.
W. niseko.ne
IG. @Nisekounited
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
W. skibig3.com
IG. @skibig3.com
Champoluc
Another well-kept freeride secret. Nestled deep in the Aosta valley by the Monte Rosa. Champlouc is home to an increasingly freeride zone neighboured by Gressoney, pair that with a little of the Italian dolce vita- You have a dream season destination.
W. Aosta-valley.co.uk
IG. @guide_champoluc_monterosa
Hakuba
Skiing powder in Japan as you imagined it in a dream. Rub shoulders with the world's best riders, as this is their go-to destination. Match that with a great influence from the local Aussies, and Hakuba valley is insanely cool.
W.hakubatourism.jp
IG. @hakuba
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, a relaxed atmosphere full of genuine mountain people.
W. engelberg.com
IG. @engelberg_titlis
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, a beautiful piste, a great community, and an awesome freeride in plenty of designated zones and out-of-bounds areas. Live the luxury lifestyle or live frugally. It suits all styles and budgets. Literally an all-rounder.
W. zermatt.com
IG. @zermattmatterhorn
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.
W. whistlerblackcomb.com
IG. @whistlerblackcomb
Chamonix
Chamonix is a popular destination 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, love for mountaineering, legends and ethics.
W. chamonix.com
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.
W. verbier.ch
IG. @verbier
Park & Piste
Sestriere
This is the crossroads 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
W. sestriere-online.com
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.
W. hintertuxergletscher.at
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 again be the centre of the freeski world.
W. stubaier-gletscher.com
IG. @stubai_glacier
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.
W. treblecone.com
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 atmosphere. A classic season atmosphere with a little southern hemisphere flare.
W. perisher.com
IG. @perisher_resort
What to pack - The ultimate adventurers backpack
Water bottle
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?
Lighter
It’s a smart choice to keep items such as a lighter in your backpack. You never know when you may need it.
Swiss army knife
Ideal for doing equipment fixes, its any good adventurers companion.
Mid layer
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.
Back up battery
Invest in a good battery charger on the go, always having a battery on your phone is even smarter on the mountain.
Spray on wax
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.
Spare cash
This is a total luxury for cash-strapped seasonnaires but bury a 20 in your backpack so its there for emergencies.
Ear phones/inspiring playlists
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.
Sunglasses
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.
First aid kit
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 during a ski season. Rest assured that you may not speak another language or have any direct skills, but there will be something for you. If you are qualified, i.e. experience in hospitality, or maybe you are bilingual, it could be worth going to local businesses directly and sending your CV as you would back home. If not, there are so many amazing websites that can help!
Remember to play up your skills and any work experience you have and that you are in town to work hard, ski and have a good time. Employers want to know you 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
- Ski instructor
- Bar staff
- Waitress / Waiter
- Kitchen porter / Pot washer
- Ski tech
- Hotel reception
- Child care
Where to find ski season jobs online
International
- www.seasonworkers.com
- www.coolworks.com
- anyworkanywhere.com
- www.tuigroup.com
- www.oneworld365.org
- www.workaseason.com
UK
- www.bestskijobs.co.uk
- www.ski-jobs.co.uk
- www.telegraph.co.uk
- www.natives.co.uk
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!
FAQs
What is a ski season and when does it typically start and end?
A ski season refers to the part of the year when most ski resorts are open and it's possible to partake in snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. The exact timing can vary based on location and snow conditions, but in the Northern Hemisphere, it typically runs from late November to early April.
What essential gear do I need before heading to the mountains?
The essential gear includes a good quality ski coat, ski pants, helmet, goggles, gloves and, of course, skis or a snowboard. Depending on personal preferences, specific gear may change, but our guide provides helpful trends in ski jacket designs for both men and women.
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