Being a resort manager is a challenging but rewarding job, it’s a job where you will always need to be available to support your team and ensure outstanding holidays are delivered to all of our customers. In order to become a resort manager you will need the ability to think on your feet and to problem solve at short notice, you should thrive when working under pressure, have strong communication skills and possess a drive when meeting targets and deadlines. It is also very beneficial to have some experience of working in the travel industry as it helps you to understand the essential foundations of running a resort and also to recognise the needs and motivations of your staff, suppliers and colleagues.
The best advice is to work your way up through the company, this will ultimately benefit you but it will also benefit your staff. By having the experience of being a rep you will have the knowledge that it takes to empathise, motivate and relate to your staff. You do not have to do lots of seasons to gain the experience; you could perhaps do one season in a sole or dual rep resort, followed by a season in a supervisor role. This way you will gain experience running a resort, becoming aware of all resort operational responsibilities entailed as well as leading a team of reps.
If you already possess any or all of the above then you’re already on the right track. Crystal run a high quality pre-season training course to the management team; this training ensures that the whole team are focused on the goals ahead and fully prepared for a successful and enjoyable winter season.
To become a resort manager you must be comfortable with handling a lot of responsibility and working long hours as ultimately you are responsible for the customer’s outstanding holiday experience and also the safety and happiness of your team who may not have lived in a ski resort environment before. Although there is a large amount of responsibility, there is also a large support network of senior managers, many of whom began their careers as chalet hosts and reps and have all progressed within the company.
At times you will feel like more than just a manager, you can expect to feel like a parent, a friend and sometimes even a councillor so you will need to be flexible in your approach and it is important to establish a healthy work/life balance within your team. This is a key area to get right as you will always have targets to achieve and tasks to delegate and ultimately you are responsible for team disciplines and rewards.
All that hard work will however be rewarded, every time you look out of your window and see breathtaking views or perhaps make the first tracks after a heavy night’s snow fall. During your time off you can spend time skiing or snowboarding in some of the world’s best and most famous ski resorts, satisfied in the knowledge that these mountains are your backyard for a whole winter season. You will meet friends for life and depending on your supplier relations you may even get a few perks in and around the resort. Last season I got to take part in a torch light descent and skidoo under the stars, unique experiences which definitely enhanced my season.
If this sounds like the challenge you have been waiting for then apply now and you will be guaranteed an amazing winter in the alps. The only thing that we can’t promise is that one season will be enough…
"During your time off you can spend time skiing or snowboarding in some of the world’s best and most famous ski resorts!"
Written by Jenna Walker from Crystal Holidays. Crystal is the UK's number one ski specialist offering jobs in 140 resorts in 14 countries worldwide.