The capital of alpinism, at the foot of Mont Blanc. Busy ski schools in winter and guiding, climbing and trail work all summer.
Why work here
Chamonix has two full seasons. Winter brings ski and snowboard schools, off-piste guiding and ski touring. Summer brings climbing, mountaineering, via ferrata, trail running and mountain biking. Many instructors stay all year.
Finding work
Ski schools start hiring in September and October, and most instructor contracts run from mid-December to the end of April. Summer roles in guiding and outdoor centres are filled from March. Arriving with your qualifications already recognised makes a big difference.
Living there
Staff housing goes fast, so start looking as soon as you have a contract. Many seasonal workers share flats in Chamonix, Les Houches or Argentière. The Mont Blanc Express train and the free local buses connect the valley.
