The winter holidays are in full swing, and while some people are enjoying the pleasures of winter sports, others are working behind the scenes to make these experiences unforgettable. Among them are the groomers, the night workers who sculpt the slopes to ensure that skiers have perfectly smooth snow in the early hours of the morning. And behind this discreet profession lies a well-paid job that requires no qualifications.
When the last skiers leave the pistes, the groomers take over. These mountain professionals work mainly from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. to reshape the pistes and redistribute the snow moved during the day.
In the event of heavy snowfall, their working hours can change, with shifts starting as early as 3am and finishing at 9am.
One of the major advantages of the groomer profession is its accessibility. No specific qualifications are required, although a professional qualification certificate for groomer operators has been introduced to help candidates stand out from the crowd.
It's all about motivation, a passion for the mountains and the ability to handle powerful machines.
Up to 2800 euros for a beginner groomer
Most groomers start their careers as pole vaulters on ski lifts before moving up the ranks.
When it comes to pay, grooming is an attractive profession. On average, a beginner earns between 2,500 and 2,800 euros net per month. With experience, this figure easily rises to 3,200 euros net per month. The extra hours worked at night help to boost this income.
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Another significant advantage is that the job is only available during the winter season. Over the course of a year, snow groomers generally work 23 weeks, which means that the rest of the year can be used for other professional, personal or even leisure activities.
For mountain lovers and winter sports enthusiasts, becoming a snow groomer is much more than a seasonal job. It's an opportunity to combine passion and professionalism with an attractive salary and an exceptional working environment. What if your next dream job was waiting for you on the slopes?