Staff Reviews
Reviews by YSE staff who completed a recent winter season in Val d’Isère
2022-23
After graduating from Exeter University earlier this year I was rather lost with what to do with my gap year. Having considered doing a ski season I decided to apply to YSE. My interview with Fiona was so lovely and more of an informal chat, which made me feel so comfortable and want to work for the company even more.
It is the best thing I ever did! I have met my absolute best friends for life as well as having the most incredible 5 months making brilliant memories and having so many incredible experiences. Everyone at YSE is extremely like-minded and similar in maturity, being all over 21 and I didn’t have to worry about just being surrounded by 18 year olds!
I worked as Chalet Host which was amazing for what I wanted to gain from the season – working from around 7:30-11am meaning there was plenty of time for skiing and more importantly Apres! And then working in the evening from around 6:30-9pm. This is due to the fact that a lot of YSE food is prepared centrally by our head chef – therefore you don’t have to be a top chef, whilst also saving a lot of time for staff. Not only is our salary and accommodation better than most companies in Val d’Isère but Annabel and John are absolutely incredible at looking after us all. With John doing ski lessons in his own time for his staff, and Annabel really caring about everyone’s happiness and you really can talk to her about anything. You don’t often think this is important but when moving abroad and making an entirely different group of friends it really is comforting. I couldn’t recommend the company enough if you are considering doing a ski season, it genuinely is the best thing I ever did if you are wanting to travel, meet new people, and more importantly ski.
Jessica Lee-Clarke, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Tom Hancock, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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I came out for my ski season with YSE just after I had graduated my Masters in International Marketing at Newcastle, and it was the best thing I have ever done! Having never heard of YSE beforehand, a few of my friends at university recommended applying to YSE as they had heard of it’s great reputation. From the initial interview process all the way to landing back home in Manchester, I felt so looked after by John, Annabel, Fiona, Murray and Christina. They really are the best bosses/management I’ve ever had.
I worked in chalet Tapia, both cooking and hosting. Running an 8 person chalet alone was something I never thought I could do, and maintaining high YSE standards was certainly hard work at times. However, with the intense training and the close help of having Annabel and Murray at the end of the phone at all times, you get into the swing of things so quickly and easily (meaning lots of time for skiing!) Also, it’s the most rewarding job, meeting such interesting and lovely guests every week.
Val d’Isère itself is the perfect place to be a seasonnaire, everything is central, the skiing is amazing, and the après is even better! It has such a great community feel too, with all the seasonnaires eager to get to know each other and before you know it you know everyone who works in the bars, ski shops etc!
But the absolute icing on the cake is the friends I made on my season. YSE hire similar people, who are all there to have fun and experience something new! I truly have made friends for life, and the best friends I’ve ever had. Being thrown in the deep end, doing challenging work and living in very close proximity to like minded people, makes bonds like no other. I’ll be eternally grateful for YSE for introducing me to who I value as some of my best friends for life. My season was without a doubt the best thing I’ve ever done – so much so I’m considering doing another one this winter!
India Birtwell, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Eleanor Herdman, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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After 4 years at Exeter Uni I decided to do a ski season and I am so glad that I did! It is an experience I would recommend to anyone and the highlights most definitely make any hard work worth it.
YSE were a great company to work for as we had a lot of help from the beginning with visas, training as well as food preparation throughout the season. This meant we could be as efficient as possible and had even more time to ski, something which YSE really encourage. Annabel, John and Murray really listen to any concerns or suggestions too. Having accommodation and ski hire provided was a huge benefit and living with other YSE staff means that you do make some amazing friends. The people I have met at YSE are definitely the reason my season has been as great as it has been!!
Val d’Isère is such a great resort for seasonaires with so much going on, the best après and amazing skiing. I’m so happy that I applied for YSE and have no doubt that next year’s staff will love doing a season as much as I have.
Katie Kerr, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Sophie Dible, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Harrison Hurlstone, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Mima Boam, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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I highly recommend doing a season with YSE. I have made life-long friends who are all very similar to myself. I was worried when applying I would be one of the oldest (23). However, I was happy to find that everyone was a similar age and nearly all graduates. The company looks after their staff very well and always makes sure everyone is happy in their chalet and working alongside their peers. Another great aspect is that you have plenty of time to ski and are on the same schedule as your friends, so never miss out! During the season I mainly floated (filling in for staff on their days off) which I loved. It allowed me to become closer to the other chalet staff and it relieved the pressure that running a chalet solo held. Working for YSE was the best experience and best choice I have ever made. I am extremely sad the season is over but looking forward to creating more memories with the friends I have made during the winter. Thank you YSE!
Lizzie Broadhurst, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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I absolutely loved working YSE! I had just finished a masters in forensic science and so was really glad that the majority of staff were all around 22 or 23 which isn’t as true for other companies.
Molly Nagle, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Phoebe Beggs, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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I have had the most amazing time working for YSE this season, definitely six months I will never forget. I’ve come home having made so many great friends and so many one in a life time memories! I worked in a six man chalet on my own as a cooking host which, with the majority of the prep being done in the head kitchen by Murray, takes away a lot of pressure and stress! I met some amazing guests who are always trying to make your life easier and get you out skiing as soon as possible! Val d’Isère is such a great resort to live and work in with incredible skiing and the best apres at Cocos! Annabel, John and Murray have all been so supportive throughout the season ensuring we have all had the best six months possible! Having had lots of friends who have done ski seasons, I couldn’t recommend YSE more.
Susie Wright, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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After graduating from Newcastle university and completing a masters at UCL I really wanted to take a year out. I always liked the idea of a ski season, but I felt unsure due to having only skied for a week before and not being a great cook. I worked in YSE’s chalet hotel, Les Chardons, in a non-cooking role. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the hotel due to working in a bigger team. There were also a number of us of lower skiing ability who were able to organise lessons together and progress massively. My time with YSE has been the best 5 months of my life. What makes YSE particularly unique is the relationship with John, Annabel, Christina and Murray who always looked after us. John and Annabel always appreciated that we wanted to spend as much time skiing as possible, enabling us to get out on the slopes everyday, and John was always keen to give us a carving lesson! Another bonus of YSE was the high quality of staff accommodation that we lived in, as well as the high quality food we got to eat all season. I couldn’t recommend YSE more, and Val D’Isere is definitely a great resort to spend 5 months in!
Darcey Morse, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Having left 5 years of a covid infested uni, I wanted to spend some time travelling and meeting new people, which has definitely been the best part of my time here. There’s a great mix of working hard delivering for chalets, and then immediately getting on the slopes to get to La Rosée Blanche. Typically we worked from 7am to midday, and then 6pm to 8pm in the evening, driving around Val d’Isère in the yellow landies, being offered bacon sarnies and coffees from the chalet girls. The way that the interview process worked meant that everyone gets on so well right from the off and we’ve all become really close friends. All in all, even though I didn’t achieve my season goal of landing a backflip (7 attempts) I’ve had such an amazing 6 months with a great bunch of mates and wouldn’t have swapped it for anything.
Eddy Loring, Kitchen Staff and Deliveries, Winter 2022-23
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Along with that John and Annabel have ensured that we are looked after at every point of the season, this has made such a difference as it has made the season which can feel quite long more homely!
I lived in an accommodation with 16 other girls and, as daunting as it sounds it was one of the best times ever and we all had so much fun as there was always someone around. I would even go as far as to say one of the best accommodations! I came to the season not being able to ski and found other people within the company who were the same level. YSE managed to organise a few ski lessons which got us to a good level and continuously supported and ensured we were staying safe and enjoying ourself! The ski time within the job is amazing, you have from around 11:30-5.30 or 6pm, 6 days a week, which is highly specific to YSE. The resort also offers amazing skiing as you are also able to access the Tignes ski area. The job itself can seem quite daunting at the very beginning but once you get into it and get a routine going, it is extremely enjoyable. The guests I have met this season have, in the vast majority, been lovely and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. The cooking and cleaning is all very manageable as you have very in depth training before you start working. In a whole the time I’ve spent with YSE has been some of the most enjoyable months to date, I am so extremely jealous of all up-coming chalet girls/ boys and drivers.
Issie Murran, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Tami Harvey, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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James Macinnes Poole, Kitchen Staff and Deliveries, Winter 2022-23
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I heard of YSE from a friend whilst at uni and decided to do a season after graduating from the Uni of Reading. Working with 50 others, most just graduated like me and all 21+ was such a pro for YSE. I have had an amazing season working in Maison de Rocher in a non-cooking role which I really enjoyed – meeting really, really nice guests which is unique to YSE.
I lived in a chalet with 16 other girls, which has been such a wonderful opportunity to make friends for life and incredible memories. It seems daunting living with so many people but being able to always come home to someone made it feel so homely. We were able to ski 6 days a week is unique to YSE and often from 11-5.30 ish. 2 days off a week is also quite unique in Val. I have had the best 6 months and would throughly recommend working with YSE, you get so looked after by Annabel, John, Murray and Christina who ensure you get the perfect combination of work, skiing and partying throughout the season.
Gemma Rees, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Thank you for such an incredible season. I really do appreciate the abundance of opportunity I was given, as well as the trust you put in me. I will be forever grateful that you took me on so late in the season yet gave me the support to settle in so promptly, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable 3 months. I wish you both all the best for the summer months, and hope to see you both next season.
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Talia Kanerick, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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I studied Geography at Exeter university. I applied to be a chalet host for YSE so I could meet a variety of high profile individuals and also to improve how I communicate with different people. The communication skills I learnt from interacting with guests will be very beneficial in your future career.To be a chalet host all that is required prior to the role is to be energetic and charismatic. At first I struggled with the early mornings, however I soon got used to it and found that I could do so much more in my day. Val d’Isere being one of the highest resorts in the Alps ensures the quality of skiing is very good all year round, the chalet host role ensures that you can fit in on average 5 hours of skiing, 6 days a week. The staff accommodations are all located in Val d’Isère and close to bus stops for the free buses which run throughout the day. We are all very well looked after by Annabel; if we are ever unhappy or request anything like specific days off she will often go out of her way to accommodate to our needs. Giving the drivers a bacon sandwich when you can will ensure you get priority on deliveries, which I would recommend. Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my season working for YSE and as a result of a number of reasons; from interacting with guests to making life long friends. I wouldn’t want to work for any other chalet company.
Will Merry, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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I’ve wanted to do a ski season for so long but as a beginner skier I never thought it was really possible. I applied for YSE and was so happy to get the job and even happier when I found out that I wasn’t the only beginner skier! I’ve had the most incredible 5 months with amazing people who have genuinely become such close friends. Learning to ski, après, nights out and living with 18 other girls have all been chaotic but so so fun. The work is tiring but you’re really supported which is so reassuring. I definitely would recommend working for YSE!!
Rachel Forster, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Ed Fearnall, Kitchen Staff and Deliveries, Winter 2022-23
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I’ve just graduated from Exeter Uni after studying Psychology. I applied for YSE after hearing how well they treat their staff and they have not disappointed! I have had a great time this season, made loads of friends, skied nearly everyday and had many fun days at après-ski in Val d’Isère. Despite the hard work, early mornings and deep cleaning, it is well worth it. YSE’s new cooking system gives you even more time on the slopes! Accommodation, ski hire and food is all included in the overall package, alongside good pay and often fab tips! I would highly recommend applying to do your season at YSE.
Izzy Hamlet, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Liv Peacock, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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Zoe Allchurch, Chalet Staff, Winter 2022-23
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2021-22
I had an amazing 5 months working in Val d’Isere for YSE. YSE is a great company to work for; they provided all of the information and support that we could need from the very beginning whilst we were trying to get our visas sorted, as well as advice on what to pack and expect once we arrived in France. The workload was very fairly balanced allowing me to ski 6 days per week if I wanted to, and John and Annabel would do anything in their power throughout the season to ensure we were happy. Val d’Isere is an amazing place to have lived so I am keen to return again, and would highly recommend doing a season with YSE.
James Forsyth, Chalet Staff, Winter 2021-22
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Working for YSE has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life so far. An experienced team that keeps staff and clients equally happy while keeping standards up to the highest level. With only the friendliest of employees working for YSE an inclusive camaraderie is built throughout the season, and when combined with an excellent balance of work, ski, and apres, this ensures you will have the best of winter seasons working for YSE.
Andy Mullineux, Maintenance Rep, Winter 2021-22
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YSE were recommended to me by friends who had done seasons with them previously. I was told stories of exceptional skiing, fantastic co-workers, and work you can really enjoy (almost all of the time). I now tell the same stories. Three things which can weigh on a potential seasonaire’s mind are the very real possibilities of horrible guests, tyrannical management, and a sub par resort/nightlife (with little time to enjoy it). I found my guests to be really rather nice actually. Since returning to British soil I have bumped into several old guests, and each time it has been a genuine a pleasure to see them again, even to share a pint on occasion, and talk about what a great week we all had together. The management of John and Annabel works exceptionally well. I was fortunate enough to never need rescuing by either of them, though I have seen them protect and aid others in their times of need. What I did experience, and you may too if John’s back is still just about functioning next season, was the odd Saturday ski lesson. Great fun and will do wonders for your skiing, although his ski-racing children will laugh if you tell them their dad’s giving out tips! You won’t see John or Annabel an awful lot, but once you’re into the swing of your work you’ll greatly look forward to a short catch up with Annabel each Sunday – just watch Recco the border collie doesn’t make off with your kindling! I’d never been to Val d’Isère before, and if you haven’t yet either I can confirm the sterling reputation of exceptional and plentiful skiing, matched with an equally sensational nightlife. My role at YSE was a chalet host and I found I had at least as much time as other companies’ seasonnaires to enjoy all there was to offer.
Ed Milner, Chalet Staff, Winter 2021-22
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When I first arrived in Val d’Isere I didn’t really know what to expect having never done a ski season before. However, as soon as my bags were out the transfer I was into Les Chardons meeting 48 like-minded people who I can now say are some of my closest friends. YSE is also the type of company that expects very high standards, but you are rewarded for keeping those high standards. Having also chatted to many of the other ski companies staff, YSE really looks after its staff. I cannot recommend any other chalet company more than YSE.
Jack Diggle, Chalet Staff, Winter 2021-22
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Working with YSE made for a completely unforgettable season. I originally signed up to the 2020/21 season before COVID struck and so I rolled the job over to the following year. At this point, I was working full-time in London and decided to quit my job for the season in Val d’Isere. It was a decision I will never look back on! It really was the dream job; the work-life balance was completely ideal. Annabel and John were so supportive throughout the season. They were heavily involved without it feeling like your boss was watching over you the whole time and the company felt like a big family. The absolute highlight of the season for me was the people. I don’t think I have ever, or will ever, meet a group of such like-minded and fun individuals. I couldn’t recommend YSE more!
Marina Harvey, Winter 2021-22
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My season with YSE is a time I will always treasure. After three years of uni, staring at a computer screen and stressing about work, my season provided an amazing opportunity to unwind. I loved getting outside and skiing most days, forming life long friends, dancing on tables at apres, and just getting stuck into the work. I enjoyed looking after guests each week and wanted to make sure they loved their time at YSE in Val d’Isère as much as I was. I cannot recommend it enough, it is tiring work but it is such a happy experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something different.
Henrietta Wolstenholme, Winter 2021-22
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Working for YSE has been an amazing and unforgettable experience. It exceeded all expectations and I could not recommend it highly enough. It’s said YSE’s (unwritten?) motto is “happy staff makes for happy guests”, and it shows. John and Annabel’s winning formula generates overwhelmingly positive reviews and many repeat bookings from returning guests whilst making sure that their staff get more ski time than almost every other working seasonnaire in the resort. You’re independent and given a lot of responsibility from the outset, but well supported and help is always there if you need it. It’s hard work, with early mornings and late finishes, but incredibly rewarding and great fun! I’d urge anyone on the fence as to whether a season is for them to read all these staff reviews and apply to YSE. I cannot thank John, Fiona, Annabel, Murray and Christina enough for the incredible time I had in Val d’Isère.
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My season with YSE was everything I could’ve asked for. I was meant to work for YSE the previous season which was cancelled due to Covid, but I decided to postpone “adult life” for another year and wait for the 2021/22 season to roll around: and I am so glad I did. It was genuinely the best six months of my life and I couldn’t recommend YSE highly enough. There was more than enough time to ski, and the work was pretty fun too. Annabel is great at putting together chalet teams so, rest assured, you’ll end up in the right place for you. The main reason the season was so amazing though was the people. I have genuinely made friends for life and everyone got along really well with each other, which really is a testament to YSE’s hiring process. I also can’t thank John, Annabel, Murray and Christina enough for making it a great season – they were all really supportive but also a lot of fun. I could go on for hours but long story short: if you’re looking to do the season of a lifetime, apply for YSE, you won’t regret it!
Rowan Espie, Winter 2021-22
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Somewhat unconventionally I decided to do a season after spending 4 years post uni working at an investment management firm. It was a bit of a leap of faith but it’s something I’ve always dreamt of doing and I can safely say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Hosting new guests every week and playing such a large part in the success of their holiday was so rewarding and I learnt invaluable life skills without even realising, all thanks to the support in the background from John, Annabel and Murray who understand how to run chalet holidays so well. Above all, most weeks I was up the mountain 6 days out of 7 skiing (whilst my friends back in London were sat at a desk – no brainer really!!) and getting to know one of the best resorts in Europe like the back of my hand. My time with YSE has given me far more than I can ever articulate and it’s a period of my life I’ll cherish forever – I had an absolute blast. I think everyone should quit their jobs and do a season with YSE, I’m seriously considering coming back for round two!
Lucy Weldon, Winter 2021-22
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Without a doubt my season at YSE was the best experience of my life and one I will always treasure. I loved working as a chalet assistant, and although the work is hard, it is also extremely rewarding! The YSE guests were great fun and I loved meeting new groups week in and week out. Annabel, John, Murray and Christina all looked after us so well and although they were our managers, they also became our friends too! I’ve come away from my season with lifelong friends and the most amazing memories. If I could do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing and would not have wanted to work anywhere else other than YSE!
Ella Cross, Winter 2021-22
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I was initially interested in YSE because, when researching multiple companies, the YSE chalet assistant role seemed to be my ideal ski season job: hosting guests, with no cooking! It turned out not only to be the perfect role, but the perfect company. YSE expectations are high and everyone works hard, but you’ll start to take real pride in ensuring your guests have the best possible holiday. Working in my little chalet team was also such great motivation and made work easy and fun. Another selling point of YSE is all the other staff. By the end of our 5 months together, chefs, chalet assistants and drivers alike were one huge friendship group, with the best team mentality. John, Fiona and Annabel also really know what they’re doing and you feel truly looked after by people who are experts in Val and chalet holidays. It is clear how important our skiing time is to them and being able to get on the slopes 6 days a week is the best possible way to spend 5 months, especially when followed by all the fun Val d’Isère has to offer. When my parents visited me, my dad commented that it’s the happiest he’s ever seen me. He was right. My season was the most incredible experience and I know that it was due to YSE.
Grace Douglas, Winter 2021-22
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YSE did not fail to deliver on yet another fantastic winter in the Alps. My school and uni mates can’t work out why I keep going back to France to spend blisteringly cold winters working long tiring hours for other people to enjoy their holidays; but they don’t know the half of it! Thanks to the proven formula for running seasons in Val d’Isère perfected by John, Fiona and Annabel for almost 50 years (yes, JYS really is that old), any budding seasonnaire can be sure they’ll have a rewarding and enjoyable time with YSE. But don’t take our word for it – there’s a reason the guests return year-after-year, and why YSE probably have the lowest marketing budget in the Alps; having unhappy resort staff certainly isn’t a part of it! I’d urge anyone thinking of doing a season next winter to read all these staff reviews and apply to YSE; as cliché as it sounds, you’ll make friends for life, ski harder than you could ever imagine, and get to know the best resort in the world like the back of your hand.
James Ferguson, IT & General Rep, Winter 2019-20; Driver/Plongeur, Winter 2018-19
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I have worked for YSE for 2 seasons now (or 1 and 3/4 given the pandemic that occurred) and couldn’t speak more highly of my time in Val d’Isère d’Isère. During my first season I completed the condensed cookery course ran by Murray, which prepared me to cook such high standards of food for large numbers of guests. Murray was a fantastic teacher (with a lot of patience), you’re given sufficient time to settle in your chalet and serve up plenty practice meals, so come the start of the season you’re itching for guests to arrive. Val d’Isère has so much to offer as a resort, I can completely see how people end up doing season after season. The skiing, the apres, the restaurants and the bars are the best in the Alps! I skied on my first season having done several weeks of skiing holidays previously and decided to take up boarding on my second season (much to John’s dismay), proving the mountain has something for every skill level. On top of that, you’re well looked after by John, Annabel, Christina and Murray and come away with friends for life!
Lindsay Smith, Chalet Cook, Winter 2019-20
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I came to work for YSE straight from uni and couldn’t recommend it more highly. John and Annabel make an obvious effort to get everyone skiing and make sure everyone enjoys their season by sorting lessons and ski hire for everyone. We’re encouraged to get up the mountain 6 days a week so we have an amazing work-life balance and expectations are always so reasonable. If there’s ever a problem, day or night, they’re both available to try and help you out and keep everything going. As the repairs man I didn’t have masses of experience before coming out, but John and Annabel helped me out with anything that came up out of my depth. I couldn’t recommend YSE more highly for a season and can’t wait to be back next year.
Tom Galletti, Mainentance Rep, Winter 2019-20
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A winter season in Val d’Isère is fast-paced and exciting. We worked hard, skied hard, and made life-long friends. Working in the alps can be daunting at times (especially for someone like me with little prior cooking and skiing experience). Thankfully, we were lucky to have such attentive managers to turn to. Annabel, Murray, and Christina really supported us both on a personal and professional level and invested so much time in making sure we were confident in our jobs. I loved everything about my season, from learning to cook at a high standard over Murray’s three-week cooking course, to watching my skiing progress over the months. I honestly can’t recommend doing a YSE season enough – it will be an unforgettable experience!
Sneha Naik, Chalet Cook, Winter 2019-20
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After completing my first season with YSE, I can say it’s easily been the best 4 months of my life! Going to work as a chalet cook, with little experience was daunting to say the least. However the support provide by YSE and the incredible training with Murray meant I felt comfortable and confident when our first guests arrived. This support never wavered, as Annabel and Murray helped me greatly when another chef was injured skiing, and I had to move from catering in a small chalet for 4 guests to a larger chalet for 10. Although the work can be demanding at times, it is so rewarding to work within such a highly regarded company and Val d’Isère definitely offers the perfect backdrop for this.
Bethan Armitage, Chalet Cook, Winter 2019-20
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After hearing a friend talk so highly of YSE I decided to apply for the role of chalet assistant. I was a little apprehensive of what it was going to be like at first but here we are 2 years later with me hopefully returning for a 3rd season! The people I’ve met have been amazing, I have some friends for life and being able to snowboard 6 days a week is a dream come true. The work can be challenging but Ive really enjoyed working with guests and meeting so many different people each week. The training at the beginning of season is intense but so useful and having John and Annabel there to help whenever needed is a huge support. If a season is something you’re considering then I absolutely recommend YSE.
Stephanie O’Leary, Chalet Assistant, Winter 2018-19 and 2019-20
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I heard about YSE from several different sources, all of whom had had the most amazing seasons with the company. For me, the thing that really stood out was how much the company cares about your enjoyment and your skiing. As a beginner I loved how we were introduced to so many different ski schools at the start of the season, during the lessons YSE organised. With the opportunity to ski six days a week, you progress so fast – not to mention the odd John Y-S lesson, which is as beneficial as it is entertaining. Annabel is amazing at finding the right parings when it comes to chalet teams, and she really looks after everyone. I met some lovely people and I hate that the season was cut short. I am currently taking Murray’s summer cookery course (which is excellent) with the hope of returning as a cook next season, 3/4 of a YSE season just wasn’t enough…
Katy Parkinson, Chalet Assistant, Winter 2019-20
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If I was to do a season after finishing university I’d want to be challenged and really make the most of. If you want to take up the role of a chalet chef (from having little to no experience) in one of the most desirable resorts in the Alps with a company who pours time and effort into training yet encourages us to ski as much as possible, I would recommend YSE every time. Having had a rocky start to my season following a few injuries at the start, I nonetheless ended up having the best few months and that is down to having been part of such a supportive and in-resort team; Annabel, John, Murray and Christina really looked after me and gave me the confidence to keep persevering during training and the first few weeks of guests – and I am so glad I did. We also had the advantage of flying out to Val ahead of other companies to get that extra training in before resort opened; which in turn allowed us to make the most of the mountains 6 days a week, having been fully trained and prepared with the confidence to look after new guests each week, the majority of whom are returning guests and know both Val d’Isere and the company well – making the week really enjoyable and our lives easier! Working for YSE will guarantee the most fabulous season. It’s such a shame how abruptly ours ended, however I am so appreciative for the brilliant support and guidance from the team who allowed me to have the best 4 months out in Val d’Isere… short but sweet!
Tatiana St Pier, Chalet Cook, Winter 2019-20
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Working for YSE has been an amazing and unforgettable experience. Having come out as a small chalet cook with only 2 weeks of skiing behind me, I went straight into Murray’s 3 week cooking course, by the end of which I was comfortable cooking the dishes and settled into my chalet so that first week of guests didn’t seem so daunting anymore. Being able to ski 6 days a week, meeting some amazing people and learning to cook to the standard that I now can are a few of many reasons that I want to come back to finish a season properly
Georgie Miller, Chalet Cook, Winter 2019-20
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I was recommended to do a season with YSE by my brother who had also worked for YSE post uni. The Driver/Plonger role is undoubtedly one the best jobs in resort. You work off a 5-week rota so there’s a great variety of roles which include driving guests in the YSE Land Rovers, delivering food and other supplies to chalets, clearing snow and helping Murray, the head chef in the chalet hotel. What makes working for YSE unique is the way John and Annabel look after all of their staff. Unlike most companies YSE care about you as much as their clients, they understand that your enjoyment will be reflected in your work and therefore it is paramount to them. Staff are encouraged to make use of the opportunity to ski 6 days a week and YSE provided us with free ski lessons from the top instructors in resort at the beginning of the season (including JYS!). Your work-life balance is extremely manageable and there is always plenty of time to socialise and make use of Val’s infamous nightlife. I had the best 6 months, made friends for life and couldn’t recommend a season with YSE enough, I can’t wait to go back next year!
Ed Denton, Driver/Plongeur, Winter 2019-20
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Having stayed with YSE on several family holidays, I had a feeling that the staff were having the time of their lives. But surely there was catch? So, I did the only reasonable thing and did a season with them myself. I can now confirm there is no catch. The work is hard but very rewarding, the YSE family is beyond supportive and of course, living and skiing in Val is amazing. I can safely say the only regret I have is choosing to do a season in the same year as global pandemic and having to leave early. I can’t recommend working for YSE enough, and am already longing to do another season as a cook.
Amelia Nevill, Chalet Assistant, Winter 2019-20
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I decided to do a ski season after university as it’s always something I’ve thought about. I did a lot of research on companies, resorts and job roles and decided YSE was the company for me. I’m so happy I put this time into finding YSE as the experience I had far exceeded anything I expected. The first couple of weeks in Val d’isere prepare you so well for when guests arrive that even in the first weeks you are already getting out skiing earlier than most, and this also gives Annabel a great chance to get to know you so she can place you in a chalet that is right for you. YSE is great as there is so much support in resort, Annabel and John are only a phone call away if you need any help/advice. This aspect was really important to me as I felt you could really enjoy your time both skiing and working without having to worry too much about the job. The guests we get are also great fun, I worked in Chalet Isere (16 guests) so there was always a great variety of people and some I am still in contact with. I’ve met friends for life and one season was definitely not enough for me! I will (hopefully) be back this winter and who knows after that…
Sophie Clarke, Chalet Assistant, Winter 2019-20
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Working for YSE straight after graduating was the best few months of my life . I worked as a chalet assistant and loved catering for the needs of guests and making sure they were enjoying their holiday. Val d’isere is an absolutely amazing resort and skiing for 6 days a week makes sure you improve hugely. I felt looked after so well by the staff in resort; John, Annabel, Murray & Christina, and everyone that works for YSE. Even though the training can be a bit mind blowing, and your first Sunday feels like the hardest day ever, everything falls into place very quickly and gets so much easier, and sadly the weeks fly by. The only disappointing thing is that my season was cut short like everyone’s this year, which was such a shame. But, I’ve made lifelong friends and memories for life. If you are in two minds on doing a season, the answer should be a definite yes, you won’t regret doing it with YSE!
Harriet Rogers, Chalet Assistant, Winter 2019-20
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