 Poster: A snowHead
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I may be working for Powder Byrne this season and am interested to hear any comments/ experiences from anyone who has travelled or worked with them. I have read all the stuff on the internet but always good to hear it from the horses mouth.
Many thanks
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Powder Byrne......I got that the first time I used a cheap condom.......Doc said it was allergy.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Bigrobski, my daughter did the half term ski school assistant a couple of years ago in 1850. Good company to work for, reasonable staff support. The punters divided 50 / 50 into delightful and unbearable with few in the middle, but this was probably a polarised half term experience. Accommodation was in the hotel in shared rooms. Hope you have fun!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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My boyfriend has worked for them on and off and has been very positive about them - I'll try and get him to post at the weekend...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Hi, yeah I've worked for 5 holiday companies, and PB is the best by far. I did 3 consecutive seasons with them, doing ski guiding in the winter, and Childrens Clubs/Resort Management in the summer. PB stands out because it is a small company which cares about its staff. The service standards delivered to guests are extremely high (it's hard work), but the head office staff know people personally and you are always part of a well-staffed team in resort. It's a bit more professional than your average "holiday rep" position, and though teams often socialise in the evenings the work is demanding and isn't easy with a hangover, so don't expect a crazy nightlife. There's always the oportunity to earn extra money in resort through tips and babysitting. Don't miss the end of season party in April, it's great! I highly recommend PB, and I'm happy to answer any specific questions about the company or your role if you think of anything.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Just wanted to say thanks for the replies. Powder Byrne sound just the sort of company I would like to work for and I am looking forward to it! Who knows maybe I will leave London for a life in the mountains. Thanks, Rob
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| Bigrobski wrote: |
| I may be working for Powder Byrne this season and am interested to hear any comments/ experiences from anyone who has travelled or worked with them. |
Shouldn't you be out there already?
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Hi,
Just thought I would update this post as I am back on the site. I worked for Powder Byrne during the Feb peak week in 2011 and it was a very good experience. I was a ski leader (on piste guide) in Zermatt and met some really nice people. The guests were fine, it is a high end company and people who travel with them pay a lot of money so expert to receive a good service and the company ethic is that nothing is too much trouble. I had no problem, I got to ski 10/12 days and guided for half that time, I did my best for the company and they paid for me to ski. It is not a holiday for staff but you can have a pretty damn good time if you throw yourself into it. I hope to do it again in 2012, it is not a career choice for me but certainly something worth doing if you have the ability and opportunity.
Rob
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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 Thanks for that Bigrobski.
It's not that often someone comes back to feedback the results of the advice they've been given on snowHeads but it's lovely when they do: good on you!
And glad it worked out well.
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@Bigrobski, Hi Rob did you work for Powder Byrne again at all? I have a group interview with them soon for a peak season role and just wondering what to expect and prepare for?
Thanks
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Hi,
I did get asked if I was available to work a couple of times but it never worked out time wise. From what I remember I was interviewed with another chap and what they were really interested in was experience of giving good customer service. Being a full on mountain obsessive with years on skis isn't going to cut it. The guy with me was all about the mountain and said at one stage that he 'just wanted to be there' which is not what they want. The guests can be challenging, after all they have paid a lot for their ski trip, and you have to show that you are able to handle them and represent the company image by delivering high standards. Basically nothing is too much for the guests...I could tell you a story about a particular guest but I won't!
You need to be a decent on piste skier as there is no off piste allowed. Guests can go off piste and you can follow but ski managers cannot lead off piste. The basic job is to get the guests up the mountain in the morning, to lunch on time, down on time to collect their children and evening visits to check everything is okay. You could easily get a difficult client who expects you to jump when they say so but the resort manager should help you and in my experience the staff all pitched in to support anyone in need. Oh, that is another thing to demonstrate you need to be a good team player!
The reason I mention the latter detail is that you need to know what it is like and be prepared to give answers at interview that reflect an awareness that it's not just about skiing about. However while it was not a holiday I met a couple of good lads and have good memories of skiing about Zermatt and having a laugh. Be serious about the job and you should be okay.
If you get it do post here and share the experience,
Rob
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@qas300, I worked for Powder Bryne for a few years doing peak weeks and really liked it, in Switzerland and The Dolomites (loved it there). I really enjoyed going to resorts I wouldn't normally ski and you can build great friendships with the other ski guides. I wouldn't do it if it was the only ski holiday I was going to get - it would need to be an add-on - and yes you do need to meet with guests each evening and deal with the dreaded transfers. Overall a good experience for me.
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Ah cheers guys, I got the Peak season post as a driver so looking forward to getting out there now and seeing what it's all about! I'll keep you posted on how I get on and thanks for the info and advice!
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