Learn French and get paid work at a ski resort

Product Details

French-speaking Tremblant has a variety of practical hospitality work - and language-learning opportunities.

Most people stick to bar or restaurant work in Tremblant, which caters largely to Canadian families and tourists, but there are also opportunities for housekeeping work (ie cleaning, to start off with) in hotels. The better your French, the better your chance of moving to a front-of-house role such as waiter, barman, reception, customer services and so on. But don't worry if French is not your thing: if you're keen to learn, you can do a course, and then practise every day in your job.

Expect to earn around C$9 (approx £4.50) per hour before tips for 30-40 hours a week. Hours vary with season, snow conditions and guest numbers; normally you get two days off to ski. The employers we use aim to pay enough to cover your accommodation, food and fun, so if skiing, cross-country, snowboarding, skating and sledging appeal, this is your baby. Like our other Canada placements, it's not the way to save money!

The hospitality industry in Tremblant is big and competitive, so your employer - be it a bar, restaurant or hotel - will nurture their service standards. You will be expected to be punctual, dress appropriately - possibly in uniform - and be genuinely friendly and courteous to guests. Jobs start at a low level, but there are plenty of possibilities should you prove yourself able and willing, particularly if your French improves.

If you've worked in a café or restaurant during your holidays, tell us - you may be able to start in a more skilled job. Read our blog for accounts written by oyster participants.

In order to be eligible for the Work Permit that we recommend you must be aged between 18 and 30; be a fulltime UK citizen; hold a UK passport and be able to demonstrate that you can cover your expenses in Canada for the first three months ($1000 per month). These are the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Department.

We will see your group off at Heathrow Airport. On arrival Cynthia will pick you up at Montreal airport, drive you the 90 minutes up to Tremblant and settle you into your accommodation.

When we launched our placement in Tremblant, we took the decision that you would be more comfortable living together in a Condo (Canadian flat) rather than living in staff accommodation at your place of work. This means that you will be living in the best accommodation that we send anyone to anywhere in the world. The cost is pretty comparable to what it would cost to live in staff accommodation. You pay roughly C$375 per month per person.

The accommodation is based in the quaint town of St Jovite - just outside the resort of Tremblant. There is a bus that takes you to the resort in about 20 minutes.

On arrival, Cynthia will arrange a short orientation course and be in close contact with you over the first couple of days. As time goes on, Cynthia will take more a back seat and be there as a helpful friend should you need any help or advice.

Once a month Cynthia hosts a meet up with the Oyster group where we provide a few drinks and snacks and the chance for you to talk through any issues you might have. Cynthia is a local expert on where to go and what to see in the area. We also organise some French lessons for you so that you can brush up on your skills. Cynthia will organise this with you once you know what your work shift pattern will be like.

£1725 for 5 months excl flights. £1525 for 10 week summer programme.

If you are thinking seriously about one or more of Oyster’s projects, the next step is to fill in our application form. This doesn’t commit you in any way, but it enables us to get in touch with you to discuss your plans and fix up an interview.

If you have any questions or queries feel free to call or email us, we are more than happy to help.