Jemma Cox
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Hi Jemma, thanks for speaking to us today! First off, can you let everyone know who you are and where you’re from?
Hi I’m Jemma. Originally from Poole, Dorset in the UK but currently based out in Val Thorens, France.
What do you do and how long have you been working in the ski industry?
This season i'm working as a chalet manager for Skiworld. I did my first ski season as a chalet host in 2019/20 then took a 3 year break to go to uni. Post grad I did a season as a chalet manager in Val d’Isere and now I’m here as Chalet Manager in Val Thorens.
What does your average day look like?
My average day varies alot. My main role is to just support the hosts in any capacity they need and help with guest issues. I do all our food and linen ordering, chalet standards checks, liaising with upper management to make improvements… a lot of behind the scenes admin and WhatsApp chats!
Any funny guest stories?
Over the last 3 seasons I’ve definitely had some interesting guests. I once had a lady complain that she should have been made aware the other people in her mixed booking chalet were male. I’ve had many a guest get arrested and call me to bail them out. Some have come down to dinner service naked and I’ve had to explain that they need to put clothes on before they’re served… the list goes on!
Do you ski or snowboard and how many days a week do you get on the slopes?
I predominantly ski but learnt to snowboard last season so working on getting better at that. I have the opportunity to ski 6 days a week but realistically I get out around 4. I’m a real weather snob.
Favourite thing about living in the mountains?
I love the seasonnaire culture of living in the mountain. Getting to meet so many different types of people, Going for drinks and knowing most the bar, the real sense of community that you don’t get in other places.
Least favourite thing about living up a mountain/away from home?
As I do ski and summer seasons back to back I mostly just miss being around for my family and friends. All the small moments like going to brunch with the girls or the cinema with your family. Sometimes the fomo is hard to handle.
Any advice for anyone wanting to do a season?
My most common advice is to just get out here. Apply for every job under the sun in any resort and just get your foot in the door. It’s a very small community of people and everyone knows everyone. Once you’re in, you’re in. It’s just the initial application that can be really hard.
Finally, what does the future hold for you? Whats the dream?
I have no idea what the future holds. I’ve decided that this year was my last summer season so I’m currently planning a 3 month backpacking trip around Europe, but after that.. no idea. Maybe another winter is on the cards but New Zealand is also looking very appealing!
If you want to check out what Jemma is up to, find her on Instagram and TikTok here;
https://www.instagram.com/jemmas.travels
https://www.tiktok.com/@jemmastravels