Peter Garvey and Mairéad McNamara - Chalet Managers 2021/22
This was the first ski season we had done, we were nervous and didn't really know what to expect, but from the moment we arrived we felt extremely comfortable. There was two weeks training under the guidance of Pete and Alice who ensured we were all prepared for the role and what was expected from us.
We couldn't believe our luck how well the company treated their staff and how well we were looked after from the get go, supplying us with accommodation, food and drink, ski hire and a ski lesson to get us going (neither of us had ever skied before).
We are now half way through the summer season and can not fault any aspect of the company.
Overall the company is fantastic and a pleasure to work for. We are delighted that Purple was our first experience of seasonal work.
Patrick, Chalet Manager 2021/22 ( and Zara, Chalet Assistant/Driver 2021/22 )
Having both of us worked multiple seasons around the world for a variety of companies, Purple Ski has to be up there with the very best.
The way the staff are looked after (great accommodation with food and beer provided), the amount of ski time the job allows and the untiring support of Pete and Alice, it's a job like none we've previously found.
Now completing our first summer season with them, it's an exciting, expanding company to be a part of.
While the company and guests expect high standards, if you're hard working, passionate and hospitality minded looking for a winter season (or beyond) there aren't many better companies out there
Julia - Chalet Manager 2021/2022
Working for Purple Ski was my first real job in a big company. From the first day, I felt that the people were trusting in me and that make me feel somehow important there. They will explain to you everything that you need to do and then they'll not go checking on you every day, they will trust in your work and compromise with the company!
You can expect a lot of hard work and also a lot of free time to enjoy the mountains. Pete and Alice were the best always trying to make everything work and even when they're full of work, they'll arrange some time to speak with you and make all the efforts to make sure that you're happy.
Purple Ski is a big company, with its strengths and weaknesses and with guests that are expecting a high standard of service but also a small family that you can be part of.
Living in the mountains for me was a wonderful experience but sometimes also hard to deal with the cold temperatures, but is definitely, an experience that I don't regret having done.
Jodie GB - Chalet Assistant, 2015/16 and Chalet Manager 2017/18 and 2018/19
Working for purple ski completely blew all of my expectations of working a ski season out of the window. I have had some of the best times of my life during the 5 months I was in Meribel and made some life long friends. Before I started my season I had never actually skied on a mountain before and what was such a relief was I was not the only one! Everyone was so accomodating and I was made to feel so welcome amongst those who had been skiing their whole life. From the moment we touched down in geneva it felt like home and from day one we felt like a family. I will always look back with such fond memories and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been able to work for such an outstanding
company. A massive thank you to Karen and Michael.
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I have recently completed my third season with Purple Ski and what I can tell you is every season just keeps getting better and better. Not only have I gone from a complete beginner skier to confident on any slope in any conditions, I have also learnt so many transferable skills that this summer I have been able to take these skills to work on a super yacht in the med. Everyone I meet I tell them to do a season and if you can I can't recommend Purple Ski enough, they truly are the best. I have made some life long friends and have so many amazing memories from all my seasons. Meribel will always hold a very special place in my heart. Karen really does care for each and every member of her team and she will do her absolute best to ensure you are happy. If you get the chance just do it, I can guarantee you will not regret it.
Althea Cooley - Chalet Manager, 2018/19
Purple Ski is an amazing company to work for, the attention to detail in terms of both care for staff and guests is incredible and there really is no stone left unturned, Karen thinks of everything! What a lovely way to experience life in the mountains, I had so much fun and learned so much at the same time. Thank you!!!
Emily R - Chalet Manager, 2018/19
I have just returned from my first ski season and I have to say I enjoyed myself more than I ever could have imagined. I have made friends for life through working hours and also any 'extra curricular' activities Karen would organise such as Christmas champagne at the top of a mountain or the entertaining staff slalom. I don't think I will ever enjoy a job as much again, and has made 'normal' life seem ever so slightly boring compared to the casual black run in your breaks.
Whilst it is hard work you get well rewarded and Karen is always there for support but ensures to leave you to your own devises as much as possible.
I truly hope I will continue to do seasons with Purple Ski as I believe it really is the best company to work for in the Three Valleys.
Alice B - Chalet Manager, 2015/16 (also 2016/17 and 2017/18)
I've just finished my first ever ski season and I couldn't have wished for a better experience than the one I've had with Purple Ski. Karen and Michael are extremely trusting of the team but if a member of staff ever has a question or
needs some help, they are always available and very supportive. A season with Purple Ski involves hard work and requires a genuine passion for the job but we are rewarded with plenty of skiing time, cosy accommodation, amazing food and
drinks, lots of fun staff activities and being welcomed into the lovely Purple Ski family! I would happily work for Karen and Michael again in the future!
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I have completed three seasons with Purple Ski and I still believe everything I said after my first! Karen and Michael are fantastic employers (the best I have experienced) and I always felt very proud to work for them. I have met so many awesome people at Purple Ski and have so many great memories through the seasons. I now consider Meribel a second home! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to work for a company that takes huge pride in what it does and at the same time enjoy an amazing lifestyle in the mountains! Thank you Karen and Michael!!!
Alice - Chalet Manager, 2016/17 and 2017/18, and Pete - Lead Driver/Maintenance Manager, 2017/18, and Chalet Assistant/Driver, 2016/17
Having worked previous seasons before with other companies and after being back in London for six years we decided to take a career break and do "one last" season. That didn't quite work out; we are now coming back for our third season
with Purple Ski this winter.
Quite simply it's one of the best companies you can work for (not just ski operators), hard work and a passion to deliver great customer service is required but the rewards are many. From the training and support you receive from Karen
throughout the season to the many benefits you get along the way; such as great accommodation, meeting like minded people, a decent amount of ski time and of course all the delicious food you get to eat.
We can't wait to get back out there.
Paul and Lauren - Chef/Chalet Manager 2014/15 and 2015/16
We travelled all the way from Australia to work in the French Alps and couldn't ask for better employers then Purple Ski. Karen, Michael and their team are first class, providing incredible service and food to their customers and treating
their staff with no less love and attention. Lauren and I are looking forward to going back and working another season in Meribel with the purple ski team and would highly recommend any other passionate people to come join the team.
Bobby R - Chalet Manager, 2016/17 and Chalet Assistant/Driver, 2017/18
Working for Purple Ski has been an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish! The attention to detail that Karen and Michael show throughout their operation translates an enormous amount of care for their business, guests and
staff. From mountain refuge fondue to moonlit sledging, throughout the season they put on loads of great social events for all the staff to get together and enjoy. We had awesome staff accommodation, got to enjoy incredible food and
drink, had loads of free time to board/ski in an amazing resort. Would highly recommend purple ski to anyone if they want the best ski holiday or season work of their life.
Siggy S - Chalet Assistant and Chalet Manager, 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17
Working for Purple ski for the last three winters has completely changed the way I will look at life. I had lost most of my confidence working as a nanny and this opportunity has helped me so much and because of this has opened many doors
for me. I may work from season to season but that is what I love about it. I have so many happy memories in Meribel and being able to ski nearly everyday between work is just something I had never thought possible. Karen and Michael
I truly feel have created one of the most amazing companies to work for. The respect that they have for you is very easily returned, and you are very much looked after. I have met some of the most amazing people and it is something I
will always happily return to in future years. I do not think I could have asked for anything more for a season and I will be forever grateful for being given that opportunity. Thank you.
Katie R - Chalet Manager, 2014/15
Deciding to do my first ski season with Purple Ski was the best decision I have EVER made! Karen and Michael are truly amazing people and a joy to work for. My job as chalet manger was a great way to use my past experience in hospitality
and meet guests from all over the world. I loved my job! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work for Purple Ski as it has not only allowed me to work in beautiful chalets but also given me the chance to meet the most amazing people
and fall even more in love with Meribel and skiing (and also now snowboarding). I cannot thank Karen and Michael enough for this wonderful opportunity. I miss the beautiful mountains! If you get the chance to do the season, go for
it!
Amy C - Chalet Manager, 2013/14 and 2014/15
I wanted to say such a huge thank you again for quite possibly the best winter and experience I've ever had. All credit to you, you run a fantastic company and look after your staff so well. Thank you so much for everything.
Rachael H - Chalet Manager, 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15
I was delighted to be apart of the Purple Ski team!! It was my one of my life ambitions to do a ski Season and it was everything I dreamt of, Karen and Michael are amazing people who look after the team and give the best training to maintain
a high level of guest satisfaction, not only this but they manage to hire some of the most amazing unique people I have ever had the pleasure of working and living with.
I have gained so much experience working as a chalet manager, my confidence has grown, I've lived in the Alps (breathtaking!), met lots of amazing new friends, became a good boarder (my goal in life!), had many fun times in extremely
deep powder, boarded the three valleys on blue bird days, danced my socks off in the Ronnie, met guests and staff from all over the globe, enjoyed tasty food made by the talented chefs, had many laughs in the saulire bubble ,
Beck's homemade cookies and that is just half of it.....this is why I'm going back for more!!
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So I've completed my second season in the truly stunning French alps, located in Meribel. I can't explain how much fun I had this season, working for Purple Ski really helped as I knew the ropes and once again I met some of the most
amazing people!! I feel that after my second season I grew more confidence with not only my boarding skills but my interaction with the guests, meeting people from all the over the globe is definitely a bonus. Purple Ski is my second
family and anyone thinking about doing a season should consider Purple Ski, a chance to meet new friends, work for such down to earth people, ski/snowboard some of the most breathtaking mountains, live in good staff accommodation,
work in a strong team and yes....have fun!!! Hmmmm should I do a third season?!
Charlotte DC - Chalet Manager, 2013/14
Whilst there's no denying that chalet work can sometimes be hard and demanding, I think working for Purple Ski offers a uniquely rewarding experience in comparison with other chalet companies. What is really important is that Karen and
Michael really believe that the happiness and well being of their staff is key to the happiness of the customers - a work ethic I strongly believed in too as a Chalet Manager. As a result being part of the Purple Ski team becomes more
like being part of a big snowy family and I would highly recommend the company to anyone who is considering applying.
Emily B - Chalet Manager, 2012/13
I wanted to send a big THANK YOU to you and Michael for all your support throughout the season. Purple Ski was an absolute joy to work for and made it possible for me to enjoy 101 absolutely fabulous days skiing, not to mention new friends
and memories to last a lifetime!
Izzy C - Chalet Manager, 2011/12
Working with Purple Ski really was the one of the best experiences of my life so far! I made so many new friends and have some great memories both inside the chalet and out on the slopes! The support from Karen and Michael was fantastic
and I really hope that someday I can go back to Meribel and do another season with them.
Livvy S - Chalet Assistant/Chalet Manager, 2010/11 and 2011/12
I absolutely loved working for purple ski, it's like being part of one big family. Karen and Michael are fantastic bosses who gave me the oppotunity to work in amazing chalets with brilliant people. I have made friends for life and had
so many incredible days skiing in the three valleys.