Job Introduction
Location: Sauze D'Oulx, Italy
Season: December – April
Experience Required: Previous customer service experience is essential. Hospitality, hotel or chalet experience is highly desirable.
Eligibility: EU passport holders and/or the Right to Work in Italy
Salary: Competitive seasonal salary, plus accommodation, meals, travel to resort and an excellent overall package.
Due to the visa limitations in Italy, we can only consider people who hold a valid EU passport or already have the Right to Work in Italy.
In a Nutshell
- Combine brilliant hospitality with a practical, hands-on approach to keeping one of our Neilson Mountain Collection hotels running smoothly.
- Be part of the hotel team, looking after guests and getting involved in day-to-day hotel life.
- Take ownership of general property upkeep, tackling straightforward maintenance jobs and spotting issues before they become bigger problems.
- Keep the outside of the hotel safe and accessible throughout the winter, with snow clearing and hazard prevention forming a major part of your role.
- Know what you can fix yourself and, just as importantly, recognise when a job needs to be handed over to a qualified tradesperson.
About Us
For almost 50 years, Neilson has been creating unforgettable active holidays in some incredible destinations.
During the winter, our Mountain Collection hotels put our guests right at the heart of some brilliant European ski resorts, combining days on the mountain with the relaxed, friendly hospitality Neilson is known for.
Keeping those hotels running takes a real team effort.
We’re looking for someone who can combine the people skills of a great Hotel Host with the practical mindset needed to look after the day-to-day upkeep of a busy mountain property.
You don’t need to be a plumber, electrician, builder or qualified tradesperson and we won’t expect you to carry out work that requires one. What we do need is someone practical, proactive and confident tackling the everyday jobs that naturally crop up in a busy hotel.
About You
You’re a practical person who likes getting things sorted.
If a sink isn’t draining properly, a lightbulb needs replacing, something has worked loose or there’s a straightforward fix that needs doing, you’re comfortable investigating the problem and getting stuck in.
You take pride in looking after a property and naturally notice when something isn’t quite right.
You also know your limits.
You understand the difference between a sensible DIY fix and a job that requires specialist knowledge, equipment or a qualified tradesperson. You won’t take unnecessary risks or attempt work outside your level of competence.
During the winter, you’re happy pulling on your boots and heading outside when the snow starts falling. Keeping entrances, walkways, steps and external areas clear and safe will be a key part of your role. You understand that this isn’t just about how the hotel looks, it’s an important part of keeping our guests and team safe.
But you’re not hidden away behind the scenes.
You’ll still be a Hotel Host, which means being friendly, approachable and happy interacting with guests. You’ll support the wider hotel operation and get involved daily with restaurant service and housekeeping.
You’re dependable, hardworking and comfortable with a role where priorities can change quickly.
Most importantly, you’re someone who sees a job that needs doing and gets on with it.
Role Overview
As a Hotel Host / Maintenance Technician, you’ll split your time between supporting the day-to-day hotel operation and taking responsibility for general property upkeep and basic maintenance.
On the maintenance side, you’ll be the first point of call for straightforward issues around the hotel.
That could mean unblocking a sink, shower or toilet, changing lightbulbs, tightening or repairing fixtures, dealing with minor damage, moving rubbish and recycling, or carrying out other basic handyman tasks.
You’ll regularly check the property, identify maintenance issues and either deal with them safely yourself or make sure they’re reported and escalated when specialist support is required.
A major part of the role throughout the winter will be keeping the hotel’s outside areas safe.
Snow doesn’t conveniently fall around hotel operating hours, so you’ll need to be prepared to clear snow and ice when required, keeping entrances, paths, steps and other access areas as safe and hazard-free as possible.
Alongside this, you’ll remain part of the wider hotel team. You’ll interact with guests, support service and housekeeping when needed, help with arrivals and departures and generally play your part in creating the friendly, relaxed atmosphere our Mountain Collection hotels are known for.
It’s varied, physical and hands-on - perfect for someone who enjoys practical work but still wants to be part of the buzz of hotel and resort life.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Take responsibility for general day-to-day maintenance and upkeep around the hotel by completing straightforward handyman tasks and minor repairs that can be completed safely without specialist trade qualifications.
- Identify damaged, faulty or worn items around the property and take appropriate action.
- Carry out regular checks of guest and staff areas to spot potential maintenance issues.
- Recognise when maintenance requires specialist knowledge or a qualified tradesperson and escalate it appropriately.
- Never undertake electrical, plumbing, gas, structural or other specialist work that should legally or safely be completed by a qualified professional.
- Take a proactive approach to snow and ice management around the property.
- Clear snow from entrances, pathways, steps, access points and other external areas.
- Help prevent and manage ice and other weather-related hazards around the property.
- Regularly check external areas and take appropriate action to keep them safe and accessible.
- Keep external areas tidy, presentable and free from unnecessary hazards.
- Support rubbish and recycling removal and help maintain clean and organised waste areas.
- Help move equipment, furniture, deliveries and supplies when required.
- Keep maintenance equipment, tools and storage areas organised and in good condition.
- Report significant property or maintenance concerns promptly to the Hotel Manager.
- Support contractors and qualified tradespeople attending the property where required.
- Deliver warm, friendly and professional guest service throughout the hotel.
- Welcome guests and help them settle into their Neilson holiday.
- Be approachable and available to help guests with questions and day-to-day requests.
- Support food service, housekeeping, bar operations and other areas of hotel life when required.
- Assist with guest luggage, arrivals and departures.
- Support ski fit and other arrival-day activities where required.
- Share your knowledge of the resort, local area and activities with guests.
- Follow hotel health and safety procedures and safe working practices at all times.
- Work closely with the Hotel Manager and wider team to keep the property running smoothly.
- Be flexible, use your initiative and support wherever you’re needed.
- Represent Neilson with energy, professionalism and enthusiasm both inside the hotel and around resort.
Skills & Experience
You’ll be great at this if you…
- Have previous customer service experience.
- Have practical experience carrying out basic maintenance, property upkeep, handyman work or similar tasks.
- Are confident using basic hand tools safely.
- Have a practical mindset and enjoy solving straightforward problems.
- Can identify the difference between a simple maintenance job and something that requires a qualified professional.
- Have a strong awareness of health and safety and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Are physically comfortable with regular snow clearing and other outdoor manual tasks.
- Are proactive and naturally notice when something needs fixing, clearing, moving or tidying.
- Are happy working outside in winter conditions.
- Are friendly, approachable and comfortable interacting with guests.
- Enjoy being part of a close-knit team.
- Are flexible and happy moving between practical maintenance work and wider hotel duties.
- Can prioritise jobs based on urgency, safety and their impact on guests.
- Are reliable, organised and someone your teammates can depend on.
- Can remain calm and practical when something unexpectedly goes wrong.
- Take pride in keeping a property safe, tidy and well maintained.
- Have a good standard of spoken and written English.
It’d be a bonus if you also have…
- The ability to speak Italian
- Previous experience working in hotel, chalet or holiday accommodation maintenance.
- Previous experience as a caretaker, facilities assistant, maintenance assistant, property maintenance technician or similar.
- Previous hospitality experience.
- Previous experience working within a ski resort or mountain environment.
- Experience with snow clearing and winter property maintenance.
- Previous overseas or seasonal work experience.
- Skiing or snowboarding experience.
What’s in it for you?
Joining Neilson is more than just a winter job. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, develop new skills, live in an incredible mountain destination and become part of a close-knit team creating unforgettable holidays every week.
You’ll work hard – seasonal hotel life certainly isn’t a permanent ski holiday – but you’ll also have the chance to make the most of living in the mountains, meet brilliant people and create memories that stay with you long after the snow has melted.
Alongside the experience, you’ll get:
- Shared staff accommodation, with no household bills to worry about.
- Discounted seasonal lift passes, with payment plans available.
- Meals while on duty.
- Travel to and from resort within Europe, subject to our staff travel policy.
- Visa and work permit support where applicable.
- Comprehensive training, including pre-season e-learning.
- Role-specific uniform provided.
- Allocated days off throughout the season.
- Friends and family holiday discounts.
- 24/7 independent mental health support.
- Staff discounts in Neilson-ran bars and spas.
And, of course, the chance to spend a winter living and working in one of Europe’s incredible ski destinations.
It’s a season that gives you far more than a payslip. You’ll come home with new skills, new friends, incredible memories and plenty of stories from life in the mountains.
Please note: All Neilson Active employees are required to complete a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment process.