Some people have an inexplicable pull towards the mountains. You feel more alive, more real, and everything falls into a new perspective. If you know – you know. The downside – I haven’t been in an Uber or ordered takeaway in six years. That is the price to pay for wildness in your heart and outside your window.
From mud to love
I grew up in a completely flat country and didn’t get to explore mountains until my twenties. I remember climbing up my first hill in the Lake District, England and reaching the top in no visibility and storm-level winds. On my way down, I slipped on my ass on a muddy track. I felt more alive than I have in many years. Then I looked around and knew it in my heart – I need to move to the mountains.
This was six years ago, and since then, I have chosen my home address based on the elevation above sea level, rather than on certain conveniences. The challenge of living in beautiful places is their accessibility. Living remotely means fewer people, fewer work opportunities. However, for those who try hard enough, there are always solutions. One of which is a live-in job within the hospitality sector.
Live-in hotel work
I feel like this type of arrangement is a hidden gem amongst travellers who want to earn money while travelling. Everyone has heard about chalet work in the Alps, but what if you’re not a 20-something who wants to party every night? If you feel like your crazy party days are behind you but want to live and work in the mountains, hotel work might be the answer you’re looking for.
Whether you work in a restaurant, kitchen, housekeeping, or reception, the system is the same. Most often, you live in a shared house, and you pay a relatively small fee that includes all the amenities AND food. Now, the conditions can vary anywhere from a shack with no heating to a fancy en-suite hotel room. It’s wise to check these conditions during the job interview, but most places are decent.
I have done this myself in England, Scotland, and Norway. I have friends who have done the same in Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. The story goes something like this – find a hotel as far away from civilisation as possible and send your CV. Remote hotels like this always rely on travellers and free spirits for their workforce. The only way to attract them is to offer accommodation and free meals as part of the deal.
Across different countries and different cultures, the conditions of life in the mountains are similar, and this is a win-win solution for many.
Become an activity leader
Another option is to become a leader for outdoor activities, including a mountain tour leader, kayak instructor, ski or snowboarding instructor, etc. These jobs are more often based in a city or tourist town, because, duh, that’s where all the tourists are, which means that you will be responsible for finding your own accommodation and meals. It is possible to find a live-in arrangement similar to working in a hotel, but it depends on the different tour operators.
Leading any type of activity outdoors can be an incredibly rewarding job. Seeing grown-up adults get loose and act like children again is a joyful experience. The only thing to consider is that landing a dream job like this might take a little bit of time and commitment. Becoming any type of instructor requires qualifications and training.
I’ve overheard someone saying ‘But how can you work 8 hours a day always doing the same route and seeing the same fjord?’ and the reply was ‘But how can you sit at a desk for 8 hours staring at the same computer screen every day?’. And that was the end of the conversation.
Choose your view
Not gonna lie, some people choose this line of work and lifestyle because they are running away from something, rather than towards something. Once you meet enough people, you will understand the difference. One thing is for sure – there will be many crazy stories to tell and many characters to be witnessed. However, most of the people you meet are genuinely great and full of interesting tales.
Decide what you would like to stare at for 8 hours a day and go for it.
See you out there!
