Brexit Means No Brits For Interski's British Ski School

The ongoing brexit omnishambles has resulted in leading British tour operator Interski being unable to employ British instructors who do not hold EU passports. The company has specialised in schools travel to the Aosta valley and has a database of around 3000 instructors, employing around 800 mostly British ski teachers each in a season. At peak season the company could have up to 90 instructors working in a resort at any one time.

Currently the company is unable to employ British instructors as a result of brexit, presumably leaving around 3000 ski instructors with time on their hands penning letters to their MPs. SIN understands the position might not be completely clear cut with suggestions that the Italian government may allow British instructors to operate in some circumstances. 

In a statement they say:

We hope that you are keeping well. As with many sectors of the economy, the travel industry has and continues to suffer the effects of the pandemic, although finally, it looks like there are signs of a recovery ahead and some cause for optimism.

We have been working hard to understand the implications and consequences of Brexit for our resort team and instructors alike, with discussions being held at the highest levels of regional and national government. In terms of working rights, unfortunately at this time, we have not yet been able to navigate a way to employ UK passport holders for this winter season 2021/22.

In order to work for Interski for this season, all staff will need to hold an EU passport or have working rights for Italy. It is your citizenship status rather than residency status that is critical.

Unfortunately, Italy does not currently offer an option for short term visas or other practical means for UK citizens to work in Italy, but we remain hopeful that this will be a possibility for future seasons. Clearly as and when any updates are available, we will share them with you.

Our client numbers for this season are encouraging however these numbers could still fluctuate before the start of the season. If you are in a position to work for Interski this winter season we ask for your understanding and flexibility in this matter as recruitment relies on accurate client numbers.

For instructors, in the meantime, there is no need to send through documentation such as first aid certificates or instructor membership cards. In terms of recognition of qualification, a key element for instructors, we are pleased to confirm that your qualifications will still recognised in the Aosta Valley.

We are, as always, grateful to all of our resort team members and instructors. For those who can no longer collaborate with Interski in the short term, a sincere thank you for all your efforts in making Interski the market leader that it is.

Our new staffing website will be launched soon, and we will advise when this goes live in October, where you will be able to register your interest, create your profile and upload / download the necessary documentation.

Pre-requisites for all members of staff for the winter season 2021/22 will include:

• An EU passport (or dual UK/EU citizenship) or right to work in Italy.
• NHS Covid Pass / EU Green Pass.

We are here to answer your questions either by email erin@interski.co.uk for instructors or staffing@interski.co.uk for Resort Team positions, so feel free to get in touch. However, if we can kindly ask for your patience and understanding as this is uncharted territory for all travel providers, we may not immediately be able to answer all queries.