Working a ski season in Levi is a genuine option for those who want to combine work and Lapland life. Finland’s biggest ski resort employs hundreds of seasonal workers every winter — in hospitality, ski instruction, safaris, retail and more. Here’s an honest guide to what’s available, what it pays, and what life is actually like working in Levi.
🔑 Working in Levi — Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Main season | November to April (winter ski season) |
| Summer season | June to September (smaller — hiking, golf, summer tourism) |
| Peak hiring period | August–October for winter positions |
| EU citizens | Full right to work in Finland — no additional permit needed |
| Non-EU citizens | Work permit required — apply before arriving |
| Language | English widely spoken in tourist roles; Finnish helpful for local roles |
| Minimum wage (Finland) | No statutory minimum — set by collective agreements, typically €12–15/hr |
💼 Types of Seasonal Work in Levi
| Job type | About |
|---|---|
| Ski instructor | High demand — requires certification (Finnish Ski Teachers Association or equivalent). English-speaking instructors particularly sought after. Well-paid and comes with ski pass. |
| Ski lift operator | Entry-level resort work — operating chairlifts and gondola. Training provided. Good starting point for those new to resort work. |
| Safari guide | Husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris. Usually requires experience with animals or vehicles. Strong English essential. One of the most rewarding jobs in Levi. |
| Hotel & hospitality | Front desk, housekeeping, restaurant staff across Levi’s hotels. Hullu Poro, Lapland Hotels and Break Sokos are the main employers. English required, Finnish an advantage. |
| Restaurant & bar | Kitchen and front-of-house positions across Levi’s restaurants and bars. Busy during peak weeks — good tips in popular venues. |
| Ski rental technician | Fitting and maintaining ski/snowboard rental equipment. Technical knowledge helpful but training usually provided. |
| Retail | Sport shops, souvenir shops and the S-Market all hire seasonal staff. Less glamorous but reliable hours and stable income. |
| Childcare / kids’ club | Resort childcare and ski school support roles for families. Experience with children required. |
💰 Pay & Living Costs
| Item | Approximate figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly wage | €12–16/hr depending on role and experience |
| Ski instructor salary | €1,800–2,500/month |
| Hospitality / retail | €1,400–1,800/month |
| Staff accommodation (if provided) | Often included or heavily subsidised by employer |
| Groceries (self-catering) | €200–300/month |
| Ski pass (staff discount) | Many employers provide free or discounted ski passes |
🏢 Main Employers in Levi
| Employer | About & where to apply |
|---|---|
| Levi Ski Resort ⭐ Find jobs → |
The resort itself hires lift operators, ski patrol, instructors and maintenance. Check levi.fi for seasonal vacancies. |
| Lapland Hotels ⭐ Find jobs → |
Large hotel group with multiple Levi properties. Hires across all hospitality roles. Good employer reputation. |
| Hullu Poro ⭐ Find jobs → |
The main entertainment complex — hires bar, restaurant and event staff. Busy and social working environment. |
| Safari companies ⭐ Find jobs → |
Northern Lights Village, Lapland Safaris and smaller operators hire guides for husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris. |
| Break Sokos Hotel Levi ⭐ Find jobs → |
S-Group hotel — reliable employer with good benefits and structured working conditions. |
📋 How to Find Work in Levi
- Apply directly to employers — send a CV and cover letter to the main hotels, the ski resort and safari companies from August onwards for the winter season
- Finnish job boards — mol.fi (TE-palvelut, the Finnish public employment service) lists vacancies and is available in English
- Seasonal work platforms — CoolWorks.com, SeasonWorkers.com and similar sites list Finnish ski resort jobs
- Facebook groups — “Work in Lapland”, “Levi seasonal workers” and similar groups are active and often have direct job leads
- Arrive early — some workers arrive in October and find work in person, especially for smaller hospitality and retail roles
🏠 Accommodation for Seasonal Workers
Finding accommodation as a seasonal worker in Levi can be challenging, especially during peak weeks. Options include: employer-provided staff housing (often the easiest route — ask when applying), shared apartments with other seasonal workers, or renting independently. Accommodation costs in Levi are high by Finnish standards — securing employer-provided housing significantly improves your financial position for the season.
🌟 What Life Is Like Working in Levi
Working a season in Levi is genuinely unlike most working experiences. The community of seasonal workers is international, social and tight-knit. Days off mean skiing, snowshoeing, Northern Lights and saunas. The dark and cold of winter are realities but most seasonal workers describe them as part of the appeal rather than a drawback. The main challenges are long hours during peak weeks, the remoteness of the location, and the cost of living. The rewards are significant: an extraordinary environment, a strong social scene, and an experience that most workers describe as one of the best years of their lives.
💡 Tips for Working in Levi
- Apply early — the best positions are filled by September/October for the winter season
- Secure accommodation before you arrive — don’t arrive without somewhere to stay during peak season
- EU citizens have the easiest path — full work rights, no paperwork beyond registering your address in Finland for stays over 3 months
- Non-EU citizens: start the work permit process early — Finnish work permits can take weeks to process
- Learn some Finnish — even a few phrases go a long way with local employers and colleagues
- Save before you go — the first month’s costs (deposit, setup, travel) can be significant before the first paycheck arrives
🏨 Visiting Levi Before Committing?
If you’re considering a season in Levi but want to check it out first, a short stay in Leviloma apartments gives you a central base to explore the resort and get a feel for life there.
📖 See Also
- Digital nomad in Levi — remote working guide
- Budget & costs in Levi
- Getting to Levi
- Where to stay in Levi
- Levi in November — start of ski season
Leviguide.com – your complete guide to Levi, Lapland.