Piste-grooming machine driver

Thank you to Jérôme Jung, driver in the Moon Park, and Jean Christophe Bérard, driver in the Tougnète sector, who let us into the secrets of a well-groomed ski run.

How is the daily work schedule organised - or rather, the nightly schedule ?

Two groups are formed : an evening group, which works from 6pm to 1.30am, and the morning group, which works from 1.30am to 9.30am. Two sectors are allocated to them, the Tougnète or Saulire.

Each shift starts with a meeting to go over the work that needs to be carried out and what the priorities are.

At the start of the winter season the evening shift priorities preparation of the upper ski runs, and the morning shift prepares the lower ski runs. At the end of the season the operation is reversed. Why does this change ? Because in the early part of the season the snow canons run for a good part of the night, so in the morning you need to spread out the fresh snow produced. At the end of the season, however, the priority is to deal with the lower ski runs first so as to harden the snow which has been soften by the mild daytime temperatures.

How do you become a piste-groomer driver ?

You need three years on-the-ground experience in order to sit the test set by le Syndicat National des Téléphériques de France (French national cable car association). This examination puts great emphasis on all the safety procedures.

What are the qualities you need to carry out this job ?

You have to like machinery and engines, like working at night, spending time on your own, and be calm and relaxed person ... You need to have a passion for it. Of course, loving the mountains is one of the most important conditions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a job ?

The job of Jérôme, who works at the Moon Park, is to create the elements, transform them and improve them. There are lots of advantages to his job. His greatest satisfaction is to be able to see the results of this effort. The Moon Park enthusiasts are always there to congratulate him on the quality of the elements he created during the night.

For Jean Christophe, the advantages are slightly different : being solitary, working independently and being in the mountains.

Jérôme and Jean Christophe haven't discovered any downsides to their profession. Only bad weather can sometimes impose restrictions, postponing their work hours.