IGD

Institute of Geography and Sustainability of the University of Lausanne
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Housing needs and uses of seasonal workers in winter sports resorts.

Permanent link https://igd.unil.ch/projet/en/453
Research fields Cultures and natures of tourism
Keywords Ski resort
Seasonal Workers
Housing
Funding Federal Housing Office, Cantons of Bern, Vaud and Valais
Duration February 2025 - January 2026
Website
Researchers Clivaz Christophe (IGD UNIL) [web] [email]
Bonnemains Anouk (IGD UNIL) [email]
Gerber Abraham Ephraim (IGD UNIL)

Seasonal workers are essential to the smooth running of mountain tourist destinations. However, housing conditions in winter sports resorts remain highly problematic. A few studies have been conducted on the subject, but none have focused on the perspective of seasonal workers.
In this context, we propose to examine the issue of seasonal housing based on the uses, expectations, and trajectories of seasonal workers themselves. The questions we wish to answer are as follows:
• What are the characteristics of seasonal workers' housing?
• How do seasonal workers use their housing?
• Do the housing conditions of seasonal workers meet their expectations?
• What role does housing play in the socio-spatial trajectories of seasonal workers?

Based on a field survey conducted through interviews at four winter sports resorts in the cantons of Bern, Valais, and Vaud, it will be possible to gain a better understanding of the housing conditions, habits, and expectations of seasonal workers with regard to their accommodation. Based on the results of the analysis of these interviews, a workshop will be organized in each resort with representatives of employers and the municipality in order to compare points of view and identify areas for improvement. A national discussion day will also be organized with stakeholders interested in the topic in order to disseminate the results of the study and discuss them.






image of Saas Fee