WHY
THE CHALET KITCHEN?
Ski seasons are the opportunity to collect enviable experiences and live a different kind of life than the 9-5 grind. Being a chalet host is about combining work, fun, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the ski season lifestyle. It’s a great choice for people who enjoy skiing, meeting new people, and working in an active, customer-focused environment.
A ski season is as much about the people you meet as the skiing itself, and many resorts are home to a vibrant international community. Wherever you are, the resort will attract a fun, passionate group of people who share a love for the mountains. You'll build friendships for life and have access to a support network, making it a perfect place to immerse yourself in the ski season lifestyle.
REASONS TO DO A SKI SEASON
Adventure and Skill Building:
If you love adventure, skiing gives you a thrilling challenge and an opportunity to improve your skills. You’ll progress in a way you might not expect, picking up techniques quickly and having fun while doing it.
Living in a Winter Wonderland:
Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views every day. Living in a ski resort is like living in a picturesque winter paradise. Whether you’re in the Alps, Rockies, or elsewhere, the environment is often awe-inspiring and offers a sense of peace and beauty.
Travel and Exploration:
Ski seasons are often in beautiful, remote locations. If you’ve ever wanted to explore places like the France, Austria, Switzerland, Japan or Canada, this is your chance. During your time off, you can explore the surrounding areas or take short trips to nearby cities.
It’s Just Fun:
Ultimately, skiing is incredibly fun! The adrenaline rush of skiing down slopes, combined with the beauty of nature, is something few experiences can match. A ski season is about creating memories and enjoying life in a unique and exhilarating way.
Social Opportunities:
Ski resorts are filled with people from all over the world. It’s a great way to meet new friends, whether they’re fellow skiers or locals working at the resort. This social element often leads to lifelong friendships.
Health Benefits:
Skiing is an excellent full-body workout. You’ll improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise in fresh mountain air. It’s a fantastic way to stay fit during winter.
Career Development:
If you’re in the ski industry, working a season can open up further career opportunities. Becoming a chalet host, chalet support, or eventually working in resort management could lead to a full-time career, and the experience can also make your CV stand out. Ski season work often builds resilience and adaptability that is highly valued when looking for a corporate role or graduate scheme.
Work and Play Balance:
Ski seasons often come with opportunities to work and ski simultaneously. In many resorts, including Val d’Isère, Courchevel etc you can get access to discounted lift passes and depending on which company you work with, you’ll get a lot of free ski time! It’s a unique work-life balance. There are not many people who can say that they’ll work in the morning, ski at lunchtime, have an aperol spritz in the sun before heading back to finish the day’s work and wrap it all up with a live gig in the nearest bar!
Escape from Routine:
A ski season can serve as a break from the daily grind. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, embrace a new lifestyle, and break free from the monotony of the usual work-life routine. Be brave and step out of the norm.
Mental Well-being:
Skiing in nature, surrounded by majestic mountains and snowy landscapes, is known to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Being active outdoors in winter has a positive impact on your mood and helps with mental clarity.
What will my work hours be like?
In busy periods, you could expect long working hours, typically around 40-60 hours a week. Your day often starts early in the morning with breakfast prep and continues into the evening with dinner service. You’ll have a few hours of downtime between meals, but it can be quite demanding. However, as you get further into the season, in quieter periods and as you become quicker and more experienced, you’re likely to be working less
What will a typical day look like?
You’ll arrive in the chalet between 6:30am and 7am cook breakfast, make afternoon tea and perhaps do some evening meal prep. Once breakfast is served, usually by 9am latest, you’ll clear away breakfast and clean the kitchen and dining room.
You’ll also complete daily housekeeping, lay out afternoon tea and make sure the communal areas are neat, clean and tidy, you’re likely to be leaving around 11am.
Then the day is yours! You could head out skiing, possibly stopping for a beer or lunch on the mountain. If you’re taking a rest day, what better way to hang out with friends or complete some life admin than on a sunny terrace at a local cafe, with a spectacular view.
Depending on how much prep you need to do, you’ll head back into the chalet between 5pm and 6pm. Typically you’ll be presenting canapés and champagne by 7/7:30pm, before serving a divine three course meal.
Once you’ve offered tea and coffee, cleared the table, and cleaned down the kitchen, the night is yours. Whether that means a debrief over a cup of tea with your housemates, or dancing on the tables at your favourite après bar, your days are filled with so much more than a regular job.
What are the perks and benefits?
Skiing/Snowboarding
In many cases, working as a chalet host comes with heavily discounted lift passes. This gives you access to the slopes when you're off duty. The ski season provides plenty of opportunities to hit the mountains and enjoy your time off.
Accommodation
and Meals
As mentioned, you often get subsidised accommodation and meals while working in the chalet. This is a great perk, as it significantly reduces living costs during the season, especially in resorts that often have high private rental costs.
Travel
Working as a chalet host is an opportunity to live and work in a beautiful ski destination. You’ll have plenty of chances to explore the local area on your days off, and it’s a unique way to experience life in the mountains.
Social Life
Working in a resort often means socializing with other staff and guests after hours. Many ski resorts have a lively après-ski culture, where staff and guests can unwind, enjoy drinks, and make lasting memories.
What are my job responsibilities?
As a chalet host, your main responsibility is to provide guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the chalet. This includes:
Meal Preparation and Service
You’ll be responsible for preparing breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner for the guests, often including multiple courses. The Chalet Kitchen course will be key to helping with this, as meals are an important part of the chalet experience.
Cleaning and Housekeeping
You’ll be expected to clean and maintain the chalet, including guest rooms, bathrooms, and communal areas. Keeping the space tidy and cozy is key to ensuring the guests have a great experience.
Guest Interaction
A large part of your role is customer service. You’ll engage with guests, ensuring they have everything they need, from helping with lift passes to giving them recommendations for things to do off the slopes.
Admin duties
There will be some administrative tasks, like tracking food supplies and communicating with the chalet management team. You’ll also likely handle guests' special requests, such as dietary restrictions.