Chalet host: job description, pay and skills

Chalet host

Cooks, cleans and looks after guests in ski chalets during winter seasons, often combined with lots of time on the slopes. Hosts usually cater for a set number of guests on a fixed weekly budget, producing breakfast, cake and a three-course dinner most nights. Since Brexit, UK operators have had to rethink how they staff seasons in the EU, so check visa and posting rules for the resort country before committing.

A real shift

An early start for breakfast, then cleaning rooms and bathrooms before getting out on the slopes for the middle of the day. Back in time to bake for afternoon tea and prep dinner, serve and wash up, then sometimes a late night in the resort bars. Changeover day, usually at the weekend, is the hardest shift of the week.

Skills that matter

Cooking for groups
Cleaning
Hosting
Budgeting
Independence

Qualifications

Chalet cookery courses
Food hygiene certificate

Where it leads

Chalet host
Chalet manager
Resort manager
Hospitality roles at home

What we'd ask on the show

Ski seasons and burnout
Post-Brexit seasonal work in Europe
Young workers and seasonal life

Work as a chalet host? Come on the show