Ski Resort Chef Jobs
Chalet Chef
The role of Chalet Chef is a key part of the ‘chalet experience’. Skiing makes people hungry and when they trek back from the slopes after a long day you will have to swing into action, usually preparing bistro-style 3 course evening meals for the hungry holiday makers. Key skills include being able to work with a menu plan and to a set budget. Get the food right and you will be truly appreciated by the chalet guests. In a typical chalet, you will be doing anything from ten to thirty covers per night. Most employers require you to have a good level of kitchen or catering experience, and a knowledge of specialist diets.
Head Chef
A head chef role in a ski resort will usually be for the larger tour operators who are catering for a hotel full of guests, or for one of the local resort restaurants or hotels. A high standard of food will be required, either to keep the hotel guests happy, or to build a restaurant's reputation and attract regular custom. You will be preparing a range of meals from breakfast through to evening meals, usually six nights a week. You will also have responsibility for a team of cooks or sous chefs who will work under you. You must be able to work with a menu plan and within a set budget. As well as the food preparation you will be responsible for kitchen hygiene, ordering and stock control. Covers could be anything from fifty to a hundred, perhaps even more at the larger hotels. Chef qualifications are a must, and previous head chef experience is usually desirable.
Head Chef Job with Ski Bound
Assistant Chef
Sous chefs or assistant chefs are the backbone of any substantial catering operation. Your main role will be to assist the Head chef, thought the amount of responsibility you have will depend on the size of the company you are working for. You may be just working on a single section of the kitchen, or you may find yourself almost as important as the head chef. Working as an assistant chef allows you to gain valuable experience, especially if the head chef knows what he or she is doing! Qualifications that would suit this role would be general catering certificates, as well as some previous experience of a similar role.
Bar Work
Bar work is often similar whereever you are in the world, but what could be better than spending a few hours on the slopes before heading in to work to cater for lots of happy holiday makers. Serving drinks is obviously going to be one of your main tasks, but you may also be preparing or presenting bar meals. Good bar experience and being numerate is always going to help your application, as is a positive, friendly and helpful attitude. Basic knowledge of the local language or a couple of European languages will also be beneficial.
General Benefits of Ski Resort Work
Working in catering in a ski resort gives you the opportunity to work with like-minded people from all walks of life and quite often from different countries. You also get to meet new guests or customers each week. Perks of the job may include free lift passes, meals and accommodation. Free ski boot or snowboard hire, free insurance. Spending a season at a winter resort also looks good on your CV.