What is life really like as a chalet host?

We often get asked, what’s a chalet host’s job like? What will I have to do? How much time will I get on the mountain?

Lucy Brenner worked for us in Val d’Isere last winter and was an avid blogger about her experience of being a chalet host. Here are some snippets to give you an idea… 

It’s about being in a new place, surrounded by new people who are sharing the same experiences and learning more about who we are. Working a ski season was at the top of my wish list for a long time. I came away from the season understanding more about who I am and having learnt many new skills, including how to snowboard. We should never postpone anything that we want to do for the future the time to try new things is now.

I think the hardest part of working a season is getting up in the morning. In my room, 4 different alarms went off at the same time, with my roommates all setting their own alarms. I get up every morning at 6.30am, giving myself enough time to look presentable and get to my chalet for 7.20am.

Being a chalet host teaches you to be the ultimate multi-tasker. Having to engage in friendly morning conversation with your guests, whilst having four different pans on the hob is done with ease just weeks into the season. 

Let’s not forgot about my chocolate mousse cake disaster. Just as I was putting my cake in the oven, the bottom of the cake tin unclipped and my deep cleaned kitchen was immediately covered in the mixture. I never knew a chocolate mousse cake would make me cry and so early on in the season… but it did!  Note to self – always check that the cake tin is securely fastened.

Season work demands lots of early shifts and long hours. Don’t be fooled by the glamorous images on instagram. There is definitely an even split between hard work and fun.  It takes a special type of person to go out partying until the early hours and then come in to the chalet and make breakfast at 8am with a smile on their face. You can’t be productive on a hangover, that’s just a fact.

My cooking has developed so much over the season. I am always learning new tricks to put together a delicious meal. The personal growth during this experience is continuous.

Life as a chalet host isn’t always easy but it is once in a lifetime experience. When I look up at the sky, the mountains and the snow I remember just how lucky I am to be here. 

If Lucy’s blog has you thinking about a job as a chalet host, apply now. Our recruitment team are now taking applications so email recruit@vip-chalets.com

Blog credit goes to Lucy Brenner of Lucy Lifestyle blog. Visit her blog to read all about her experience in Val d’Isere and lots of other fantastic snippets and tips.