Abroad - Working in a Chalet Chaoslegion42 - Feb 18, 2010 - 09:48 AM Post subject: Working in a Chalet
I'm thinking of looking for work in a chalet somewhere in europe for a season, preferably France. Was wondering if anyone has been there done that, I've only got basic french speaking skills ie je voudrais un bière!
bluenine - Feb 18, 2010 - 01:20 PM Post subject: RE: Working in a Chalet
I worked in a chalet for a season in La Plagne a few years back and had a great time!
I was the only host doing cleaning, breakast and dinner for 10 guests which was pretty hard work, especially with the early starts! But i found that if i got on with it i could be out on the slopes for around 11am then back in when the slopes closed at 5 to start dinner.
As for language skills i wouldnt worry about it too much. I went over there with useless french hoping to really improve while i was there, but if you work for a UK company you'll probably have UK guests and the locals are more interested in practicing their english than helping you learn French!
freestylepumper - Feb 23, 2010 - 10:20 PM Post subject: RE: Working in a Chalet
I did it all man rep, chalets and hotels, def do Chalet as you can pretty much ride everyday except transfer day. However in France you have shopping day which is day off mountain. Austria , St anton is awesome. I was Chalet manager for Crystal there. Go onto natives.co.uk and they have all the companies and jobs there.
Donn't worry bout language issues too much much as most resort workers are Brits, Kiwis, aussies, Swedes and guests will be Brits.
Any more Q's drop me a message dude
chaletslovakia - Feb 24, 2010 - 05:47 AM Post subject: RE: Working in a Chalet
I ran a Chalet in Pas de la Casa (Andorra) and had a brilliant time.
Apply early spring/summer to the big operators and you'll get a job no problem. Just do it - it's great.
Cleveland_Steamer - Feb 24, 2010 - 02:19 PM Post subject:
Chalet work is great fun and it's easy to do. You go away and everything's right there on a plate provided for you - food, accom, lift pass, transport, etc. It's a good social job as well - you've got an instant crew to hang out with. It's hard work though, with early mornings and late nights, and you'll have to accept that you'll rarely get first lifts on a powder day.
I did it last year and chose to do bar work this year. Of the two, I prefer bar work as you get all of the daytime off to ride and first lifts are there whenever you want them.
Language wise - very few chalets jobs require you to speak anything other than English. Bars are a different story though, you'll generally need enough to great and take orders, etc, in French, so nothing too taxing.
Chaoslegion42 - Mar 15, 2010 - 10:09 AM Post subject:
Thanks for all the help. Hopefully I will be working next ski season!