Course Programme

The Chalet Host Cookery Course programme

Our one week courses are held in a relaxed atmosphere for small numbers of students (maximum of 6) for a duration of 7 days. The programme is designed to cram a lot in during the morning and evening allowing you time off in the afternoon to enjoy one of the many activities in the area, all at close proximity.  This would normally be your time to ski when you are working a ski season!!  The course will suit anyone interested in learning the skills necessary to pursue a job in the catered chalet industry as a seasonworker, whether you are in your Gap year, retired, or looking for a new experience - or even if you just want to impress your friends at a dinner party!  We try to make the whole experience as fun as possible with the ultimate view to finding a job in a chalet, however we have found that students about to embark on life at university also benefit from the courses as it gives them the confidence to cook healthy, affordable meals without waste - great for life on a budget! 

We often have locally based chalet operators come by to hold interviews during the week, so if you haven't already secured a job, you might leave with one.

We are on hand to offer advice on finding a job, help with CVs and cover letters.  You will also leave the course with an understanding of suitable employers, many whom we have known for many years, a fool proof chalet recipe book, some sample menus, notes from the course, plus a French Glossary of the produce mostly used in chalets and also an individual reference/diplôma on completion of the course.  Many students complete a hygiene course online which is simple and acceptable – this is worth doing to add to your CV as also shows you are making a serious effort, .just as signing up to do a chalet course does.  We will continue to advise of job vacancies that we are informed of, once you have finished the course too. 

What you will do on the Course

• Menu Planning
• Food Shopping in the Alps
• Budgeting and Cost Cutting tips
• Stock Rotation
• Cooking Chalet meals for large numbers
• Canapés - quick and easy
• Cakes
• Finishing touches
• Managing food waste
• Special diets (Vegetarians, Vegans, Dairy and Gluten-Free)
• Cooking for Kids (menu provided)
• Tips on Time saving
• Altitude Cooking
• Health and Hygiene in the kitchen
• Kitchen Equipment and useful gadgets
• Recycling
• Welcome Speech
• Chalet Cleaning and hosting
• Managing guests
• Having a safe Season
• Applying for a Chalet Job

What is the cost of the Course?

From 620 euros per person / 10% discount if you are a couple/pair of friends

What does the price include?

• 6 1/2 days tuition
• 7 days accommodation and all meals with wine (except one night when it is the staff night off)
• Linen and Towels
• Transfer to and from Geneva/Lyon airport (*conditions apply)
• Assistance in finding a job
• Personal reference from us on completion of the course
• Snow Cooks essential Recipe Book including the menu you will cook during the week
• Other sample menus
• List of employers/leads to available jobs

The price does not include

• Travel to France
• Any outdoor activities you choose to do whilst here
• Meal out on night off

• Extra Module - Starting a Chalet Business

  It is also possible to pay a supplement for a 3 hour consultation during one of the afternoons (instead of an outdoor activity) to learn how to go about starting a chalet business, the pitfalls and regulations to know and tips how to best succeed.  This must be pre-booked in order to reserve time with the consultant. Cost is 140 euros

Please do not hesitate to ask for further information – 0033 646598149

* Conditions for transfers to and from Geneva or Lyon -  the price is based on minimum of 3 people taking the transfer.  In order to confirm please indicate flight times and we will endeavour to get you on the same transfer at no extra cost.  If your flight arrives many hours later than someone else, then we will assist in finding an alternative transfer for you which may incurr an extra charge but there are many transfer companies operating between Geneva and the Tarentaise so it is not normally an issue.

Online Chalet Course

This wouldn't suit everyone as it does require you to have had some cooking experience even if it is just at home.  You will follow the same outline as if you were here except cooking is completed as a homework project.  We do a maximum of 2 hours per day (to allow maintaining concentration levels) and as its online, it can be quite flexible on days to suit both parties. 

The price is 250 euros and includes not only the training but the recipe book and notes from the course plus a reference on completion.