Course Programme

The Chalet Host Cookery Course programme

Our new 5 day courses are held in a relaxed atmosphere for small numbers of students to really get hands-on with cooking and learn all about hosting a chalet. The programme is designed to cram a lot in during this time and understand the job you are going to apply to do. We ask that students arrive on a Sunday evening ready to start work on the Monday morning.  If you arrive before 18h, a transfer can be arranged to the chalet.  The departure day is the following Saturday morning giving you a full 5 days of training and 6 nights in the chalet.

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!  Our course also fulfills the residential part of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, if anyone needs to complete and be signed off on that.

We often have locally based chalet operators come by to chat or even stay for dinner, so if you haven't already secured a job, you might get closer to achieving that goal. No matter, the success rate of students finding jobs for the ski season is high, even for those with UK passports!  We recommend you apply early to avoid disappointment, even if you are booked on a course later on.

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 on completion of the course (or you are welcome to use me as a reference on your application).  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
• Cooking and hosting a group of guests (working as a pair)

What is the cost of the Course?

From 690 euros per person / 10% discount if you are a couple /pair of friends

What does the price include?

• 5 days tuition
• 6 nights accommodation and all meals with wine from Monday morning until Saturday morning
• Linen and Towels
• Transfer to and from Geneva 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 (see website)

The price does not include

• Travel to France
• Any outdoor activities you choose to do whilst here

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

* Conditions for transfers to and from Geneva -  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 incur an extra charge but there are many transfer companies operating between Geneva and the Tarentaise so it is not normally an issue.  The ideal is to arrive at Geneva anytime before 18h however the earlier you arrive, the longer you may have to wait. For return flights, anytime after 12h. The transfer is arranged for the last arrival, and first man out on departure day.