Course Programme

The Chalet Host Cookery Course programme

Our new 6 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, where you will be fed, briefed on the week ahead plus given kitchen orientation!  Work starts on the Monday morning and then generally you get a few hours off in the afternoon to replicate a typical work day in a chalet although we have lunch before you leave.  Some evenings are late to finish as we are hosting people from outside the chalet, repicating hosting in a chalet!

If you arrive before 16h30, 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.  

Key Skills we hope you develop on the course:

• Cooking under pressure
• Multitasking & time planning
• Customer service mindset
• Cleaning & operational efficiency
• Adaptability (dietary needs, guest demands)

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, which is hosted by you, 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, as you can state that you will be doing the course at a later date.

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, and also a cerificate on completion of the course (and 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 altough if you follow us on Instagram , I share all recruitment posts from other companies.

We have also partnered up with SZN who are an all-in-one seasonal work platform that connects employers and prospective seasonaires. Gone are the days of arduous application processes, with SZN you’ll be able to find your dream job in the mountains with just a few clicks. Sign up now as your winter alpine adventure awaits!”  

We have had a great success rate with students securing chalet jobs, despite Brexit, which has often put UK students off.  However, as 90% of the students are Brits and I would say, 85% of them found jobs for this season (26/27), it is deffinately worth doing!

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 790 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 
• If you choose the two week course, there is a day off in the middle to do as you like.
• Linen and Towels
• Transfer to and from Geneva airport (*conditions apply)
• Assistance on CV and cover letter
• 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)
• Certificate of completion

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 (I am on WhatsApp too!)

* 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 in, and first person out on departure day.

Hygiene Course

Whilst we talk about hygiene in the kitchen during the course, it is not an official certificate.  If you wish to take a course before or after the course, it will enhance your chances of finding a job in hospitality in the UK or in a ski resort. There are lots of courses online - here is the details of one who are offering 10% discount to Snowcooks students using code SnowCooks10

Level 2 Food Safety for Catering Course

Food safety is the responsibility of everyone involved in the storage, preparation and handling of food.   As a food handler working in a catering environment, it is essential that you have appropriate training to understand food safety hazards and how to manage them.  

Putting your training into practice as a ski chalet host or cook could mean the difference between your guests having a fantastic holiday or a terrible experience.  Completing a Level 2 Food Safety for Catering course gives piece of mind to your employer, enhances your employability if you are still seeking a job and gives you essential knowledge and confidence to enjoy your season. 

Snow Cooks are pleased to recommend Food Integrity Ethos for your Level 2 Food Safety for Catering training.  Hosted by Kevin, a food safety professional, seasoned skier and recent seasonnaire, his 1-day courses are delivered remotely over Zoom.  Kevin draws on his own experience as a chalet host/cook to give real-world examples.

The course is an OFQUAL approved qualification and topics are regarded by the Foods Standards Agency as being important to maintaining good practice in the preparation of safe food.  Learners will take a simple remote test and receive a formal certificate recognised by all employers.  Food Safety Level 2 | Food Safety Consultants UK