The Season Workers Guide: Ski Chef Jobs

Most ski companies offer a catered service and for this require a variety of chefs and catering staff. You don’t need to have won Michelin stars to work in a cooking role in a ski resort but for head chef jobs you will need to have recognised catering qualifications or extensive experience. (Normally a minimum of 2 years experience, ideally with some ski resort work on your CV). For less demanding chef jobs, some previous hospitality or customer service experience is desirable but qualifications are less important.

The larger chalets and most ski resort hotels require all levels of chef and catering support. Smaller chalets employ cooking staff, these jobs can be for experienced chefs in the higher price bands or combined with chalet cleaning and repping roles for mainstream companies.

Most chef jobs will include food ordering and stock checks so reasonable catering French or Italian or whatever language they speak where you will be working is desirable. Ski clients pay a lot of money for a catered service so knowledge and a passion for great quality ingredients and taste are of paramount importance.

For all roles, working the ski season in a kitchen is fun and socially rewarding, but as with any hospitality related job it can also be demanding. You will need grit and a positive attitude to get through the early stages.

In return, ski resort chefs are in high demand are are often amongst the best paid seasonal staff. The package normally includes board, lodgings, ski hire, ski pass and food – what more could you wish for?

It’s definitely worth noting that almost all British companies will need you to hold an EU Passport (holding a UK Working Visa is not normally enough). Check each job description for full details and goos luck.