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How difficult is it to get a chalet hosting job in Europe?

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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
When I turn 18 I plan on heading out to(most likely france) if I can get a job as a chalet host, I was wondering how difficult it was to get into? like do only 10% of the people get a job? or is it more or less or what? and also is there anything that helps you getting a job there?

thanks!
Mar 6 2012 5:33PM
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Tikayt
Posts: 1031 - Karma: 1,543
I live in France, first you must be totally bilingual, otherwise I doubt they'll have you. But the thing is that most people in France, in those little villages are family properties and the jobs are giver to family members for few weeks during the season.
But give it a try, can only be a good experience !
Mar 6 2012 5:42PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
I'd probably be doing it through a British company, and none have said you NEED French just it's helpful. Like crystal ski I think was the big one.
Mar 6 2012 5:47PM
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ms_uk
Posts: 50 - Karma: 51
Ive done 3 seasons chalet hosting in the alps. I would say it will be pretty easy to get work.
If you have any sort of catering experience, even if its just serving or potwashing you will most likely walk straight into a job. Interview well and come across as confident and outgoing and you should do fine. If you have zero language skills it wont be a problem, work for an English based company and it wont matter as all of the guests you'll be hosting will be english speaking anyway.

And I'd recommend Austria over France, any questions feel free to ask
Mar 6 2012 5:49PM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
Really pretty easy, tonnes of unqualified, english speaking teenagers work in the alps every year. If you are really keen, try and get some work experience now, will look a lot better on your CV.

www.natives.co.uk is really good for info about seasons, they do a cookery course that seems to help a lot with getting a job too.
Mar 6 2012 5:57PM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
Any UK tour operator will employ people in the Alps. Check out the link above for lots more info. Pretty certain you have to have a UK passport though.
Mar 6 2012 7:11PM
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MagSeven
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 412

To the OP, you may struggle at 18 to get a chalet hosting job. Most companies do look for people to be 20/21 or older for chalet jobs as they're looking for people to be a little more responsible. (Though legally they can't discriminate purely on age, so if you put in a good application and interview well, you might have a shot)

But, if you're happy with hotel work, general waiting staff, kitchen staff etc, then you'll have no problem. If you apply early and are remotely presentable, intelligent and have an EU passport then you should walk into a job. Don't expect decent pay, or working conditions, but you'll get accomodation, food and a season pass, plus a little beer money.

I worked a kitchen job when I was 18 fresh from school. It was great, none of the responsibility of a chalet job and lots of time on the hill.

As Rosbif said above, check natives.co.uk for alot more European specific advice and information.

Mar 6 2012 8:25PM
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Oldmann1584
Posts: 1399 - Karma: 95
did you just see that thing about the group of people who got shafted on their pay at the chalet and hung out in the chalet for like a week untill they paid them back. it was through one of those british companys
Mar 6 2012 11:09PM
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TheGnarwhal
Posts: 871 - Karma: 49
It's the easiest job to get in the entire world. However, DON'T BE A CHALET HOST! The job itself fucking sucks.. You get your lift pass free but wait, you get one day on the hill a week. I know alot of people who have chalet hosted and none of them enjoyed it!
Mar 7 2012 3:10AM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
I thought you got from like 12 to 4 to ski everyday? and a day off every week?
Mar 7 2012 4:55AM
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PeterWojnar
Posts: 3937 - Karma: 678
Depends how good you are at sucking dick.
Mar 7 2012 4:55AM
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vauban08
Posts: 575 - Karma: 119
Don't narrow down your search to France. Especially UK folks love Switzerland and Austria, too.

Just made me think of "The Brits". I know several people that applied for a job for the following season during this week.

Mar 7 2012 7:24AM
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kingskier
Posts: 1045 - Karma: 11
how much skiing would you get a day/ week with this job?
Mar 7 2012 9:56AM
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ms_uk
Posts: 50 - Karma: 51
I can honestly say that i have worked with and met probably 200+ chalet hosts and less than 10 have hated it. You have to accept that its not a holiday and the work can be hard but once you get a routine going you will be skiing 6 days a week 11-4. Plus you get to go out every night after the dinner service. Bar staff may get all day off but just sucks when you're at work while all the seasonairres are out at night.

You will most likely get 1 full day off a week and about £80-100 in wages per week which sounds shit. But when you think you're getting food, accomadation, lift passes all for nothing it works out pretty good. plus you can live off of tips. I would say its the best lifestyle ever, especially if you're in a decent resort, and working for a big company. There will be probably 50-70 staff each company and they are all 18-30 and yea its fun.

www.workaseason.com is a decent place to start.
Mar 7 2012 4:21PM
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