What's it like being a chalet host?

Whether you are one of our lovely guests or simply browsing our site with a view to working a season, here's more information on what goes on behind the scenes in the words of an ex-chalet host! 

0700 - WAKEY WAKEY!

My alarm goes off at 7am and I need to be at work for 07.30…a quick shower and I'm dressed. I’m lucky, my staff accom is below the chalet tucked away so not far to go.

0730–0800 – PREP TIME

Today I’m in luck, just a quick tidy up, open the curtains then put the coffee on for any early risers. My pre-prepared croissants and pain au chocolat were delivered last night, so its straight in the oven for 15 minutes until golden brown. Yummy… can’t beat the aroma of freshly baked pastries for breakfast. The hot option today is a Full English so the sausages have gone straight in the oven too and the grill is up and running for bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms. The table takes me about 10 minutes to set and looks very inviting…fresh baguettes are delivered daily, so I slice one up and add it to the croissants and pain au chocolat. There's a selection of breakfast cereals and yoghurts to put out along with a fruit bowl and condiments. Porridge is also on the go.

0800-0900 – BREKKIES!

My guests are appearing one by one for breakfast….With all the prep done, I’m serving and they are a happy bunch…I just have to keep a close eye on top ups of juices, tea and coffee, remove unwanted crockery and make sure the guests have a lovely breakfast. Whilst all that going on, I have emptied the dishwasher from last night and made a cake too…as the croissants and pain au chocolat come out, the cake goes in!

0900-1030 – TIDYING UP AND GETTING AHEAD

Some of my guests are pretty keen and are up and off for first lifts but one or two are taking advantage of a much needed holiday and are at a more leisurely pace. I’m busy clearing away the table, reloading the dishwasher, washing up and then some prep for the evening. By 9.45am I have the dessert done and vegan dish made for my special guest tonight. I’ve cleaned the fireplace and reset it, dug the fresh snow off the balcony, added a little chlorine to the hot tub and I’m spending the next half an hour whizzing around the bedrooms with my cleaning materials….making beds and freshening up the bathrooms. Just 10 minutes left to decorate the cake and set afternoon tea for my guests!

1030-1600

SKI SKI SKI ...yeah!....meet up with my teamies and off we go to hit the slopes.

1600-1730

A little rest and a quick shower!...Power naps are a must!

1730-1930

It's prep time again first to feed my little guests at 6pm and then cracking on with dinner prep for the adults. I'm glad I made the dessert this morning…an hour or so to make the entrée and a main course….. the log fire is lit, lights are dimmed, soft music is strumming and humming away in the background…I’m multi-tasking, preparing food, cooking and cleaning as I go along, my dinner table looks beautiful with sparkling wine glasses and I am proud of my Sydney Opera House origami with the napkins!

1930-2100

Dinner is served!....It’s a balancing act….the main event!....prepared with love and pride, entrée is on the table and whilst my guests are tucking in, I’m nailing down the main course…whilst looking after table service, topping up the wine. Just a case of taking a little time to present my meal so it looks as amazing as it tastes and then a case of looking after my guests needs whilst performing a cleaning miracle in the kitchen!

2100-2130

Finishing touches in the kitchen and a small glass of wine at the invitation of my guests before making sure my dishwasher is turned on, preparing a little for tomorrow breakfast and finally, sweeping and mopping the floor …quietly.

My guests have complimented me on the dinner party which feels very rewarding. …Did I mention I get paid to do this?!…..My favourite things…ski...cook….eat and drink! 

2130-0700

Believe it or not…I still have energy and I’m off for a well deserved beer and some great company with my new friends…and then some sleep!