Job Title: Chalet Host

Where?

Sainte Foy, France; Small unique ski resort in the Tarentaise Valley reknowned for its empty pistes and its fabulous off-piste possibilities. Close to Tignes, Les Arcs and Val D'Isere

When?

24 November 2009 through 30 April 2010

Salary

£110 per week.

Package includes:
- Superb accommodation
- Food and drinks
- A Sainte Foy ski pass
- Rental of skis/board and boots for the season
- Medical insurance
- Transport to and from the resort (from London)
- An additional performance-based bonus (0 to 4 times weekly salary) may also be awarded at the end of the season

Overview

The Chalet Host is responsible for providing whatever support is necessary to ensure the smooth running of all Snowology activities and to ensure that the Company's standards are maintained at all times.

The responsibilities include ski videoing, cleaning, guest entertainment, guest hosting, serving and day-to-day maintenance and care of the Snowology chalets.

The Chalet Host will work closely with the Chalet Chef to ensure the guest's satisfaction and overall happiness.

The Chalet Host is also responsible for supporting other Snowology staff members; in particular the Chalet Host / Cook who will be catering in Chalet Nicole or Chalet Anne on certain weeks throughout the season. These extra catering weeks will be more challenging as there will be some extra jobs for the team to take on but we will endeavor to balance this out and give you extra free time during the quieter weeks.

The hours are long and the job is physically and emotionally demanding and you need to be good at working as part of a team. You must have extremely high work standards, be customer-focused, self motivated, take pride in your work at all times and be conscientious. Stamina and enthusiasm are essential.

No shopping or budgeting duties

Previous Experience

This role requires good people skills. You should have a relaxed and confident manner and experience in customer service.

For your role as a ski videographer you should have a good standard of skiing or boarding and be competent on red and black runs. You should be confident at managing a group.

Previous experience in at least one of the following is desirable: housekeeping/cleaning or waitering.

You should have significant previous driving experience, ideally including larger vehicles and on snow (A full clean driving license and at least 3 years driving experience is preferable). An International driver's license is required if you do not hold a UK driver's license.

Practical/handyperson skills highly are desirable.

While previous chalet work or spoken French is not a requirement, it is an advantage.

Main Duties

Housekeeping

· Will be wholly responsible to completely change over Chalet Sache (6 bedrooms) each week. This will include a complete clean (getting into all corners!) of the entire chalet and making up the rooms for the arrival of guests.
·On changeover day (and as required), organises the movement/distribution, assembly, dismantling and stock control of towels, linen, beds, children/infant equipment etc. Also collects and organises linen from chalets so that it is ready for dispatch to laundry.
· Jointly responsible for the daily clean in Chalet Sache and in any other chalets that Snowology is running. This will involve (but not be limited to):
- Making the beds, a 'hotel clean' of the bathrooms and a tidy and quick clean of lounge.
- Clearing rubbish when needed
- Laying the fire each morning and keeping the wood stocked up. Ensuring that the woodpiles are kept neat and tidy and informing Mike or Monica when the woodpile starts to get low. Responsible for making sure there is enough kindling
· Maintains the hot tub and sauna in good working order, including checking the chemicals daily, changing the water once a week and generally making sure the area is neat and tidy
· Responsible for a towel change and mid-week clean of Chalet Sache (This is a more in depth clean than the daily clean)
· Ensures that all household equipment is maintained in the best possible condition
· Is able to identify what extra bits need to be done to keep the chalets clean to an exceptional level

Ski videoing

· Accompanies guests skiing either in Sainte Foy or one of the surrounding resorts 1-2 days per week. Shows guests a great day out by planning an achievable route and offering challenges to those who are up for it. Incorporates a nice lunch, coffee or après ski stop.
· Videos and photographs guests during their day out. Contributes to the creation of a DVD of the highlights for each guest to take home at the end of their holiday.
· Is always aware of the fatigue of the group and tailors the route sufficiently to bring everyone back safely
· Never skis with our guests off-piste without a qualified guide and never gives instruction

Meals/Drinks/Other

· Assists the chef in the preparation of children's high teas and dinner as required.
· Ensures that the guests' bar/fridge is stocked up in all chalets (house wines, beer, soft drinks & mixers)
· Helps with evening service as required (laying table, serving, washing up etc.)
· Lays out and clears afternoon tea, as required.
· Prepares and serves breakfast on Saturday morning. You will have some help from the chef to achieve this.
· Responsible for serving, clearing and washing up for a continental breakfast in additional chalets when we are catering a week in Chalet Nicole or Chalet Anne.

Driving

· On changeover days, may be required to help with transfers of guests to Bourg St Maurice and transfer them safely to the chalet.
· Drives safely and responsibly at all times. Is (becomes) knowledgeable about, and complies with French driving/traffic and parking rules and regulations. Never drives any Snowology vehicles when under the influence of alcohol.
· Drives guests to other resorts for day's out skiing

Vehicle Maintenance

· Maintains cleanliness of vehicles, including weekly (minimum) clean inside and outside. Maintains vehicles in good mechanical order and completes and submits weekly log sheets to support this. Reports and arranges any repairs and replacements immediately to Monica and Mike.
· Ensures that vehicles under their care are secured from loss or damage at all times

Day to Day Maintenance of Chalets

· Keeps paths, steps, balconies and any other hazardous areas clear of snow as required
· Takes bottles to bottle bank
· Helps chalet staff maintain the cleanliness of the exterior of chalets
· Helps chalet staff ensure that excellent standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained in/around the chalets at all times, including at end of season.
· Supports the setting up and closing down of chalets at the start and end of the season as required
· Helps unload and pack away the shopping as required
· Provides other assistance as requested by Monica and Mike

Guest Relations

· Creates a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all guests - including all children
· Goes the 'extra mile' with guests to make them feel special and looked after.
· Socialises with the guests in the evenings. Examples of this may be running a game or sitting down for a chat with a glass of wine after dinner. You must have a pleasant and patient personality and be a good host. You will sit down for dinner with your guests every night and balance this with serving and clearing.
· Is available to answer any questions, or resolve any problems that the guests may have, always aiming to do whatever they reasonably can to ensure that guests have the best possible skiing holiday, whether on or off the slopes. Endeavours to exceed expectations. To enable this, is knowledgeable about the resort, its facilities and the Snowology website.
· At first dinner, contributes to a welcome speech
· Refers any complaints to Monica and Mike

Snowology Team Support

· Provides whatever support is necessary for the smooth running of all Snowology activities.
· Is a good team player and supports and encourages other members of the team
· Maintains a positive attitude throughout the season

To apply:

Please read the job description carefully. If you are interested in joining us, please send the following by email to jobs@snowology.com :
· A detailed letter describing why you would like this job
· Your CV
· We will take references before making a formal job offer. Please provide two people who can provide these. One should be a recent former employer.

If you have any questions, please drop us Monica an email on jobs@snowology.com

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