Deb Flight is the owner of the beautiful Chalet Cateriane, located in Châtel, in the Portes du Soleil region of the French Alps. We spoke to her about their latest vacancy for a chalet couple, and asked her to tell us about the type of people they are looking for to fill the role, as well as about the job itself and what makes it such a great winter season vacancy.
Q, Hi Deb, we love the look of your Chalet what are the most important traits you look for when hiring a Couple to work for your Chalet?
Apart from great cooking skills, we look for a couple with fun loving personalities who can deliver excellent service and hospitality, plus, attention to detail in all aspects of the job. As our Couple is at the very forefront of our Chalet it really is imperative that we get the right people who will share our passion for food, service and of course the slopes.
Q, What do you offer differently to the Couples that work for you compared to some of the other employers in in the Industry?
We offer the added flexibility that comes with working for a truly independent catered chalet. Achievable because we have 2 chef/hosts looking after only 8 guests, you will find that we provide a relaxed yet professional workplace and we want our Couples to be a real part of our Chalet over the season.
Q, Do you have to be an actual couple to work a season as a Chalet couple?
No, but, sharing a small apartment is often easier and more comfortable for a couple, in the past we have had friends who have come to work with us over the season and that has also worked well.
Q, Do you get much time off together as a Couple when working a season?
Yes, once they are organised they should be able to get plenty of time on the slopes most days, plus they get a full day off each week. Not forgetting lots of partying after dinner has been served, we try to promote a relaxed yet professional environment for our staff as well as our guests.
Q, Why do you love having a Chalet, apart from the beautiful surroundings?
We get to meet lots of amazing people who are here to have a good time, we get to share our love of cuisine and fine wine. The mountains are great year round and we get people coming in the winter to ski and snowboard and coming in the summer to mountain bike, it really does give us the opportunity to meet a wide range of people many go on to become good friends.
Q, What advice would you give to any couple that wants to work a season?
That it is hard work, great fun and very rewarding in so many ways. If you come with a hard working ethos and value delivering first class customer service then you will have an amazing experience at Chalet Cateriane.
Q, What do you look for when you are interviewing for your Chalet?
A real foodie couple who love creating food that looks as great as it tastes. Plus people who embrace flexibility and challenges, no two days are ever the same in a Chalet so people need to have a sense of creativity.
What are you looking forward to this season?
Playing in the powder and meeting all of the lovely guests we receive, plus working with our new Chalet Couple this year.
