Chalet Chef

Introduction

This job description outlines the key responsibilities, expectations, and personal qualities required for the role of Chef at Purple Ski. While it covers the core duties, it is not exhaustive. Flexibility and a positive, can-do attitude are essential. You may be asked to take on additional tasks as needed to ensure our guests have an exceptional holiday experience—one they’ll want to repeat and recommend.

Working in a chalet is all about being part of a team. Flexibility, collaboration, and initiative are vital.

You will work hard—but you will also have time to ski or snowboard, socialise with guests, and enjoy life in the resort.

It’s not just about our guests. We also value our relationships with chalet owners. Every property must be treated with the utmost care and returned in an “as new” condition at the end of the season.

Overview

The Chalet Chef is a key member of the chalet team, working closely with the Chalet Manager, Chalet Assistant(s), and Chalet Assistant/Driver to ensure the smooth, high-standard daily operation of their assigned chalet. The Chef’s primary responsibility is to deliver exceptional food and beverage experiences for guests, upholding Purple Ski’s reputation for offering some of the finest cuisine in the Alps.

This role operates much like that of a private chef — you'll be tailoring menus to guest preferences and dietary needs while also having the freedom to showcase your creativity and culinary flair. It's demanding, both physically and mentally, and requires a strong team spirit, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence at all times.

Although there is no shopping involved, the Chef is responsible for managing food and beverage orders and maintaining operations within a generous budget.

Key Responsabilites

Guest Service

• Contact party leaders by phone prior to arrival to introduce yourself and discuss dietary requirements, allergies, preferences, and any special occasions.
• Help celebrate guest birthdays, anniversaries, or special events with personalized touches.
• Assist with welcoming guests on changeover days and coordinate ski hire, lessons, or other arrangements as needed.
• Be available and responsive to guest queries and requests, ensuring every effort is made to provide a seamless and memorable holiday experience.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the resort, its amenities, the Purple Ski website, and the Staff Manual.
• Flexibility to work in other chalets or resorts as needed, to provide support during busy periods or to cover staff absences due to illness

Culinary Service

• Prepare and present exceptional meals six days per week, including:
  • Breakfast
  • Afternoon tea(featuring freshly baked cakes or slices)
  • Children’s tea
  • Pre-dinner canapés
  • Dinner service — typically 3+ courses with cheese, and on 1 night per week, a refined 6–7 course tasting menu
  • Petit-fours or truffles served with post-dinner drinks
• Select and serve appropriate wines from the Purple Ski cellar for each dinner service.
• Cater to special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free) with creativity and care.
• Cook daily meals for chalet staff and yourself.
• Prepare picnics for guests on airport transfer days when required.

Housekeeping & Cleanliness

• Maintain impeccable hygiene and cleanliness in all food preparation and dining areas:
  • Clean kitchen and dining areas thoroughly after each service.
  • Conduct a deep clean of kitchen appliances (e.g., oven, fridge, freezer, microwave) at least weekly, typically on changeover day.
• On changeover day, assist the team with general chalet cleaning, including bed-making and guest room preparation.
• Manage and maintain cleanliness of all food storage areas.
• Support the Chalet Manager and Assistant in clearing and cleaning after meals.
• Assist with chalet setup at the start of the season and the full shut-down at season’s end.

Administration + Stock Control

• Maintain a detailed weekly log of all dishes served for breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner. Submit this log as required.
• Take the lead in stock management and ordering:
  • Submit food and supply orders to the Supplies Manager in a timely manner.
  • Monitor stock levels and complete stock takes as requested.
  • Ensure all chalet consumables are used efficiently and kept within budget.
• Monitor and record fridge and freezer temperatures to ensure safe food storage. Report any issues immediately.
• Report maintenance or equipment faults and assist with minor issue resolution as needed.
• Support the Chalet Manager in ensuring guest accounts are settled for extras before departure.
• Encourage guests to leave feedback in the chalet visitor’s book.

Requirements

• A passion for food and delivering outstanding guest experiences
• Experience as a private chef or in high-end hospitality (e.g., luxury chalets, fine dining restaurants, boutique hotels)
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and safety
• Ability to manage a kitchen independently, work to a budget, and remain calm under pressure
• Flexible, self-motivated, and professional with an exceptional eye for detail
• Strong team player willing to assist in all areas of chalet life