The Hive Cookery School

Learning how to cook for a chalet load of hungry skiers

Basic Ingredients: This fresh-off-the-piste cookery school is situated in the village of Plan Peisey near the ski resort of Les Arcs in the French Alps. Run by trained professionals, including a former Leith’s graduate and fully trained chef, Christina, Zohi and Shazza share a passion for the piste, with the latter’s cakes hailed as the “stuff of Alpine legend”. Courses are taught on location and within a genuine chalet kitchen to give students the authentic first-hand experience required to succeed in an industry where “competition for jobs is fierce”. Course duration is a week for those with existing cookery experience, or two weeks for the absolute novice, priced at £595 and £1095 respectively. Both aim to bring out the consummate chalet host; a skill that requires the ability to be organised, plan effectively and cook for large numbers. The curriculum for both courses covers things such as menu planning, chalet maintenance, food presentation and cooking at altitude. Hive work closely with the UK’s leading ski Tour Operators and progress students toward a chalet host position through help with CV writing, interview technique and detailed references.

They say: We’ll train you to run a chalet like clockwork and give you all the skills you need to prepare sumptuous meals each and every day whilst still enjoying plenty of free time to make the most of your amazing mountain environment.

We say: Students stay and study at the fully-equipped Chalet Marmotton, a dwelling that rivals the surrounding scenery for sheer beauty. Students will have time to relax and mingle or really let off some steam through a spot of white water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking or a simple stroll around the breathtaking Vanoise National Park.