Caterer loves… skiing
It's subzero outside and the season has only just begun. Rather than begrudge the bitterest winter on record, deal with the big freeze on your own terms, writes Naomi Leach.
If you've got to be cold all the time, then at least make it fun. Escape to a land where your chapped lips, red nose and lingering sniffles are all the rage; where snow doesn't turn to sludge and any old tan lines are acceptable; a place with exquisite panoramas that will excite thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Dig out your skis, it's time to hit the slopes.
First stop, Val d'Isère. If you're nervous about getting back on the piste, Snowline VIP offers a "Scaredy Cat Ski Programme". You can also indulge your every whim with a new concierge service. Whether you want therapists to visit your chalet for a pre-/post-ski massage or would like to sharpen up your French language skills, it can be arranged. For more information, go to www.snowline.co.uk.
Take refuge from the British winter in the Alpine village of Ischgl. The Hotel Madlein claims to be the first designer hotel in the Alps. Prices from €240 (£165) per night half board. See www.ischglmadlein.com.
If exclusivity is your thing, head for the Clubhouse in Chamonix. This art deco mansion caters for just 20 guests who can choose from individual rooms (from €200/£137) or bunk rooms (from €40/£27). Situated in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps, the hotel is owned by Match Bar Group founder Jonathan Downey and attracts the stylish crowd you might imagine. There's even a Milk and Honey bar. See www.clubhouse.fr.
For something further afield, make the pilgrimage to the colossal slopes of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in Canada, where even the most energetic of skiers is guaranteed total exhaustion. After a hard day on the piste, relax at the first Hilton ski resort, the Hilton Whistler. Go to www.hilton.com/worldwideresorts.com.
But if all that play sounds expensive, why not base your trip around work? Choose from a range of resorts and spend a season as a chef, catering staff member, resort manager or ski host. Warner Recruitment Company has 85 positions in hotels in France, Austria and Italy. Work runs on a rota basis, with eight- to 10-hour days, six days a week, the rest of the time being free to ski. For more information about vacancies, speak to Kara Goddard on 020 7761 7353 or visit www.markwarner.co.uk/recruitment.