A fully catered chalet in Courchevel can come with a surprisingly large team behind the scenes, and it’s not always obvious who does what before you arrive. Here’s a plain guide to the roles you’re likely to encounter, and what each one actually takes care of.
The Chalet Host
Your main point of contact for the week, the host manages the day-to-day running of the chalet: welcoming you on arrival, coordinating with the rest of the team, handling any requests, and generally making sure the week runs smoothly. In smaller chalets, the host may also help serve meals or manage housekeeping.
The Private Chef
Responsible for breakfast, afternoon tea and a three or four-course evening meal, typically six days a week in a fully catered chalet. A good chef will discuss the week’s menu with you in advance and adapt for allergies, dietary preferences, and children’s meals — don’t be shy about asking for exactly what you want.
Housekeeping Staff
Daily housekeeping keeps bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas tidy throughout your stay, refreshing towels and linens and generally keeping the chalet in the same condition you arrived to. In larger properties, this is often a dedicated team separate from the chef and host.
The Driver
Many of the larger chalets in Courchevel 1850 include a driver on call, typically from early morning until midnight, for transfers between the chalet, the slopes, restaurants and the village. This is especially useful if your chalet isn’t directly ski-in ski-out, or if you’re heading out for dinner somewhere the shuttle bus doesn’t easily reach.
Additional Staff in Larger Chalets
Nanny or childcare
Some chalets offer in-house childcare or can arrange a qualified nanny for the week, useful for families wanting a night out or some time on the slopes without the kids.
Ski concierge
Larger properties sometimes include a dedicated concierge to arrange lift passes, ski or snowboard hire, and lesson bookings before you even arrive.
Massage therapist
Chalets with a spa or wellness area often offer in-chalet massage treatments, either included or bookable as an add-on.
Tipping the Team
Tipping isn’t usually included in the rental price and is left to your discretion, but it’s customary to tip the team at the end of your stay if service has been good — many chalets will have a discreet way of collecting this for the whole team rather than tipping each person individually.
Not sure how much service your group actually needs? Read our guide to catered vs self-catered chalets, or browse our full range of Courchevel rentals to compare service levels.
