Working at Our Chalet is great fun!
It provides the opportunity to work in an exciting part of the tourism and leisure industry, help people to enjoy their holiday in the beautiful Bernese Oberland and experience international friendship at Our Chalet, WAGGGS’s oldest World Centre.
Volunteering at Our Chalet offers the chance to work closely with other staff from different countries, to meet people from many different cultures, to take part in a variety of sports and recreational activities, to lead groups, to explore Switzerland, to learn new skills and much, much more!!
Over the last 70 years, thousands of people from countries all over the world have lived and worked at Our Chalet, helping to make the experience of those who come to stay or visit the best it could possibly be.
Click here to go to ‘Our Staff’ and see who currently works at Our Chalet.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from anyone who:
- is aged 18 or over
- enjoys meeting and mixing with lots of new people
- is physically fit and likes the outdoors
- is practical and not afraid of hard work
- has a good grasp of the English language – English is the working language of Our Chalet and is essential for communication purposes.
Back to topWhat does a volunteer do?
During the summer months, the main activity enjoyed by the guests is walking and hiking, day trips and adventure activities. As a volunteer, you may be expected to lead groups on both easy walks and more advanced mountain hikes, and on coach day trips when volunteer staff act as tour guides for guests.
The winter months are spent mostly in and around the house, however more experienced skiers may (after passing an internationally recognised ski course) accompany guests out on the pistes.
The days that you spend at the Chalet (during all seasons) will involve household jobs, including domestic cleaning, collecting rubbish, laundry, sweeping or snow-shovelling and helping in the kitchen. Other jobs involve making up rooms, giving house tours, working on long-term projects and preparing for special events. You will also play an active role in the guest evening programmes.
What are the benefits?
As a volunteer, you will receive free full board and lodging at Our Chalet during the time of your stay. We do not pay for travel costs, but we do give a small amount of pocket money whilst you are here – CHF100 per month – to cover any programme-related expenses.
You are entitled to 2 days off per week and these will be arranged to fit in with the rota of activities. During your free time, you can explore one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world, and there may also be a chance for you to travel with guests as part of the organised programme of activities. Many volunteers help to organise the guests’ day and evening programme and therefore join in some of the sports and recreational activities on offer.
In addition, volunteers receive intensive training, regular appraisals and a certificate of competence at the end. You can also work on the Staff Chalet Challenge during your stay.
Working at Our Chalet provides a unique experience and the chance to make lifelong friendships around the world.
Training Programme
All volunteers undertake an intensive training programme to increase their personal and professional development skills. Training focuses on team building, customer care, public relations, health and safety at work, familiarisation with day and evening programmes, day visitor tours, house duties and shop management.
Additionally, summer volunteers learn safe hiking practices, trail familiarisation and the historical, geographical and cultural details of the various trips on offer to guests. Winter volunteers with skiing experience have the opportunity to complete a ‘mountain familiarisation’ course allowing them to provide a professional and safe service whilst accompanying guests on the mountains.
As part of the team building programme, last summer's volunteers and staff took part in a football tournament against children from a local school.
What’s it really like?
Below are some quotes from past volunteers:
“Not only did I get to ski on my days off, but I got to ski as part of my job”
“My advice is come and experience the magic of Our Chalet for yourself – you will never regret it. Take the step needed to turn your dreams into reality.”
“One of my favourite jobs was showing around day visitors. So many people wait years to come, and their visit means such a lot to them - it is wonderful to be able to share that experience with them.”
“The only bad thing I found about Our Chalet is when you have to leave!”
Click below to read some personal experiences by a recent volunteers at Our Chalet:
'A Personal Experience' by Leigh Paley
'Life as a Volunteer' by Emma Burbidge
'I believe I can fly – Do you?' by Karen Melville
When are volunteers needed?
Our Chalet works with volunteers the whole year around, so you can send your application anytime. Volunteers work for up to three months:
Summer – end of May to early September
Autumn – September to November
Winter – December to early March
Spring – March and April
How can I apply?
Just look under job vacancies and complete the on-line application form. The deadlines for applications are as follows:
Summer Staff (May – August)
Deadline for application: 1st February of the same year
Autumn Staff (August – October)
Deadline for application: 1st June of the same year
Winter Staff (December – March)
Deadline for application: 1st August of the same year
Spring Staff (March – May)
Deadline for application: 1st December of the preceding year
We look forward to receiving your application!