Work where others go on holiday: for many people a seasonal job in a mountain hotel is the perfect way into hospitality in Germany. In the Bavarian Alps, the Allgäu and the Berchtesgaden region, hotels hire many staff before every season – from reception to kitchen, service and housekeeping.
When are the seasons?
- Winter season: usually mid-December to Easter – skiers, winter hikers and Christmas guests
- Summer season: usually May to October – hikers, cyclists, families and wellness guests
Many hotels now operate year-round or offer staff the chance to stay for both seasons in a row. Ideally, send your application two to three months before the season starts.
Which positions are in demand?
- Reception: check-in and guest information about lifts, trails and excursions
- Kitchen: cooks, commis chefs, breakfast cooks and kitchen helpers
- Service: waiters, breakfast service, bartenders
- Housekeeping: room attendants, housekeepers, laundry
- Spa and wellness: staff for sauna, pool and spa
- Maintenance: caretakers and technicians
The big advantages of a seasonal job
- Accommodation and meals: many mountain hotels provide staff rooms and meals, so you can save a large part of your salary.
- Quick start: seasonal businesses often hire staff without long experience.
- Team spirit: you live and work together and make friends fast.
- Nature and free time: on days off, ski slopes, lakes and trails are right outside the door.
What to watch out for
The high season is busy, often six days a week. Clarify the weekly hours, overtime pay and number of days off in advance. Ask about the cost of accommodation and meals too – some hotels provide them free of charge, others deduct a small amount from your wages. A written contract stating the start and end of the season is essential.
What do you need?
Motivation, team spirit and flexibility are the most important requirements. German matters for reception and service, while basic German is often enough in the kitchen and housekeeping. EU citizens can work in Germany without a work permit; you need to register your address and obtain a tax ID, and the hotel usually helps with this.
After the season
Many seasonal workers return every year, while others use the experience to get a permanent job in a city hotel. A season in a mountain hotel looks good on any CV – it shows resilience and team spirit.
Seasonal jobs with AS-Gastro-Consult
AS-Gastro-Consult places seasonal staff with mountain hotels, holiday hotels and resorts across Germany. We inform you about accommodation, working hours and salary before you travel.
See our current job offers or message us on WhatsApp: +49 163 501 95 12.
