The recruitment phase of the summer period has recently been concluded, with all nine members of the Powder N Shine team for the forthcoming winter season signed up. Our Chefs continue the tradition of having worked in some top-notch establishments previously, with all three having worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, including arguably the best restaurant in the world, Noma in Denmark (it was ranked number one in 2010, 2011 and 2012 in the British fine dining magazine, Restaurant). Our Hosts continue this trend for excellence, with superb customer-facing skills and experience, and the whole Powder N Shine team looks forward to making your chalet experience unforgettable.
We are delighted to introduce all of our team members below:
Flocon des Neiges: Stuart (Chef), Sam and Gemma (Chalet Hosting Couple)
Stuart is a young and passionate Chef with excellent experience for someone who is relatively new to the kitchen. He has worked at acclaimed gastro-pub The Pot Kiln, a 2 AA Rosette establishment, widely tipped for a Michelin star shortly. Stuart has also gained invaluable experience at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, working under Clare Smyth – Ramsay’s “right-hand lady” in the 3 Michelin starred venue in Chelsea. With a strong work ethic as well as a flair for food, we are sure Stuart will fit in perfectly with the Powder N Shine ethos.
Sam and Gemma both have a perfect background for chalet hosting – Sam (a previous visitor to the village with his family) having undertaken military training, and Gemma being a very keen horse rider, as well as silver-service trained. Equally at home as front of house and on the pistes, both are keen snow sports enthusiasts, whose friendliness and professionalism will be invaluable this season.
Le Chamois: Matt (Chef), Jess (Chalet Host) and Ben (Chalet Host)
Matt is used to the environment of a ski resort, having completed a season in Morzine in 2010/11. He initially trained at the acclaimed Tante Marie Culinary Academy, achieving the highest level of diploma, before working at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred Petrus restaurant in Knightsbridge. Matt’s passion and creativity have only been enhanced by this strong grounding in technique and he is another sure to shine this season.
Jess and Ben are both Reberty returnees, having completed seasons respectively in the village in 2010/11. Jess is an experienced Chalet Host, with excellent guest interaction. Given her knowledge of the mountain and local area, plus her experience of Powder N Shine – having holidayed with us last season, she will be an invaluable member of the team.
Ben is a Chalet Host and also our head of childcare, having worked previously in the village in the role of Activity Leader. He is also a keen snowboarder, so will be sure to have some wisdom to impart as to where the best places are to shred, and he is currently sunning himself in Cyprus, working as a PADI diving instructor.
Sapin de Reberty: Max (Chef), Hamish and Claire (Chalet Hosting Couple)
Max is Estonian, has worked at Noma in Copenhagen, at a highly-rated tapas bar in San Sebastien, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Bristol and is currently working on the Scilly Isles, before heading out to the French Alps ahead of the ski season! Such a wide range of travelling has added incredible diversity and variety to Max’s repertoire and this eclectic background will doubtless shape many of the items on the Powder N Shine menu this year.
Hamish and Claire have both worked in a 5* B&B environment, so their eye for detail is finely honed. Hamish is another who has travelled extensively and is a very keen sportsman and skier. Claire was a prominent member of the Snow Sports society whilst at university and between the two of them, Hamish and Claire have excellent service experience, so are well-suited to ensuring your every need is met.
