Are you considering working abroad during the upcoming winter season? Germany and Austria are excellent destinations for hospitality professionals looking for seasonal employment in hotels, restaurants and mountain resorts. Every winter, hotels across the region welcome international guests, creating strong demand for experienced hospitality staff.

At Talent Odyssey, we are currently building our talent pool for the 2026/27 winter season in Germany and Austria and connecting hospitality professionals with international employers.

Why Work in Germany or Austria During the Winter Season?

Working a winter season abroad can offer much more than simply a temporary job. For many hospitality professionals, it is an opportunity to strengthen their CV, improve their language skills and gain experience in an international working environment.

Austria in particular is well known for its alpine resorts, traditional mountain hotels and high-quality hospitality sector. During the winter months, destinations across the country become busy with visitors coming for skiing, snowboarding, winter holidays and luxury getaways. Germany also offers a wide range of opportunities, particularly in Bavaria and other regions known for mountain tourism and winter travel.

For someone interested in building a career in hospitality, working during a winter season can be a valuable way to experience a new hotel environment while developing professionally.

It can also be an attractive option for people who do not want to relocate permanently. A seasonal contract allows you to spend several months abroad, gain valuable international experience and then decide what you would like to do next.

What Kind of Hotel Jobs Are Available?

For the upcoming winter season, we are currently recruiting for several hospitality positions across Germany and Austria.

In the kitchen, Chef de Partie and Kitchen Assistant positions offer opportunities for professionals with different levels of culinary experience. Chef de Partie roles are particularly suitable for candidates who already have experience working independently in a professional kitchen, while Kitchen Assistant positions can be a good opportunity for candidates who support the kitchen team with daily preparation and operational tasks.

In restaurant service, we are recruiting Chef de Rang and Commis de Rang. These positions are suited to hospitality professionals who enjoy working directly with guests and want to develop their experience in international hotels and restaurants.

The right position for you will depend on your previous experience, professional qualifications, language skills and the type of hotel environment you are looking for.

Where Can You Work During the Winter Season?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Germany or Austria is the variety of destinations available.

Austria is particularly attractive for candidates who dream of working in an alpine environment. Popular ski and mountain destinations can offer a completely different working experience from a city hotel. During the winter season, these areas become international meeting points, with guests and employees arriving from many different countries.

Germany also offers winter hospitality opportunities, especially in Bavaria and other mountainous regions. Candidates can find positions in traditional hotels, modern resorts, restaurants and luxury properties.

For hospitality professionals, this can be a great opportunity to experience a different side of tourism while working in a destination that attracts guests from across Europe and beyond.

Do You Need to Speak German?

Yes. For most hospitality positions in Germany and Austria, German language skills are required, particularly for roles involving direct contact with guests.

For positions such as Chef de Rang, Commis de Rang and other guest-facing roles, candidates should generally have a good working knowledge of German, as communication with guests and colleagues is an important part of the job. Depending on the position and employer, a German level of B1 or B2 may be expected.

English is also valuable, especially in international hotels and resorts where guests and employees come from different countries. However, English alone is generally not enough for the majority of hospitality positions we recruit for in the DACH region.

For kitchen positions such as Chef de Partie and Kitchen Assistant, language requirements can sometimes be more flexible, particularly in international teams. Nevertheless, German remains a strong advantage and can make everyday communication at work much easier.

If you are planning to apply for a winter season job in Germany or Austria, make sure to clearly include your German and English language levels on your CV. If you have a German certificate or other relevant language qualification, it is also worth mentioning it in your application.

What Experience Do You Need?

The experience required will depend on the position.

For a Chef de Partie position, employers will generally expect candidates to have previous experience working in a professional kitchen and the ability to handle their responsibilities independently.

Chef de Rang candidates should have previous experience in restaurant service and be comfortable working directly with guests. For Commis de Rang and Kitchen Assistant positions, the required level of experience may vary depending on the employer and specific responsibilities of the role.

When preparing your CV, it is important to explain not only where you have worked but also what you were responsible for. Employers want to understand the type of environment you have worked in, the level of service you are familiar with and whether your previous experience matches their requirements.

Your language skills, availability and willingness to work a full winter season should also be clearly communicated.

What About Accommodation?

Accommodation is one of the most important things to consider when looking for seasonal work abroad.

In some winter destinations, finding private accommodation can be difficult and expensive because of the high demand during the tourist season. For this reason, some hotels and hospitality employers provide staff accommodation as part of their employment package.

The exact conditions vary between employers. Some properties may provide shared accommodation, while others may offer private rooms. Accommodation can also be free or offered for a reduced monthly fee. In some cases, meals may be included as well.

If accommodation is important to you, make sure you ask about the exact conditions before accepting a position. Knowing where you will live, whether you will share a room and what costs are involved can make a significant difference to your overall experience.

When Should You Apply for the 2026/27 Winter Season?

If you are planning to work in Germany or Austria during the 2026/27 winter season, it is worth starting your search early.

Hotels and resorts often begin recruiting several months before the season starts. Applying early gives you more time to find the right position, complete the recruitment process and organise everything you need before travelling.

It can also give you more choice. The most attractive positions and destinations may be filled before the season begins, so waiting until the last minute can mean having fewer opportunities available.

Starting early is particularly important if you have specific requirements, such as staff accommodation, a particular salary level or a preferred region.

How to Find a Winter Hotel Job in Germany or Austria

Searching for seasonal hospitality work abroad can sometimes be overwhelming. There are many vacancies available, but not every position will be suitable for your experience, language skills or expectations.

This is where working with a specialised recruitment agency can make the process easier.

At Talent Odyssey, we work with hospitality professionals and international employers across Europe. Rather than simply sending candidates random vacancies, our goal is to understand their experience and preferences and connect them with opportunities that are relevant to their profile.

Whether you are an experienced Chef de Partie, a Chef de Rang interested in working in an Austrian ski resort, a Commis de Rang looking to develop your restaurant experience or a Kitchen Assistant ready to gain international experience, having a professional recruitment team supporting you can make the process more straightforward.

How to Prepare for Your Application

Before applying for a winter season job, make sure your CV is current and clearly presents your professional experience.

Your previous positions should be easy for an employer to understand, and your responsibilities should be described clearly. If you have worked in 4- or 5-star hotels, luxury restaurants, resorts or international hospitality environments, make sure this experience is visible.

Your German and English language levels should also be included, along with your availability. If you are flexible regarding location or willing to relocate for the entire winter season, this can also be worth mentioning.

A well-prepared CV allows recruiters and employers to quickly understand your background and determine whether your profile could be a good match for a particular position.

Start Preparing for the 2026/27 Winter Season

The winter season may still seem far away, but recruitment starts well before guests arrive.

If you are considering a winter season job in Germany or Austria, now is the perfect time to update your CV, decide what type of position you are looking for and start exploring available opportunities.

A winter job can be more than just a temporary position. It can give you international experience, help you develop professionally and introduce you to new destinations, colleagues and ways of working.

Talent Odyssey is currently building a talent pool of hospitality professionals interested in the 2026/27 winter season in Germany and Austria.

If you are interested in working as a Chef de Partie, Chef de Rang, Commis de Rang or Kitchen Assistant, you can submit your CV to our recruitment team.

Your next winter season could be the beginning of your next international career opportunity.

About Talent Odyssey

Talent Odyssey is a recruitment agency specialising in hospitality, tourism and international recruitment. We connect qualified professionals with employers across Europe and support candidates throughout the recruitment process.