Q1 Visa Program

Primary Purpose Of Position

Q1 Cultural Exchange participants will work in one of our Food & Beverage outlets delivering warm, professional hospitality to Sonnenalp guests. The cultural exchange component is central to this program — participants are expected to actively share German language, Bavarian culinary traditions, and cultural customs with American guests and teammates throughout the 15-month program.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Deliver warm, professional, and attentive service to Sonnenalp guests across Food & Beverage outlets
• Actively share Bavarian cultural heritage, German language, and traditions with guests and colleagues as part of the Q1 cultural exchange program
• Maintain thorough knowledge of menus, ingredients, preparation methods, and daily specials
• Uphold Sonnenalp and Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) service standards at all times
• Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready work environment throughout every shift
• Communicate clearly and professionally with teammates, supervisors, and guests
• Relay guest feedback or complaints to the appropriate supervisor promptly
• Assist in restocking, side work, and opening/closing duties as assigned
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Food & Beverage Manager or Director

Role-specific Responsibilities

• Servers & Room Service Servers: Take orders, deliver food and beverage, process payments, manage in-room dining logistics
• Bartenders: Prepare cocktails and specialty beverages, manage bar inventory and cleanliness; must be 21 or older
• Host/Hostess: Manage reservations and seating flow, create a welcoming first impression for arriving guests
• Baristas (Café Treff): Prepare specialty coffee drinks and light food items, operate register, manage daily checkout
• Support/Food Runners: Clear and reset tables, assist servers and bartenders, stock service stations

Education/Experience

• Prior experience in a restaurant, café, hotel, or hospitality setting preferred
• Background in Bavarian or German-speaking cultural traditions required per Q1 visa program
• Luxury hotel or upscale dining experience a plus

Special Skills/Equipment

• Fluency in German and English required
• Warm, personable, and guest-focused disposition
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• POS system experience helpful (Squirrel preferred)
• Wine, food, and beverage knowledge preferred
• TIPS certification preferred; may be required after hire

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout a shift
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs regularly; occasional exertion up to 50 lbs
• Ability to bend, reach, carry, push, and pull as needed
• Ability to work in variable temperatures and noise levels
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and by radio

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage plus tips (role dependent)
• Employee housing available in Vail
• Employee meal during shifts
• Discounted ski pass — access to Vail Mountain
• Resort discounts throughout the hotel and golf club
• Holiday pay and sick pay
• 401(k) Retirement Plan & Roth 401(k) — after one year and 1,000 hours worked
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parking credit or discounted bus passes
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance (Full-Time Year-Round positions)

Program Details

• Visa Type: Q1 International Cultural Exchange Visa
• Program Start: December 1, 2026
• Program Duration: 15 months
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
• Petition Filing Deadline: July 31, 2026