Q1 Visa Program

The Sonnenalp Hotel is a premier, family-owned luxury hotel rooted in Bavarian tradition and known for personalized service and alpine charm. We are seeking passionate candidates from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland to join our Food & Beverage team through the Q1 International Cultural Exchange Visa Program. This is a unique opportunity to share your language, heritage, and traditions with our guests while working in one of America's premier mountain resort destinations - Vail, Colorado.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026. Visa petitions will be filed by July 31, 2026 for a December 1, 2026 program start.

Wage: $12.14+ tips

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. This is not simply a work placement; it is a genuine exchange of culture and heritage in the spirit of the Q1 visa program.

Q1 Visa Eligibility Requirements

All of the following requirements must be met to be eligible for Q1 visa sponsorship. Please review carefully before applying.

• Must be a national of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland
• Must have a background in Bavarian heritage, food, and traditions, and be able to actively share German-speaking cultural customs with the American public
• Must be fluent in both German and English
• Must be 18 years of age or older at program start (December 1, 2026)
• Must not have been present in the United States in Q1 visa status within the last 12 months
• Must be available for the full 15-month program beginning December 1, 2026

Candidates who do not meet all eligibility requirements above cannot be considered for Q1 sponsorship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties will vary by role placement. All participants will be expected to:

• 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
• Attend pre-meal meetings, staff meetings, and supplemental training sessions
• Relay guest feedback or complaints to the appropriate supervisor promptly
• Assist in restocking, side work, and opening/closing duties as assigned
• Act as a responsible, personable representative of the Sonnenalp team
• 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
• Must be at least 21 years of age for Bartender role

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