Turn your passion for wine into an unforgettable winter experience. The Sonnenalp Hotel is seeking a knowledgeable and service-driven Full-Time Seasonal Assistant Sommelier to join our award-winning Food & Beverage team for the 2026-2027 winter season. Working alongside our culinary and service teams, you'll help curate exceptional wine experiences while delivering personalized service to guests in one of Vail's premier luxury dining destinations.

Application Deadline: Hiring will occur on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until November 1st or until the positions are filled.

Wage: $20.00 - 22.00/hr, plus tips

Winter Seasonal Dates: 11/04/2026 - 4/11/2027 - Can change based on business levels.

Housing: Employee Housing available on first come first serve basis. For more information on housing please visit: Employee Housing - Sonnenalp Jobs

Primary Purpose of Position

The job of the Assistant Sommelier is to assist the Sonnenalp Sommelier by attending to all potential Swiss Chalet wine guests during peak periods of service. The Assistant Sommelier will act as additional support for the service team during periods when wine needs have already been met. The Assistant Sommelier will conduct themselves and hold all other co-workers accountable to the highest service standards set by the Sonnenalp Hotel, Court of Master Sommeliers and LHW. The Assistant Sommelier is to act as a leader, wine educator, and role model for staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Able to work a variety of shifts, often late into the evening.
Communicates on a daily basis with the Sommelier and Swiss Chalet Manager to review reservations taken and learn of any upcoming reservation regarding wine.
Works the Swiss Chalet Restaurant floor, providing professional wine sales assistance, along with providing professional wine service. During idle times, will be required to assist the Swiss Chalet staff in one or all the following duties: back waiter, hosting, reservationist, bus, bar service, polishing etc.
Responds in a timely fashion to all internal and external mail.
Attends and occasionally holds daily briefings with the Swiss Chalet FOH staff and Sommelier before start of operation.
Prepares all wine Mise-En-Place on a daily basis before and after service: Wine storage, Cleans and Updates Wine List, Glassware, Serviettes, Decanters, Ice Buckets, Wine BTG, etc.
Attends, and occasionally teaches, Sonnenalp Wine Academy for all Food & Beverage staff on a regular basis to ensure high quality service.
Correctly fills all F&B department outlets’ wine requisition on Hotel Sommelier’s days of
Occasionally is responsible for putting away purchased wine deliveries
Prints, writes and makes changes to all wine lists as needed when directed by Hotel Sommelier
The Assistant Sommelier is required to assist in the monthly wine inventory.
She/he reviews the financial performance of all restaurants regarding wine and makes suggestions to further improve the financial performance to the Sommelier.
The Assistant Sommelier is expected to attend pre-shift meetings on a regular basis

Education/Experience
High school diploma or GED
The ideal candidate for this position has a degree in restaurant/hotel management and/or has worked in a food and beverage position in an upscale Hotel/Restaurant for a minimum of 2 years.
Preferably a minimum 2 years’ experience selling fine wine.

Special Skills/Equipment
Adequate level of skill with use of common computer systems including all Office products
Preferably is Level 1 certified through The Court of Master Sommeliers and actively studying towards Level 2 certified Sommelier qualification.
Physically demanding position requiring ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, lift objects up to 40 lbs
Knowledge of Squirrel POS system preferred

Seasonal & Part-Time Benefits:
Resort Discounts
Holiday Pay & Sick Pay
401(k) Retirement Plan & Roth 401(k) *After one year and 1000 hours worked
Employee Assistance Program
Parking Credit or Discounted Bus Passes
Employee Meal