Last week, hospitality travelled to the mountains.
A group of Hotel Management School Leeuwarden students and colleagues travelled to France to support Alpe d’HuZes, the annual event that raises funds for cancer research. They were not there to cycle up the mountain themselves, but to bring hospitality to the people who did.
After a 14-hour drive from the Netherlands, the first task was setting up the tents. From there, the team got to work preparing meals, serving coffee, organising snacks, helping behind the bar and welcoming participants, volunteers and guests.
Throughout the week, our students helped create energy, comfort and a warm welcome at an event built around endurance, commitment and a powerful cause. From vegetable curry with basmati rice and naan to Peeze coffee made with the help of a Smart Camels coffee machine, the contribution was practical, hands-on and deeply human.
And as often happens in hospitality, some of the best ideas came in the moment.
When the 30-degree heat meant red wine was not the obvious choice, one of our students turned it into sangria — and suddenly, it sold. Frisian sugar bread, sponsored by Bakkerij van der Zee, made its way around the campsites. Small moments, but exactly the kind that show what hospitality can do.
For students, experiences like this are a chance to apply their skills outside a traditional hospitality setting. They work with real guests, real pressure, real logistics and real responsibility. They learn to adapt, communicate, solve problems and support a team in a fast-moving environment.
A big thank you to our students, colleagues, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who made this week possible.
Special thanks to: Leonardo Hotels, Koffiebranderij Peeze, Smart Camels, Moneycomb, Notiz Hotel, The July, RedGo, Bakkerij van der Zee B.V., Bakker Vakkeuken, Bollensteak, Wannee, Bravilor Bonamat and Snacks with Benefits.
