Messages posted by : Rideonwhistler
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WOW - I know I am biased, but I disagree!
Pavelski - you are talking about Vancouver hills, Whistler VILLAGE and snow conditions when we're having a wet April. Over the Olympics we had so much snow on hill that we actually had to delay some of the downhill events and recruit volunteers to side step down the course and remove the fresh pow! When you saw rain on your TV over the Olympics you were watching an event in Vancouver or reporters in the village. Ask anyone who was actually here. Take a look at the snowfall records for the last 5yrs http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/stats/index.htm. When it's miserable and wet in the village get up the gondola with your skis/board cause it's more than likely epic up there. It is true we get alot of white outs... make sure you wear good lenses in your goggles (bright orange or green) and stick to tree runs or gladed runs for best visibility! It's hard to complain about white-out conditions when there's so much snow... |
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~90% of the seasonal work in Whistler is carried out by foreign workers on open work permits (not an official stat!). Whistler couldn't operate without you guys!
If you are a UK national check out www.canadainternational.gc.ca for official information on applying for a work permit (visa) or take a look at the season guide on our website. |
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Hi Jules,
I can give Whistler related advice! If you (or your bf) are already good skiers an instructor course might be an unnecessary expense... although you learn a lot in the course and your skiing will undoubtedly improve, you don't need to be a pro to pass a CSIA Level 1 exam - a few weeks independent practice & maybe a lesson if you're nervous is enough for anyone who can already ski well! The "exam" is a three day experience where you spend the first 2-days with your instructor/examiner working on your skiing skills & learning how to break it down into teaching a beginner. A level 1 instructor only learns how to teach the absolute basics. The last day is your exam. It only costs $499 (see WB's website) for details. I took my CASI L1 (snowboarding equivalent) after just riding around resort and it was no bother at all. If you want to do you Level 2 you will benefit alot more from a course though. It's not that easy to get a job in Ski School (SS) however - I noticed Whistler Blackcomb's employment page is advertising for skype interviews right now for kids SS jobs - maybe get on that? They sometimes hire people for the mini's positions before they've done their CSIA if they are good skiers and have it booked... As for living costs, you are much better off working as an IT person than an instructor! Instructors pay (especially 1st season) can be unfairly low as wages aren't great & it's hard to clock up enough hours. Best advice on job hunting is to scour the Pique, Question and craigslist job postings, and maybe in your case, contact the bigger companies in town that might hire a full time IT guy? Last season a friend of mine put an advert in the local paper (the Pique) as an IT specialist... he didn't make enough to live on but it definitely helped (his other job was as a bouncer for Bills nightclub!). We offer awesome accommodation in Whistler (complete with high-speed wifi as alot of our guests work remotely) if you are interested in pre-booking a room - other wise I would plan on arriving as early as you can to sort out a good place with a good price tag... if you arrive in November it is alot harder to find a place! Let me know if you need any more advice :) Keltie |
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Hey Kathy,
There is usually still lots of snow here in April and a lot more sunshine than the rest of the winter.. Also hotels are cheap and they usually run a $199 spring ski pass offer which is insane value for money if you come for a week or twos skiing compared to $100/day in the winter. Im always baffeled as to why more people dont come here in the spring. If you like groomers and your skiing warm in the afternoon and way more bang for your buck spring is the time.. |
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Hi Melly,
We just started putting up our winter accommodation for next season and also updated our whistler guide which has a section on how to find a room yourself. Getting accommodation in whistler at the beginning of the season is difficult though! Hope that helps |
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