januarymix

Best of luck on your adventure, Nymeria

CRAY

Cheers Siouxie, most helpful

Nymeria

Thanks so much Siouxie! That's so helpful. So I'm right in thinking that 7th - 14th October is probably the best place to get to Canada? Obviously it will depend on each individual place and the time they're hiring but it sounds like the winter season starts end of October/beginning of November?

We need to pick a destination so we can start making proper plans. There are lots of places that appeal to us, they all sound great! Any knowledge of how easy or tough it is to get jobs in Whistler? That is one of the places that's really appealing to us at the moment. I know it's a popular tourist resort so lots of jobs possibly but also lots of competition.

Really appreciate all of the help so far Siouxie

Thanks so much floatsy! We've both been talking about doing this for years and are now so excited it's finally happening.

My friend also got her IEC application approved so we both have a spot

Siouxie

You are most welcome.

According to the Whistler ski resort website, there were 1,300 applicants this year - and you will also be competing against returnee's. Their job fair is in September so I suppose theoretically you could go there first and if you weren't successful, move on to Fernie or one of the other ski resorts. You will need a police certificate so would suggest getting 2 copies of your ACRO so you can bring one with you.

Probably one of the first things to do is to use a google search and find out when each resort is having their job fair or recruitment drive, then make sure you are available in Canada for the ones that interest you.

Hope you have fun!

Chris2222

WOW !!!!

I think everysingle question I have had in my head for the last 2 weeks has been answered here, Thanks Becki for linking me to this , and thanks Nymeria for the questions and Siouxie for the answers.
Nymeria these are the exact locations I was interested in.
I was thinking of going through Bunac, I phoned them today and they said they would only be taking people out around November. And the only choices are Blue Mountain and Whistler.
£530 for a full placement job. But I don't think they allow you to do barwork.

The only different question I have is
Bunac say they offer you and you gain access to there exclusive employers and benefits such as,
Subsidised onsite accommodation
◾ Discounted ski pass
◾ Employee meals

But is it actually Bunac or if you are employed on a Ski Resort do you gain Subsidised onsite accommodation etc anyway ?

Thanks

Chris

Siouxie

You are very welcome.

Whistler give all their employees a season pass, provided they are in good standing, plus lots of other perks like discounted restaurants - they also have on-site housing.
Fernie give a list of perks including free ski pass, discounts etc.

Blue Mountain is the same.

I believe discounted staff accommodation, lift passes and food are pretty much standard with most of the ski resorts. Blue Mountain and Whistler employment opportunities are not 'exclusive' to Bunac - they both have job fairs every year.

If you look at the google link in my post above, there are links to most of the ski resorts in Canada - have a look at the employment pages and see what is on offer.

Chris2222

Thanks so much Souxie

This page is saved and in my favourites, thanks for all the links on this page.
Exactly what I have been trying to find on the internet on one thread.

Cheers

beckiwoo

Glad you found it useful!

Chris2222

Useful is an understatement Becki,Its a Goldmine. Great Thread thanks for the link

beckiwoo

Just been re-reading this very useful thread

I looked at the links for fernie and whistler.

although both ask for a copy of your criminal background check. Fernie want one dated within the last 3 months or 30 days if you are working within childcare. Whistler are happy to see the police check used for the work permit as long as it's within 18 months.

Not sure how it would work for fernie then..?

ookie123

As not all jobs come with accommodation I would also consider looking into accommodation options. Accommodation in the ski resorts such can be very expensive and not easy to find.

some links for Banff Recruitment Information

Gap Year Canada - Welcome

kswoosh

IMO, you'd go a bit stir crazy in Big White. It's very small, and not a great deal going on there. I love Big White, its a brilliant ski area, but more than like 3 days and I've had enough, so spending a whole season there might be a bit boring.

Vancouver sounds like a good fit for you, especially if you love the outdoors. You'd be in a city, so plenty going on, but also only 30 mins (tops) from 3 local mountains. So you could always consider living in Vancouver and working at one of the local mountains, Grouse, Seymour or Cypress.

I've heard a lot of things, both good and bad, about doing a season in Whistler. I think it's for a 'certain' crowd. I don't want to say too much and potentially influence your decision, but maybe someone who's lived/worked there could shed some light. It's obviously one of the more popular destinations for temporary workers, so I think you'd spend the majority of your time with Australians and English people... so it depends what you're after.

christmasoompa

Thank you for posting those, but do note the date on the thread - it's from January! So the OP may well be in Canada already.

If you're searching for threads, please do check that they're recent before posting on them, thx.

MountainHiker

Fernie Alpine Resort only needs background checks if you are Canadian they presume if you have a IEC you would have already been cleared by the Canadian Government.

I would only go to Fernie if you are a good skier to be honest the hill isn't beginner friendly and the town has a lot of problems and there are just better ski towns to work in.

Photoplex

Definitely stay west - forget the eastern ski hills - they're just that; hills!

Fernie, Sun Peaks, Whistler (natch), Revelstoke.

(Did a bunch of winter seasons myself, including around Europe, so I know what I'm talking about)