Anyone done a skiing working holiday?

**Mole_C** · 11th October 2007, 12:48

Thinking of heading off to Canada, USA, France or somewhere to do a working holiday and get some nice skiing.

Just wondering if anyone has done one and has any advice?

Cheers

**vifferman** · 11th October 2007, 12:49

No, I haven't.

So obviously that'd be a "No" to the advice bit too...

**Mole_C** · 11th October 2007, 12:51

Originally Posted by vifferman

No, I haven't.

So obviously that'd be a "No" to the advice bit too...

Very helpful!

**vifferman** · 11th October 2007, 12:56

Originally Posted by Mole_C

Very helpful!

Yeah, I'm good like that.

**more_fasterer** · 11th October 2007, 13:04

My workmate is about to embark on exactly that kind of trip when he leaves for Canadia next friday.

He said that it was a bit of a mission getting a visa; so get onto this as soon as you can. It can be even more of an issue if you're going through the USA on the way there / back, as the USA requires a visa if you're entering or leaving US soil to/from Canada or Mexico. So, again, get that sorted as soon as you know whether you'll be going through the states or not.

Other than that, it's apparently pretty easy to get a job as a lifty. It's roster work - 4 days on, 3 days off with free skiing

**MisterD** · 11th October 2007, 19:00

Whaddya wanna know? My bro-in-law and mates did a couple of seasons each in Banff and Vale...seem to be plenty of jobs, bars and table-waiting get the most tips

**1vanvan1** · 11th October 2007, 19:30

Originally Posted by more_fasterer

My workmate is about to embark on exactly that kind of trip when he leaves for Canadia next friday.

He said that it was a bit of a mission getting a visa; so get onto this as soon as you can. It can be even more of an issue if you're going through the USA on the way there / back, as the USA requires a visa if you're entering or leaving US soil to/from Canada or Mexico. So, again, get that sorted as soon as you know whether you'll be going through the states or not.

Other than that, it's apparently pretty easy to get a job as a lifty. It's roster work - 4 days on, 3 days off with free skiing

Where abouts is this place in canada that your mate is going?

Im heading off to Banff in canada on the 2 november to work as a liftie on the mountain there.

**98tls** · 11th October 2007, 19:40

Speaking from past experiance if your going to be a lifty always work at top station.......does wonders for your sex

social life..........

**Pancakes** · 11th October 2007, 20:34

DO IT!

Head to your local Mtn now, the recruiters will be there en masse. Copper Mtn is good, a friend of mine just did the last season in Val D'sere (sp?) and recon'ed that was sweet too. Japan is another great spot! Don't need any Japanese but it can help.

**Mole_C** · 11th October 2007, 21:07

Cheers for the info guys.

Reckon it would be better to work up the mount as a lifty etc or get a bar job or something?

Thinking bar would prob be best as then i don't have to get jealous of others skiing while i'm working. On the other hand it means id have to pay more for lift passes and accom. Also wouldn't get to party as much.... Hmmm

Japan ay? Could be interesting. Where are the ladies the hottest and easiest?

**Mikkel** · 11th October 2007, 22:34

There are quite a few places where a full lift pass will be part of your salary regardless of where you work. I think I'd go for a bar job or waiter at a restaurant. Being a waiter is excellent since the hours are not too late and you'll have most days off.

Also, where to go depends upon what you're after (downhill skiing, partying, sex, ski-touring, off-piste). For clubbing and on-slope skiing I think Val Thorens has got some of the most to offer - but being France it's rather expensive. Drinks should be cheap in Austria and the after-ski should be over the top. If you want cheap you might wanna consider the Czech republic - and I dunno anything about the Rockies.... oh that's a lie, it's expensive, got great powder and the people speak english. Italy might not be a bad idea either

As for where the ladies are the easiest... I'd guess that'd be here in NZ or Australia. In America they kinda expect you to marry them first and european women generally like sophistication (not the kiwis' strong side

) - though you most likely will be lucky and meet some that are either drunk, desperate or very young... or a combination there of.

Dunno about Japan - but it's going to be expensive. Also, it's probably the hardest place to communicate if you can't speak the local lingo. That being said there are some twisted japanese out there - and despite that you can expect there to be no bullshit about payment etc.

**mattimeo** · 11th October 2007, 23:12

Go for it! I plan on doing this next year - prob in the USA for 3 months over the summer holidays. Utah or California would suit me nicely. Had a few mates who have done it, it's a brilliant experience. BTW - kiwis are in hot demand for these jobs, we're known for our work ethic, aparently! Speaking of social things, thats not all we're known for! My mate brought back some crazy stories about what US chicks will do for kiwi guys

**sAsLEX** · 11th October 2007, 23:37

Originally Posted by more_fasterer

He said that it was a bit of a mission getting a visa; so get onto this as soon as you can. It can be even more of an issue if you're going through the USA on the way there / back, as the USA requires a visa if you're entering or leaving US soil to/from Canada or Mexico. So, again, get that sorted as soon as you know whether you'll be going through the states or not.

umm no it doesn't you just fill a little green form out on the plane on the way in to the states.

**BarryG** · 12th October 2007, 07:35

I'd have a look online at the different ski resorts/mountain's websites. They advertise for positions and apparently will help out with advice on the required (US) visas, which they must have some inside scoop on as I always see lots of Kiwis and Aussies on the lifts and around the mountain who work for the mountain. I think there's a 6 month work visa of some sort. Just make sure you abide by the conditions as if you don't, they'll refuse any further entry if they find out you've outstayed your welcome.
You'll have a blast, and trust me, your Kiwi accent will get you everywhere with the birds, and it won't matter a bit what actually comes out of your mouth, they'll just love the sound of you!
Cheers
Barry

**Mikkel** · 12th October 2007, 08:16

Originally Posted by BarryG

You'll have a blast, and trust me, your Kiwi accent will get you everywhere with the birds, and it won't matter a bit what actually comes out of your mouth, they'll just love the sound of you!

As I said...

I reckon you'll still be behind the cockneys in that race though.