5 Tips To Survive A Ski Season
Heading to the mountains for a winter season is no doubt one of the best life experiences you can undertake, but there are some important things to know which can help make your season the best it can possibly be!
1. Finding Accommodation
You’re going to need a roof over your head. Accommodation can be difficult to find, depending on what ski resort you are heading to. More popular places like Whistler, Banff, and Revelstoke are experiencing varying degrees of housing shortages (especially Whistler) which make finding a house the most important thing to do to set yourself up.
While it would be great to lock down a house before you arrive, it is hard to know what kind of house you are getting and we would always caution against paying someone money before you arrive and meet them and see the house.
A good option would be to stay at a hotel or hostel when you arrive and go all out trying to find a place to live as soon as you get there. If you do not already have a job, find a place first and then get a job.
In some cases, you can lock down a job before you arrive and the employer will offer staff accommodation. Most of the ski resorts offer staff accommodation and also some of the larger employers in town, so be sure to ask about this when applying for jobs – if you can find a job and accommodation in one fell swoop that is ideal!
Looking for jobs in Whistler? Check out the Whistler Job Board HERE!
2. Finding a Job
Once you’ve sorted out a house, the next thing you need to do is find a job to fund your trip. We recommend looking for a job before you arrive just to see what is out there, and if you want you can start applying as well. It is best to check out the online Ski Resort Jobs website for all the new opportunities available.
Once you arrive, you can continue to apply for jobs via the website, and also be sure to look out for big job fairs that the ski resorts and bigger employers will hold in town as there will be many great jobs available there.
If all else fails, you can always walk around town with a stack of resumes and hand them out – old school!
Check out our 3 hot tips for finding a great ski resort job HERE
3. Get In Shape
Skiing and snowboarding is alot of fun, and it is also hard work and amazing exercise. To avoid getting injured or burnt out right away, we recommend doing some exercise BEFORE the season starts to get ready for those big days on the mountain. Go for runs or bike rides, or even hit the gym if that is your thing.
The last thing you want to do is pull a muscle in the first week because you are not prepared, or have to end you day after 3 runs because your cardio is not there. Get in shape!
Looking for jobs in Banff? Check out the Banff Job Board HERE!
4. Spend Wisely
Living in ski resorts is expensive. It would be wise to arrive with a solid amount of savings in your bank account relative to the planned length of your trip. You are going to have to spend a bunch of money right away to secure a house, buy the necessary equipment, and of course head out on the town to meet new people.
Once the season gets going and you are working, try to avoid the temptation to go out every single night and blow your pay on shots at the bar. Try to buy groceries and cook at home to avoid expensive dinners at restaurants all the time, although it is nice to try out some cool places to eat. A great tip is to bring your own snacks on the mountain when riding, so you can avoid eating at the on-mountain lodges which are very expensive and often tourist traps. Chuck a sandwich or energy bar in your pocket and eat them on the chairlift! This will also save you the need to go inside to eat so you can get more runs in.
Check out our Ultimate Checklist of what to bring on your trip HERE
5. Be Safe
Last but not least, be safe during your winter ski season adventure! Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous, so never push yourself beyond your limits on the mountain. Always ride with a buddy or friends so if something happens there is someone to help. Especially on the big snow days when the powder is deep – you must always ride with someone and if possible wear a whistle.
Winter weather in ski resorts will be cold, so when you go out at night be sure to wear enough layers to keep you warm on your walk home and avoid frostbite on exposed skin.