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March, 2024

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Working at whistler for the winter

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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
I'm taking a gap year before college and was wondering if working at whis was a good idea .. I've heard some people say you should get a job somewhere off the mountain so that you can actually ski but having a free seasons pass and deals on food would be nice.

Any info would be appreciated. Also, how old are most of the employees? Ill be 18
Mar 24 2014 9:33AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
You live Canada? Go to revelstoke. That where I would work if I could get a dam visa.
Mar 24 2014 10:06AM
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ski0
Posts: 2321 - Karma: 5,370
Probably the best thing you could do is get a job at a restaurant at the base that is run by the mountain. You still get the discounts that way and will usually work at night.

I wouldn't recommend staff housing (too much riding on your job, and shitty accommodations), and I wouldn't work as a liftie or another job that will take up your precious riding time.
Mar 24 2014 11:58AM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
I'm not really set on whistler.. Any other suggestions ?
Mar 24 2014 4:33PM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,012
becoming a liftie or a server in a lodge shouldn't be too hard when you're 18. you're gonna work shitty hours though so don't expect to ski like every day or make bank
Mar 24 2014 4:36PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367

Kicking horse, Red, any resort up in BC would be sick.

Mar 25 2014 9:00AM
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SDrvpr
Posts: 851 - Karma: 649
Depends if you what type of skiing you are into. Kicking horse, fernie, red, revelstoke are good for powder and touring. Whistler is still sick for powder and touring (not nearly as good as the others especially revelstoke) but is sick for park. Whistler also has a better party environment and if you're turning 19 this year, it has quite a few fun places to go.
Mar 25 2014 9:18AM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3426 - Karma: 11,362
big white or silverstar would be nice cause they've both got decent parks and good terrain and it's got kelowna near by. plus employee housing if you work for the mountain.
Mar 25 2014 9:33AM
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schism
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 389
If you go to silverstar, try and find your own accommodations, the staff housing there was pretty bad when I saw it. Four people per room? Fuck that.
Mar 25 2014 10:16AM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
Yea I'm probably going for whistler then , I'm from the east coast so I'm not looking for all time terrain
Mar 25 2014 2:20PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
Work as a rental tech, get split shifts, ski every day.
Mar 25 2014 2:26PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
There are piles of jobs off mountain and you can even get a spirit pass. That being said, moving to whistler with no experience or connections in November will get you fuck all. Working for the mountain has its perks. Staff accom is basically a college dorm with no home work and less rules. Fun for a bit im sure, but id never do it.
Mar 25 2014 5:58PM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
I have no experience or connections. I think I will stay in staff housing. I've heard you can't choose roommates but do they at least group you with kids your age? Anyone?
Mar 25 2014 6:56PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
I don't know if it will be by age, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't put an 18 year old lifty with 35 year old in marketing. I would say most 'mature' staff would have their own place off the mountain.
Mar 25 2014 6:59PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
Just be aware that living in whistler is going to cost a lot more than at other resorts
Mar 25 2014 11:14PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
staff housing is awesome. glacer 4 years in a row now #glaciergetto #skibumlife
Mar 28 2014 10:37PM
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vinnypaz
Posts: 146 - Karma: 540
what is the best time to arrive and find a job?
Mar 30 2014 5:03PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
Early fall.
Mar 30 2014 6:44PM
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Mr.Rip
Posts: 4 - Karma: 11
best way to go at whistler is to get your ski or board instructor certification and stay in staff housing.
you get to ski for work, even if its with beginners, and you meet a lot of people. staff housing is an endless party too and if youre turning 19 that would be a good time.
Mar 31 2014 11:07PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
Can't tell if this is serious. I have worked as an instructor for quite a while but I refuse to do it more than part-time. You get the perks of the pass, but skiing with beginners on every powday sucks.
Apr 1 2014 12:55AM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
And I doubt whistler would hire many level 1s with no experience
Apr 1 2014 12:56AM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
I'm definitely not planning on instructing
Apr 1 2014 2:37PM
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blindside
Posts: 5619 - Karma: 1,199
My god..


I made the move from Montreal to Whistler this season and work as a lifty. It's nice. I live in Westside staff housing, which is in creekside (10 minute drive south of the village) and is much nicer than glacier. There are no rowdy parties or anything so if that's what you're after I wouldn't recommend it.

As far as skiing I work 4 days and ski 3, I could easily give away shifts if I wanted to ski more, but I'm pretty content with the rhythm I have now. The pay is shit, but that's not what I'm here for. The perks are nice, for instance I have a locker at creekside, which is really convenient.

Come out and give it a try, at worst you can quit and do something else. The rate of attrition in Whistler is actually ridiculous. Aussies are ridiculous.
Apr 2 2014 5:46PM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
Can I apply for jobs from far away? If I were applying to be a liftie do I have to be in whistler for an interview? Can't imagine there are too many qualifications ..
Apr 2 2014 6:46PM
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blindside
Posts: 5619 - Karma: 1,199
No you can apply online through Whistler's website. They host hiring fairs in a few Eastcoast cities, there's one in Montreal and Toronto.
Apr 2 2014 7:50PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
ye I like the party vibe, always something to do

to be fair brio and westside are literally just bigger upgraded Glacier apartments.. also I get a single room, on the mountain, for $560 a week which is fucking awesome.

I work 4 days a week and ski 3 too, cept coz im a ski instructor, I make double what lifties make ;)

oh and lastly not all of us aussies are ridiculous, dick heads are.
Apr 5 2014 10:35PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
No you don't :P
Apr 6 2014 12:26AM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
Hahaha, It's funny because, yes, I do, and when I'm in Australia, i make almost triple. #candianwagelawssuck #makemad$$inaustralia
Apr 6 2014 11:52PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
Wait what? I thought you used to be an instructor in Whistler? Like 70% of kids instructors are first season level 1s...
Apr 6 2014 11:54PM
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msg
Posts: 1108 - Karma: 3,269
that's the way!

i'm planning on coming back for 2015 (spent this season just gone) but our crew has halved.. (we didn't work)

straya lol
Apr 7 2014 6:39AM
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albatross.
Posts: 4380 - Karma: 772
i worked as a cook when i was there and had night shifts so I could ski every day i wanted to, also got a free pass... I think its probably the best way to go

you cant ski every day without burning out but you never have to sit out a midweek pow day, and free food 5 days a week cuts down costs of living quite a bit
Apr 7 2014 2:17PM
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blindside
Posts: 5619 - Karma: 1,199
You realize it's proportionate to your cost of living. For instance a video game that costs around $60 in Canada is about $100 in Australia.
Apr 7 2014 9:00PM
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TZA.
Posts: 1462 - Karma: 181
Download-My-AppsCan't tell if this is serious. I have worked as an instructor for quite a while but I refuse to do it more than part-time. You get the perks of the pass, but skiing with beginners on every powday sucks.


Dont know what your talking about , I love instructig I work 3 or 4 days a week I have my own room in glacier staff , 2 of those teaching days my kids are local amd can rip the whole mountain in any condition . I also get paid 16.50 and just last week the end of club classes I cashed out 1100 in tips .,... its a great gig aside the odd beginner class
Apr 9 2014 12:05PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
TZA.Dont know what your talking about , I love instructig I work 3 or 4 days a week I have my own room in glacier staff , 2 of those teaching days my kids are local amd can rip the whole mountain in any condition . I also get paid 16.50 and just last week the end of club classes I cashed out 1100 in tips .,... its a great gig aside the odd beginner class


To each their own, I agree in terms of an actual job its a great gig, and WB is a good employer.

Personally, the reason I moved to Whistler was to ski, not to teach. So I preferred doing it on a part-time basis. Had I wanted to simply work and enjoy myself I think I would be on the same page. I still instruct (well coach) now, and I love it. But by doing it part-time I am able to spend more time doing the other stuff I like too.
Apr 9 2014 4:10PM
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beercan810
Posts: 11 - Karma: 16
If you are looking for the most days on the mountain a night job in one of the hotels or restaurants would be best. Cooks, night cleaners, kitchen stewards, food runner etc get a lot of time to go up the mountain...... if you work overnight you will miss some parties though!

Working for the mountain has it's pros and cons. You will meet a huge amount of people, especially if you live in staff hosuing. You can get some nice discounts on gear and of course the free ski pass. The pay is lower than hotel work but the perks make up for that to a certain extend. Check out the Fairmont Hotel as well. They have the perks of staff housing, free medical etc and pay better than the mountain.

It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want to chase powder and nothing else you could look into a place like Revelstoke or Kicking Horse, though jobs are harder to come by in these places. If you are looking to do some partying and shredding Whistler offers both.

Whatever you choose you will have a great time :)
Apr 17 2014 4:41AM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
blindsideYou realize it's proportionate to your cost of living. For instance a video game that costs around $60 in Canada is about $100 in Australia.


I don't remember the last time i bought a video game, dont spend money on stupid shit lol, in Whistler i make 19.55 an hour which is almost double what lifties and F&B staff would be on, in Australia, i make $30 an hour, I assure you things in Australia don't cost triple, and Whistler is a fuckng expensive place to live as well
Apr 19 2014 3:36AM
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blindside
Posts: 5619 - Karma: 1,199
SkiingsnowI don't remember the last time i bought a video game, dont spend money on stupid shit lol, in Whistler i make 19.55 an hour which is almost double what lifties and F&B staff would be on, in Australia, i make $30 an hour, I assure you things in Australia don't cost triple, and Whistler is a fuckng expensive place to live as well


I wrote 'for instance'.. And 30 an hour isn't minimum wage in Australia, so comparing it to minimum wage in Canada is meaningless. Things in Australia don't cost triple, they cost about one and a half times more, which, surprise, is pretty much exactly how much more your minimum wage is than Canada.

I'm over this.
Apr 19 2014 1:49PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
SkiingsnowI don't remember the last time i bought a video game, dont spend money on stupid shit lol, in Whistler i make 19.55 an hour which is almost double what lifties and F&B staff would be on, in Australia, i make $30 an hour, I assure you things in Australia don't cost triple, and Whistler is a fuckng expensive place to live as well


But to make that much I'm assuming you're a level 3, 'full-time' and experienced.

Where as a lifty making minimum wage like has no certs or experience. But thats dope you're enjoying the gig and happy with the cash.
Apr 19 2014 7:22PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
Download-My-AppsBut to make that much I'm assuming you're a level 3, 'full-time' and experienced.

Where as a lifty making minimum wage like has no certs or experience. But thats dope you're enjoying the gig and happy with the cash.


Very true, takes a while to get money that good, level 3 and currently on 8 back to back full time seasons.

First season was a bitch living on $11 an hours, i have no idea how lifties and other staff can afford to drink so much, though i guess they all come with savings specifically for having a good time haha
Apr 21 2014 1:52AM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
So I was at whistler this weekend talking to people and handing out resumes and shit.. Looks like getting a job isn't a problem but accomadation is pretty hard to find this winter..

Anyone need a roomate?
Oct 1 2014 2:41AM
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.Roockley.
Posts: 3857 - Karma: 4,000
Staff housing is your best bet, we put a room up on Facebook and I got 150+ messages about it! people were even offering to pay double what we asked

If any of you guys are able to drink I work at tapleys so come by and say what up, I'll hook you up with drinks and stuff
Nov 12 2014 6:14AM
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TZA.
Posts: 1462 - Karma: 181
.Roockley.Staff housing is your best bet, we put a room up on Facebook and I got 150+ messages about it! people were even offering to pay double what we asked

If any of you guys are able to drink I work at tapleys so come by and say what up, I'll hook you up with drinks and stuff


that danny kid working there is such a fucking dick though
Nov 13 2014 4:05PM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
.Roockley.Staff housing is your best bet, we put a room up on Facebook and I got 150+ messages about it! people were even offering to pay double what we asked


I was probably one of those people.. but yea I got staff housing and a job dishwashing at Dusty's. Staying in Brio but trying to switch to Glacier
Nov 13 2014 7:15PM
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unreal.shooter
Posts: 562 - Karma: 52
Im in glacier staff housing. working for whistler kids.
Dec 12 2014 11:23PM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
unreal.shooterIm in glacier staff housing. working for whistler kids.


I got evicted from brio staff housing.. if anyone is looking for a roomate let me know
Dec 14 2014 7:53PM
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Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
DGskiI got evicted from brio staff housing.. if anyone is looking for a roomate let me know


ah how?
Dec 15 2014 2:53AM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
Download-My-Appsah how?


Firecrackers
Dec 16 2014 4:39PM
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slim.chino
Posts: 19 - Karma: 29
Whistler/Blackcomb runs half of the village so you don't need to work on the mountain to pick up a free season pass. Jobs are much easier to come by than housing and staff housing isn't actually that bad and you can literally ski to your front door. Plus it's super cheap compared to renting in the suburbs, you don't get paid an awful lot and rent will drain your bank balance the quickest.

Come at the start of November and apply at the rental stores or just keep checking on the WB website for job openings around October.
Mar 30 2015 6:19PM
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SelfTitled
Posts: 39 - Karma: 11
If you're looking to maximize your riding time and still want a job with the mountain, I would suggest trying to get a night cleaner job at one of the restaurants. I believe the hours are from 4-12, and from what I've heard it's pretty laid back.

Like others have said, you pretty much have to be here by October at the latest to secure a job and a place to live. Be prepared to pay more than you'd expect for rent just incase you don't get staff housing.
Apr 1 2015 5:43PM
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gabbyAR
Posts: 3 - Karma: 55
Hi, I´m from Chile and I´m thinking to apply for the next season to Whistler, I want to know most about the housing (is better the housing that they offer or not?) and the life style there I was working in a ski resort in USA but idk if the same. Thanks.
Apr 18 2015 8:08AM
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DGski
Posts: 3491 - Karma: 2,328
gabbyARHi, I´m from Chile and I´m thinking to apply for the next season to Whistler, I want to know most about the housing (is better the housing that they offer or not?) and the life style there I was working in a ski resort in USA but idk if the same. Thanks.


Staff housing is cheap and pretty sick, just don't do stupid shit and get kicked out /I had an awesome season
May 27 2015 11:52PM
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