Hey guys!
I've never actually posted on NS but I've been lurking for years.. The reason I'm posting now is that I need help from the skiing community around the world!
I had an arrangement to volunteer in exchange for accommodation, lift pass, and food in Niseko, Japan for the winter. However, after arriving, I found out that my expectations were misaligned with those of my boss (who was sitting in Australia and profiting from my work) and I barely got to ski. After 3 weeks of being in Niseko, I've left the position and am now sitting in Sapporo at a hostel trying to figure out what to do next.
Instead of taking this hard and just going home to Utah, I find this to be an excellent opportunity. I'm now free until March, I have all my ski and backcountry gear packed/with me, and I have enough money to buy a plane ticket anywhere in the world. It's basically a skier's dream. If you know of anyone looking to hire for the season immediately (volunteer exchange or paid position), please let me know! I can be anywhere as quick as a plane can get me there. I prefer to go somewhere with lots of snow of course (why I'm in Japan in the first place). My first choice is to stay in Japan since I'm already here. However, I would gladly go anywhere in the world that the snow is flying as long as it is a fair deal. My primary concerns are accommodation, food, and skiing.
I'm adaptable to work conditions and have experience in a number of fields. I've basically been running a ski lodge with a few other unpaid volunteers for the past 3 weeks... I am an Avalanche Rescue Technician, Wilderness EMT, and High Angle Rescue Technician so I could potentially work as ski patrol or on the hill doing something else as well. I also know my way around a camera and have my own gear. What I'm saying is that I'm willing to do basically anything (fair of course) as long as it enables my skiing until March!!
If you know of anything, please let me know or pass along my information! I am looking to jump on the best opportunity I am offered. I do not want to sit in this hostel in Sapporo much longer. Keep in mind that I am traveling on a US passport.
Also, if you have any ideas, recommendations, advice, or help for me in this situation... I am open to it. I'm considering other options such as driving from AK to UT and skiing along the way, but budget could be an issue with something like this.
Thanks NS, come through for me!