Need advice on working a season in Whistler!

[ThirtyTwo]

Hello all!

First off I'd like to apologize as this post is going to be quite long!

To start I'll give a brief description of myself.
My names Mitch, I'm 20 and I'm from the UK. I've been snowboarding for about 5 years and just got back from Courchevel, France I'm at a stage where I'm comfortable going down most slopes and just beginning to learn some freestyle (butters, ollie/nollie, 180's and basic grabs).

I'd really like to do a whole season in Whistler, find a job and get as much time on the slopes as I can, I've searched Google and this forum and I've gathered some information but I'm still lacking a few questions which is why I am making this thread!

First question being, does Whistler sound right for me? I don't want to waste my time with visa's and saving up money only to get over there and hate it. I know a few people who have been and they say they have loved it so I can't see why I wouldn't, plus it's Canada!

Second, how easy is it living in Whistler? I know it's expensive, but how easy is it to find a job? a place to live? to afford rent on a bartender/hotel guest wage?

Third, should I consider somewhere else in Canada? Maybe somewhere less crowded, more affordable

Fourth, how is the terrain? I like the odd challenge now and then but I'm more of a steep blue/red kind a guy, some days I just want to be on a easy slope and practice my butters and presses which I'm not confident enough to do on steep terrain yet.

I think that's all the questions I have at the moment, again, sorry for the long post and hopefully someone can help me out!

[jjz]

I've never been to whistler but from what ive heard its big enough that everyone could find the right terrain for them. But again ive never been.

[Donutz]

Terrain is not an issue, but as regards jobs, you are competing with everyone else on the planet.

[Lamps]

Originally Posted by Donutz

Terrain is not an issue, but as regards jobs, you are competing with everyone else on the planet.

actually, he's only competing with canadians, and 25 and unders from the commonwealth.

[Donutz]

Originally Posted by Lamps

actually, he's only competing with canadians, and 25 and unders from the commonwealth.

OK, I exaggerated slightly. I'm pretty sure that's still more people than jobs...

[ThirtyTwo]

Thanks for the replies!

I knew getting a job there would hard. I'm guessing my best bet would be to apply while I'm still in the UK and when I have a job offer then move over.

Does Whistler have a website for job listings?

[Lamps]

Classifieds Pique Newsmagazine | Whistler, Canada | PiqueNewsmagazine.com | Classified Ads

Look here. Also the main employer

Whistler Blackcomb - Jobs at Whistler Blackcomb

[mitch19]

Originally Posted by Lamps

actually, he's only competing with canadians, and 25 and unders from the commonwealth.

It's actually 30 where they cut off the working holiday visa and then there's still ways around it, but thats a whole other story

Let me start off by saying so far I have done two seasons in Whistler and have lived here since October 2011.

First question being, does Whistler sound right for me? I don't want to waste my time with visa's and saving up money only to get over there and hate it. I know a few people who have been and they say they have loved it so I can't see why I wouldn't, plus it's Canada!

Whistler is downright awesome, super chilled, super friendly and bloody honest (hell I've lost my wallet three times and my Iphone 4 and got them all back). It is a great place to live.

Second, how easy is it living in Whistler? I know it's expensive, but how easy is it to find a job? a place to live? to afford rent on a bartender/hotel guest wage?

This is where it gets tricky. If you can get here WAY before November. I would aim to be in Whistler by the start of October at least and come with a good $3000-$5000 to get started and be comfortable. Rent in Whistler is bullshit and most the landlords are out to scam you but you just have to be careful. If you can avoid using craiglist I'd recommend it, but in saying that everywhere I have lived was off Craigslist. You want to secure a job and a place to live before everyone start arriving to Whistler or places will (literally, I have seen it first hand) have a pile of resumes 30cm high. I work as a night supervisor in a hotel so I am able to ride everyday till around lunch time, works for me

Third, should I consider somewhere else in Canada? Maybe somewhere less crowded, more affordable

Can not comment but there are plenty of options if you decide to stay away from Whistler.

Fourth, how is the terrain? I like the odd challenge now and then but I'm more of a steep blue/red kind a guy, some days I just want to be on a easy slope and practice my butters and presses which I'm not confident enough to do on steep terrain yet.

AWESOME! The place is huge. You can find terrain from basically flat to some stupid steep you'll poop your pants.


Whistler is an awesome place, had some of the best days riding here and the best nights out. Overall for a season, as long as you aren't expecting to be able to save while you are here, you will have a BLAST!

[snowklinger]

Mitch meet Mitch, thanks for letting us all be a part of this.

[Soggysnow]

I'd like to add to OP Mitch that visas for the UK are EXTREMELY competitive since they have made re-application possible in the last couple of years. I have seen many friends miss out. I think the new lot of visas are released each Jan, so make sure you you make a decision before then...there are a LOT of people from the UK here now which is a nice addition to the huge population of Aussies and Ontario folk.

Whistler is wonderful and there is a great community for sure who will help you out if ever you get stuck and there is the option of sledding, touring etc nearby if that is something that you are also interested in. Don't get me started on the summers either..