Whistler Blackcomb 2012 / 2013 living expences guide
Sorry Will you will have to cut that wardrobe down!
How much you can take will depend on the luggage restriction your airline gives you. Most nowadays allow an amount of either 20kg or 23kg. It does depend on the airline.
You can get away with carrying a big jacket (ski jacket) and a jumper on the plane. So suck it up and carry those if you want more space/weight in your bag.
You wont need much in variety for clothes (and sounds like you are a shopper anyway so you will enjoy shopping for new stuff!) In reality how much are you going to wear your stuff when at least 30hrs a week you will be in a uniform and then most of your time off will be in snowboarding gear on the mountain!
Re Staff accom I was always allowed to have friends over in the resorts I worked at. One resort (Heavenly) had a rule that you couldn’t have more than double occupancy in the flat (i lived with 6 ppl so we could never have more than 6 guests over at one time) was considered a “party” and parties were banned. But we did many times! I can’t tell you how many times someone would knock on our door and we would shout - “you can’t come in we are at double occupancy” but they would still come in.
Thanks for the reply!
yes i know i am going to have to cut down the suitcase! and when you put it like that it does sound like i should be okay with just a few clothes rather than my whole wardrobe!
Okay well that sounds okay i guess! will people in staff accommodation be young and up for a laugh? wouldn’t want to have someone older that complains every time we put some music on!
also… what kind of footwear do you wear around whistler when casual? snow boots? or just normal canvas type shoes?
thanks will
she’s right. a couple of pairs of jeans and a few different shirts will be plenty! Even then you probably won’t use half of it!
There’ll be heaps of young ones around so don’t stress about it. You’re going to have an awesome time!
The season I did, I just wore a pair of DC skate shoes the whole winter. Whenever I wasn’t in my snowboard boots, I was wearing them - at work etc.
Yea a good pair of skate shoes will do you the season. But probably best to wait till you get to the USA to get them, probably $30-50 rather than $100+ in Aus or 50+ pounds in the UK
Hey Will just thought of something else.
My first season I went with BUNAC, make sure you go to the pre dearture sessions you will meet heaps of people there who will either be head for Whis like your self or other resorts. Good to make friends and give you road trip opportunities!
I traveled for about a week with a good crew before I headed to Heavenly.
Hey Will just thought of something else.
My first season I went with BUNAC, make sure you go to the pre dearture sessions you will meet heaps of people there who will either be head for Whis like your self or other resorts. Good to make friends and give you road trip opportunities!
I traveled for about a week with a good crew before I headed to Heavenly.
Pre-Departure sessions? didn’t know they did these! I know they do swap sessions when you get there etc…
Okay… I have come to the conclusion that I am going to have to be brutal when choosing clothes! haha
Hi thanks for the reply! much appreciated.
Don’t worry I will have atleast that amount hopefully. Should be more as I think I am going to need it when buying equipment!
Yeah I hope to make the most of my month in whistler before the job (if I get It) begins. As you say keep my options open.
Okay I will make sure To get my SIN sorted in vanc. and will probably also sort bank and sim card out. What if I am unsure of my whistler address as this stage however?
Will I be able to get to whistler for the fair on the second if my flight is on the 31st october? be tight but i think i should be able to do it? even if it is not for good?
Yeah in terms of packing i’d say my main concern is clothes, as I have quite a few and don’t want to leave many behind! I’ll obviously buy toiletries when i’m out there so that shouldn’t be an issue! do you know of any luggage guides? the bunac one is very minimal (A hiking backpack) and there is no chance i’d get my stuff in to one of them plus it is impossible to get stuff out of one.
Okay will bare all of that in mind when looking for gear! that sounds like the simplest and most enjoyable part of my initial weeks in whistler.
Yes I have heard whistler is a very social place! And hopefully I will meet many good friends. Will the whistler community thread be a separate one to the one we are currently on?
One more thing… I will ask at the interview some things re accommodation/hours. But I was wondering if any of you had any knowledge on how lenient they are with having people over to your apartment if it is staff accommodation?! as it’d be a bummer if i couldn’t have anyone over. And also what will the age range be at four seasons staff wise, i’m only 18/19 and would be good to know a few people around the same age! any one have any idea? also where is the best place to meet people of this age?
thanks again, will
Hey mate, no worries.
If you open a bank account in Vancouver, go with TD Canada Trust or RBC, as they are the two main banks in Whistler. To be honest, if you’re short on time in Vancouver, this could wait until you’re in Whistler. Main priority, get your SIN application in. Address and opening hours here.
You should be able to get into Whistler by then. What day and time does your flight arrive in Vancouver? First thing, hustle to get your SIN application ASAP and then hop on a bus to Whistler. Next priority: bank account, followed by a phone. If you can make it to the job fair, definitely get there!
You will need to speak to your airline about baggage restrictions. Don’t stress too much, you can always buy cheap clothes over there if you need, and you will probably buy a few things regardless. Pack light. You’ll be happy you did.
The Whistler community thread will start probably next month. You will be able to find it stickied at the top of the Mountains and Travel section. If you want to read last year’s thread, you can find it here. There’s a lot of good information in there and heaps of photos from the season. Have a look through…
You will meet a lot of people around your age in staff housing. It’s pretty chilled; you will be able to have friends over. Of course there are rules but it’s just like living with a big bunch of friends. I’ve never actually stayed in staff housing, but I’ve been over there many times. There are three Whistler Blackcomb staff housings: Brio, Westside and Glacier. Brio is nice and also walking distance from the village (this would be my pick). Westside is nice as well and on the other side of Creekside, so you will need a bus pass. Glacier is more run-down and it’s actually located on Blackcomb mountain, which can be a good or bad thing (bad when you’re trying to get home late at night).
One thing I would definitely invest in: waterproof boots. I know some people above said skate shoes, but it just doesn’t cut it in Whistler. If you wear skate shoes on a day to day basis, be prepared to have wet feet. You can find the waterproof boots in many stores in Whistler. Shop around, they often have good discounts.
Hey Will just thought of something else.
My first season I went with BUNAC, make sure you go to the pre dearture sessions you will meet heaps of people there who will either be head for Whis like your self or other resorts. Good to make friends and give you road trip opportunities!
I traveled for about a week with a good crew before I headed to Heavenly.
Pre-Departure sessions? didn’t know they did these! I know they do swap sessions when you get there etc…
Hmmm maybe they don’t have them any more (It was 15years ago when I did it!) But double check I wouldn’t think they would do away with it as it would be a really helpful thing.
Hey will
Jeremy(rider) just gave u alot of stuff to start off with. SIN is your main priority, as u can’t get a job without it! when they ask for an address give them the general delivery whistler post office address(they hold mail for 2-4 weeks). u will get a sin number to get u started at the office then 2 weeks later they send u out a card(u can get a job with just the number, its the same as a tax file number, but some jobs actually want a copy of the card eventually).
bank account take about 5min to do in town and the banks r open 6-7days a week. TD and rbc r both good banks to go with. same with phones can b setup in whistler, rogers and bell r in the village. but b prepared pre-paid phone cards can cost alot and sometimes plan deals can work out great with phones included or sim card deals, for 6months, just make sure its a pay as u go plan.
start by setting the whistler blackcomb site as your homepage on your computer, https://secure.whistlerblackcomb.com/ats/currentjobs.aspx and start applying. also there are 2 local newspapers “the pique” and “the question” with job classifieds on their website, there is also a whistler specific craigslist (http://whistler.en.craigslist.ca) with classifieds for housing, jobs and to buy stuff. can normally get a whole snowbord bindings and outwear setup on craiglist for cheap at the during of the season. staff housing with the mountain is great for the first season and ull meet lotsa people really quickly. but it is alot a mad house alot like a college dorm but worse so dont have big expectations.
when u getting into town will? theres a fair few boardworld people around that can give some advice.
Hey mate, no worries.
If you open a bank account in Vancouver, go with TD Canada Trust or RBC, as they are the two main banks in Whistler. To be honest, if you’re short on time in Vancouver, this could wait until you’re in Whistler. Main priority, get your SIN application in. Address and opening hours here.
You should be able to get into Whistler by then. What day and time does your flight arrive in Vancouver? First thing, hustle to get your SIN application ASAP and then hop on a bus to Whistler. Next priority: bank account, followed by a phone. If you can make it to the job fair, definitely get there!
You will need to speak to your airline about baggage restrictions. Don’t stress too much, you can always buy cheap clothes over there if you need, and you will probably buy a few things regardless. Pack light. You’ll be happy you did.
The Whistler community thread will start probably next month. You will be able to find it stickied at the top of the Mountains and Travel section. If you want to read last year’s thread, you can find it here. There’s a lot of good information in there and heaps of photos from the season. Have a look through…
You will meet a lot of people around your age in staff housing. It’s pretty chilled; you will be able to have friends over. Of course there are rules but it’s just like living with a big bunch of friends. I’ve never actually stayed in staff housing, but I’ve been over there many times. There are three Whistler Blackcomb staff housings: Brio, Westside and Glacier. Brio is nice and also walking distance from the village (this would be my pick). Westside is nice as well and on the other side of Creekside, so you will need a bus pass. Glacier is more run-down and it’s actually located on Blackcomb mountain, which can be a good or bad thing (bad when you’re trying to get home late at night).
One thing I would definitely invest in: waterproof boots. I know some people above said skate shoes, but it just doesn’t cut it in Whistler. If you wear skate shoes on a day to day basis, be prepared to have wet feet. You can find the waterproof boots in many stores in Whistler. Shop around, they often have good discounts.
Okay will make sure I get my SIN sorted in Vancouver! Pretty sure Swap at BUNAC help sort this out for you anyway! And as for my bank account, will try but if I run out of time re the job fair I will get it sorted in whistler!
My flight is on the 31s October at 2:25pm UK time… canada I believe is 7 hours behind? I am unsure of the flight length!
I have an unlocked phone that I am going to take with me! can anyone on here recommend any good companies to go with? heard solo do a good monthly package?
Yes have been taking time to digest that thread as it’s about 99 pages long but have found some helpful posts in it!
Okay will keep an eye out for these waterproof boots! makes sense when there will be so much snow around.
thanks again, will
Hey will
Jeremy(rider) just gave u alot of stuff to start off with. SIN is your main priority, as u can’t get a job without it! when they ask for an address give them the general delivery whistler post office address(they hold mail for 2-4 weeks). u will get a sin number to get u started at the office then 2 weeks later they send u out a card(u can get a job with just the number, its the same as a tax file number, but some jobs actually want a copy of the card eventually).
bank account take about 5min to do in town and the banks r open 6-7days a week. TD and rbc r both good banks to go with. same with phones can b setup in whistler, rogers and bell r in the village. but b prepared pre-paid phone cards can cost alot and sometimes plan deals can work out great with phones included or sim card deals, for 6months, just make sure its a pay as u go plan.
start by setting the whistler blackcomb site as your homepage on your computer, https://secure.whistlerblackcomb.com/ats/currentjobs.aspx and start applying. also there are 2 local newspapers “the pique” and “the question” with job classifieds on their website, there is also a whistler specific craigslist (http://whistler.en.craigslist.ca) with classifieds for housing, jobs and to buy stuff. can normally get a whole snowbord bindings and outwear setup on craiglist for cheap at the during of the season. staff housing with the mountain is great for the first season and ull meet lotsa people really quickly. but it is alot a mad house alot like a college dorm but worse so dont have big expectations.
when u getting into town will? theres a fair few boardworld people around that can give some advice.
Hi thanks marcab for your input!
Okay thanks for that tip on giving your address as the whistler post office! I was very confused as was not certain if I would have secured employment by the time I apply for my SIN.
Would you recommend a pay monthly sim only plan? as i am taking over an unlocked phone which i think will work out there?
Is there a type of bank account/card that you would recommend? obviously here in the UK there are lots of different ones… atm I have a debit current account with nationwide… is it the same sort of thing out there?
thanks. I am regularly checking the whistler bc employment page and have applied for one job so far but the others either need experience or are skilled. should I look at craigs list and pique before I go? or is that more for when you’re actually in whistler?
Hoping to get in to whistler by the job fair on the 2nd of November, will be a push but hopefully it will be worth it! Okay thats great! you all seem to know what you’re on about so would be a major help.
thanks, will
No problems will.
yeah the sin thing is generally the first thing u’ll need to give ur employer when u get into town.
I went with virgin mobile, they had some really good plans that are pay as u go for $35 a month and i havent gone over the plan usage. so phones will work, some will not, i brought over a htc and an iphone, my iphone worked with the sims over here, but my htc wouldnt. they can check that in store if u are in van doing stuff it could b worth checkin out.
bank account really depends on the banks, chequing is probably the way to go, they give u an atm card n all that. its best for everything. but the guys in the bank probably can give u a better idea of what wll work for u.
it would hurt to have a look at craigslist n pique, but they r kinda like short term classifieds and change pretty regularly.
Hi All,
Just on the topic of phone providers. I am still looking through all the forums for advice but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with 7/11’s Speakout prepaid plans? I am really interested in being able to track my runs/gps locate myself on the mountain and the unlimited data on this plan seems like the way to go. However, I’m not sure if the provider limits these sort of functions, because i’ve heard that iMessage/Skype/Viber etc are all blocked.
Thanks in advance!
Hi All,
Just on the topic of phone providers. I am still looking through all the forums for advice but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with 7/11’s Speakout prepaid plans? I am really interested in being able to track my runs/gps locate myself on the mountain and the unlimited data on this plan seems like the way to go. However, I’m not sure if the provider limits these sort of functions, because i’ve heard that iMessage/Skype/Viber etc are all blocked.
Thanks in advance!
I’ve just got to Whistler just over a week ago and am using the 711 Speakout plan. I bought it while I was in Vancouver, seems to work fine except as you mentioned - iMessage/Skype/Viber, etc. are all blocked unless on WiFi. Reception and internet speeds are good - it uses the Rogers network. Google maps still works fine for GPS locating.
It does come with a full sized SIM, so I had to cut it down to size to get it to work in my iPhone. There’s guides online to show how to do this.
Hey Lachstock
I’m doing my first season this year and just landed in Vancouver and have picked up a speakout sim and you are right about apps not working straight away.
The speakout data is browsing only so apps wont work unless you play around with some settings. There are some guides on how to do this on a few different forums and it was relatively easy to do for my android phone and you can do it to iphones as well which I’m guessing you have. There are some things that still don’t work so just use google and you can find out which they are but I think it includes most voip apps.
Also you need to be careful of the frequencies used by the rogers network (the one speakout uses) as your phone might not get 3g only 2g.
Hope that helps