Whistler. What to do between job fair and season start?
Hey,
So basically, if everything goes to plan, I’ll go to that job fair in whistler at the end of sept and secure myself a job with the mountain.
The season (and probably my job) won’t start until mid November so what do people do for the 6 spare weeks?
I’m guessing whistler will be quiet as it’s between seasons (anyone correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve never been before).
Anybody else been in this position before? What did you do?
Hahaha yeah did that last season my wife started in October and I didn’t start training for work until mid November. I spent my days wandering around the village and talking to heaps of the shop guys about places to ride and boards and stuff. I also played host to friends who had never been to the snow before, so picking out clothes and boards and stuff.
In terms of stuff to do there isn’t much lots of rain around. Lots of restraunts have really cheap meal deals going so that’s always good.. Other than that fill your hard drive with movies and get comfy.. 
Alternatively join a gym and train for the winter ahead.
Oh yeah.. Squat. Lots of squats and leg workouts..
Don’t talk to me about squats.. I’ve got a feeling I’ll be doing over a thousand of those guys getting my knee back to strength after surgery haha
Welcome to Boardworld, Ben.
I agree with the others. It’s a great chance to explore and get fit. There’s some really good trails worth exploring. I used to hike up the mountain while there is still grass. I think the most productive thing to do is just be active and get your body ready for the season ahead.
There’s also shops, restaurants, bars, the movie theatre etc. to pass the time.
See if you can jump in a car going to Squamish or Vancouver so you can shop at Walmart or similar to stock up on cheap supplies and food.
Also, some of the yoga studios offer some really good introductory deals. It’s a great way to get into shape.
Cheers for the reply guys.
is it still possible to do abit of mountain biking in october??
Also another question with regards to getting gear. I literally need to buy everything. Board, boots, pants, jacket, goggles the lot! might even buy a new hat if im feeling good 
Is there a big enough choice and is it cheap enough at whistler or you think id be better of going to vancouver for it?
Hey Ben,
Me and the girlfriend are in the same boat. We will prob buy everything in Vancouver. Pretty sure they have a good selection of shops
Danho,
You plan on getting a job with the mountain though? If so, I hear you get like 25% off at a lot of shops in town so maybe that will work out cheaper
Mountain biking through October is still good, most of the valley trails should be good, there were people still riding up to Jan this year as it was a slow start to winter.
If you’re going to be here in October then your best bet for buying gear is the Turkey sale they have on the thanksgiving weekend where they sell off all of last years gear and this years sample stock at a pretty discounted rate. Then use the staff 25% off to get whatever you can’t find at the turkey sale. The staff discount on essential items like helmets, protective gear and some layering is 40% off for staff from memory so you’re definitely better off buying in Whistler if you’ll be working for the mountain. If you have a season pass you’re also entitled to 20% off from memory.
I highly recommend coming up for the turkey day sales some gear you can get awesome bargains.
The downhill mountain biking park closes on Canadian thanksgiving but as Finney said there are still valley trails to ride.
I wasn’t too impressed with prices and selection range for gear in Vancouver from memory I only bought some board socks. If you arrive in whistler after the turkey day sale there are a few spots in town that will still be selling the same stuff dirt cheap just to get rid of it.
Ahhh top guys. I never knew about this turkey sale thing so thank you! I’ll definitely be checking that out. Wouldn’t know a good deal if it smacked me in the face though when it comes to this sort of gear. I’ll have to do my research (I’ll definitely just end up buying the snowboard with the best graphics on haha)
The other option is going to the states to buy a snowboard. You may only save $100 or so but the outlet stores in Seattle (Tulalip) are really good. The Nike shop had boots for $100 and Zumiez gave me a good deal on my board (haggle a bit).
What type of board are you looking for Ben? And what’s your weight / skill level?
Most of the guys here have lots of board knowledge and we’ll help you with a few options that would suit (and then you can choose the prettiest one)
I think America will be too much hassle to be honest. I’ll just take my chances at whistler.
And with regards to board…. I have NO idea. Id say I’m somewhere between beginner and intermediate. I can get down a mountain without decking it anyway. I’m 6’1 and about 200lb.
I’ve done a little research and will probably just go for the all-mountain board. Apart from that, I’ve no idea what to look for. How do I even know when I see one if it’s ‘all-mountain’?
How do I even know when I see one if it’s ‘all-mountain’?
This is a good start to your board education
https://www.boardworld.com.au/forums/viewthread/4119/
Enjoy!
^^ Absolutely. Have a read of that thread, Ben. Let me know which camber profile(s) sounds appealing to you. Personally, I think the CamRock profile if your best best for a “do it all” board for Whistler. If I had to choose one board for the entire season, it would be CamRock for sure.