Northern Hemisphere Musings
Worked in Whistler as an instructor. Done five seasons over there, although only worked for the mountain for two of them. I absolutely love Whister and I would highly recommend doing a season there. Such an incredible place.
I’ve been to Big White as well. Cool place and sweet riding, but I don’t know if I’d want to be stuck there for a season (at least not since I’ve experienced Whistler).
I’ve spent a couple of months living in Breckenridge (Colorado) as well. Pretty cool over there, visited a bunch of resorts. Again, I’d still pick Whistler over anywhere I’ve been to. The vibe, the mountains, the lifestyle… just can’t beat it.
awesome! Cheers for the tips! Yeah Im thinking of just winging it and going by myself, Im bound to make friends while Im there. Some mates at Perisher are considering doing Whistler as well so maybe I’ll see them 
who knows, Im just keen to chase the winter around the globe now.
How much money do you reckon I should have in my bank account before heading to Canada, I’ll definitely be working.
I have done a season 2010-2011 in Switzerland, Verbier. One of the best free ride mountains in Europe as the Free Ride Extreme finishes up there. It’s got great parties every day for apre and it’s got some friendly season aires. The best thing I found is that the season aires look after each other with cheap drinks at the bar and cheap meals. Biggest down side is the price of every thing. Cost you minimum of 100CHF ($99AUS) for two people for a meal and that’s being modest and without mates rates.
No work permit agreement between Australia and Switzerland so you will need a UK or Euro passport. French speaking which will test you out and you will need to learn some French just to get by every day and the locals love that you try to speak it at least.
The most amazing thing is the snow which you can get over a meter a night and the scenery will blow you away. It’s connected with four valleys which are basically four resorts which are massive. You can go off-piste every where. There is a lot of Brits about so you can always find some one to have a beer with and speak some English.
I went back this season past and decided not to do a whole season and check out some other resorts. Highlight was going to Zermatt which is the Toblerone logo of the mountain. It’s a no car policy resort and catch a train in to the center of the town. They have electric cars to take you around and even a train through a mountain at a 60 degree angle.
I would highly recommend it for the experience.
yeah I’d suggest going somewhere a bit different. I’m sure whistler is epic on pretty much all counts…but going somewhere a bit different will have many benefits. Any Canadian/American resorts seem a bit like the easy option to me!
yeah fair call! Im going to go to Canada this season (if it happens) simply because it’s my first season os and it’s kinda a last minute on a whim decision. I’m definitely keen to try something different in coming seasons. I love Japan for example and would be really interested in living there. Europe would be amazing too!
How much money do you reckon I should have in my bank account before heading to Canada, I’ll definitely be working.
I think you need to show a minimum of $2000 in your bank account before they will validate your work visa. $2000-$3000 should be enough to get settled if you’re well organised. Make sure you apply for your work visa sooner rather than later. All the details in the link below.
cheers for that! I heard you need $4000.. Im aiming to save $5000. See what happens! Ive been without an income since mid July haha whooopie!
Hey Ash you need to go check other threads around here! you are missing out! (almost missed the shred accom!) in particular maybe think about looking at the separated at birth thread!
cheers for that! I heard you need $4000.. Im aiming to save $5000. See what happens! Ive been without an income since mid July haha whooopie!
I think $4000 is correct actually. Sorry, it’s been a couple of years since I validated my last work visa.
Okay - final offer from Best flights. (she did an awesome job juggling dates and destinations around to find me the cheapest fare)
$2842
20 Dec - SYD to FRA
2 Jan - FRA to SFO
13 Jan SFO to SYD
Not the most exciting of round the world fares but it will do the job!
Still better than my RTW trip… Sydney -> Sydney. No aeroplanes… FAIL!
Is that sydney to frankfurt? That is the shortest round the world trip, ever!
Yes Frankfurt Cords.
Oh well I don’t mind - a holiday is a holiday! :D
*sigh*
I still haven’t worked out if I’m heading OS this summer, I really want to but I don’t think it’s going to happen.