MY JOB IN A NUTSHELL
https://youtube.com/watch?v=D6nfZclJwTI%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_detailpage
Video: Whistler Blackcomb
Many of you have asked about my job at Whistler Blackcomb so I thought I’d write a short description about what else I was actually doing here besides riding and partying. I was working as Snow School Sales Host from November until April. I liked my job and I think it’s one of the best seasonal jobs with the mountain (together with ski/snowboard instructor job). My job was seasonal and therefore my contract with the mountain ended in April. The season started with one week training session in the beginning of November where we went thru our products, reservation system and some scenarios. It felt quite overwhelming at the beginning, since we have pretty many different products and options for customers with different age and different ability levels or diciplines. In the end we had final exam (lol) to test if we would be ready to start working. Everybody who passed the final exam, basically started working immediately after the training session (…and can’t remember that anybody failed).
My contract was full-time and I was working app. 40h /week. I usually started working at 7.45 and finished either around 5 or 6. We also had many ”split-shifts” meaning that you start working at 7.45 until 10/11 and come back to work at 3 and finish at 5/6. This was basically due to the fact that those were our rush hours, since most of the lessons run from 10 til 3 and sales is obviously done either before or after. I loved split-shifts, cause split-shift days were pretty easy days as well as ideal riding days (and you still had the chance to earn money besides riding).
The best part of our job was the fact that we were constantly changing between different sales locations and we got the chance to work with everybody from Snow School Sales. At the beginning of the season we were actually divided into two groups between Whistler and Blackcomb, but basically we kept working for both locations, despite the division split. ”My mountain” was Blackcomb and I could say I worked bit more for Blk locations than Whistler locations. I actually really liked that, since I think Blackcomb had more relaxed atmosphere than Whistler. Whistler was always bit busier than Blk and therefore more stressful as well.
Christmas & New Year were obviously our busiest seasons, when we all worked long hours, which was good money wise as well as riding wise, because holidays were usually the times when you wanted to avoid the mountain due to masses. During busy periods; be prepared to talk 8h in a row and still stay excited and offer exceptional customer service. Professional and exceptional customer service is very important at WB and you should always try to go above and beyond. Theres also Mystery Shopper program from Whistler Chamber of Commerce which is ”testing” employees about their customer service level.
Few words about my payment. So, I got paid hourly, there was basically no over-time compensation ( cause we weren’t allowed to work overtime) and there was also no sick leave compensation either. This is something good to keep in mind if you’re planning to work for the mountain. Theres also different stories about sponsorships, but so far I’ve heard that mountain only sponsors ski instructors (certain level), ski patrol and some chefs. So if you are thinking to get a sponsorship with the mountain, maybe think something else than snow school sales, since they don’t sponsor employees.
So ok, when you work for the mountain you may not get the best payment, BUT you definitely get the best benefits. Free season pass, -50% of food&beverages at WB F&B locations (theres quite many of them), discounts at Showcase and WB retail & rental stores as well as other good discounts with Club Shred. Besides the discounts you get the chance to make so many new friends if you work for the mountain. Most of the people who work for mountain know each other and theres always great parties for staff.
If theres anything else you’d like to know – feel free to ask.