Earn money as a qualified ski instructor in Whistler Blackcomb. This programme will give you access to an extremely sought-after job in one of the most exciting ski resorts in the world. Work with our highly experienced team, providing work permit advice and organise your accommodation and job before you head to Canada.
During the first 3 weeks, following a thorough local orientation, you will take part in the Whistler Blackcomb Ski School University Program. The world-class, certified ski pros will help you to gain your CSIA Level 1 qualification. For the rest of the season, you will have a job at Whistler Blackcomb Snow School, teaching children how to ski.
Duration: Approximately 24 weeks (the whole season)
Dates: Mid November – late April each year.
Arrival day: Thursday
Return day: Thursday
Eligibility: Childcare experience with 3-11 olds, (working for a Kids summer camp is ideal) and at least 5 full weeks skiing experience. You need to be physically fit too.
Age: 18-30 to be able to apply for the work permit
Applications now closed for 2024/5 season. Look at our 4, 7 and 11 week ski instructor courses here.
Book now for 2025/6 and lock in this years pricing! (offer valid until 31/09/2024)
Highlights
- Earning your prestigious CSIA Level 1 ski instructor certification and transforming that achievement into a rewarding and enriching experience as an instructor for an entire season
- Living in Whistler for a season, one of the world’s best ski resorts, regularly voted #1 in North America
- You’ll receive comprehensive relocation support, guiding you through the intricacies of the visa IEC process, offering interview and resume workshops to make you stand out, providing pre-departure briefings to ensure you’re prepared beofre you depart, and guaranteeing you comfortable accommodation throughout the season. Plus, our Whistler representatives will be your trusted allies, offering ongoing support and assistance during your adventure.
- Teach new skiing skills and witness the smiles of the children you mentor and their improvement because of your help. Your passion will resonate with students aged 3-11, creating a unique bond that goes beyond skiing.
- You’ll be making a living doing what you love, and the CSIA Level 1 qualification you’ll earn will stay with you for life. It’s not just a season; it’s an unforgettable journey that combines passion, professionalism, and a qualification that will open doors for years to come
Description
Welcome to Whistler, North America’s world-Class ski Destination attracting enthusiasts from around the globe.The powder’s thick, the snow is deep and the terrain is legendary! Train as a ski instructor and work the season in one of the world’s adventure capital, where you can do more than just ski and snowboard!
This is the perfect opportunity to spend every day on some of the best slopes in the world suitable for all skill levels. While others typically require a Level 2 CSIA qualification to apply for Whistler Blackcomb positions, with Oyster, you’ll leap straight into an instructor role as a freshly qualified CSIA Level 1 graduate!
How to Become a Ski Instructor
In your quest to become a ski instructor or join our ski instructor certification with us, don’t forget that some childcare experience with the lively age group of 3-11-year-olds can be a valuable asset! We’ve collaborated with Whistler Blackcomb to create an exhilarating instructor internship that guarantees to elevate your skiing skills. You’ll partake in an action-packed 3-week training course meticulously designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to teach for the season. This training is your pathway not only to supercharging your skiing but also to conquering the prestigious CSIA Level 1 certification.
Imagine learning from the very best, guided by exceptional Level 4 instructors who will leave you awestruck with their expertise. Prepare to be amazed: since 2011, our program boasts a jaw-dropping 99% first-time pass rate. If you’ve got at least 5 weeks of skiing under your belt and the confidence to conquer any terrain, success is practically guaranteed.
But that’s not all; your experience with 3-11-year-olds can be a golden ticket. The CSIA Level 1 isn’t just any certification; it’s your passport to international skiing excellence, allowing you to instruct around the world. Your Level 4 mentors won’t just coach you to ace the exam; they’ll also reveal the secrets of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, setting the stage for an unforgettable season of teaching the youngest skiers. As if that’s not enough, you can even level up to CSIA Level 2 and 3!
Upon successful course completion and navigating our selection process, your journey with Whistler Blackcomb begins. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your Canadian adventure. Our track record since 2004, in helping individuals with valuable childcare experience, secure dream ski jobs with Whistler Blackcomb, speaks for itself!
The Job
Prepare to go on an amazing journey, where your days as a gap year skiing instructor, will be filled working closely with children aged 3-11. The majority of our participants find themselves instructing the youngest skiers, aged 3-4. Your role as an instructor will encompass introducing the fundamentals of skiing in the beginner’s area, as well as guiding young learners on the gentle green and intermediate blue runs, tailored to the skill level of your group.
We ensure that every participant is exceptionally well-suited and fully prepared for their role in the picturesque landscapes of Canada. Expect a thorough interview process, with evaluations conducted by both Oyster and esteemed Whistler Kids senior managers, conducted over video call during the summer. Whether this is your first interivew, or fifth, the team at Oyster Worldwide will help you through!
The Whistler Kids season typically wraps up in mid-April, though the exact conclusion date hinges on the snow conditions. Our program, however, extends until the end of April, allowing you to relish the delights of spring skiing and take some well-deserved time to unwind after a fulfilling season. This provides the perfect opportunity for you to savor the moments before returning home or continuing your travels
“I’ve just returned from Whistler & I can definitely say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my life (so far..!) For my first time leaving home and travelling, I’d say Oyster were the best company to go with, as we later found out that other programs didn’t offer the support that we received” Jasmine, Whistler Kids instructor, 2021
Firstly we want to say a huge thank you for helping organise Catherine’s trip to Whistler as a ski instructor. She describes her time there (and directly quoting) ” I am having the time of my life”!! Catherine, Whistler Kids instructor, 2022
Accommodation
- Guaranteed bed in Whistler Blackcomb staff housing during the training course and for the rest of the season whilst working.
- Housing is a real premium in Whistler, and our participants always comment how pleased they are that it is confirmed before arrival
- Accommodation located on Blackcomb Mountain very close to the lifts
- Share a room in a self-contained flat. Each flat caters for four people and has two bedrooms (with bunk beds), a lounge, bathroom and small kitchen.
- WiFi and bills included in the rent
During the three week Level 1 course the fee for the accommodation is included. Once you finish the course and start work, the money for the accommodation will be due every month at the rate of approx $15-20 (roughly an hour’s pay) per night.
Food
- The accommodation is self-catered with a small kitchen to be able to cook simple meals. The kitchen has a sink, fridge/freezer, hob, microwave and storage space
- Once you start your job, lunch is provided on the days that you are working
- Whistler is a foodies paradise offering cuisine options from around the world
What is the selection process?
December onwards– Complete your online booking form and pay the booking deposit. This secures your place amongst other hopeful internship candidates. This does not guarantee your place on the internship yet, but rather the deposit secures you in our pool of candidates that will be sent to the team at Whistler for final interviews.
A member of the team will organise a call with you to get to know you, your motivations and to go over any work or volunteer experience. It is essential that all applicants have childcare, coaching or teaching experience. We will give you an overview of the program and the process and give you some tips and tricks to help your application (if needed).
January– Apply for your working holiday visa for Canada through IEC — (opens every year Jan- October). You should be between 18-30 years to be eligible.
April / May – We will host a resume and interview workshop to ensure your resume is the best it can be before it is sent to the team for interview selection. This programme is highly competitive so we ensure every applicant is well prepped and prepared. 121 sessions are also held for those that prefer private coaching.
July / August – Interviews with Whistler Blackcomb are held in July/August via Zoom / Skype and last 30-45 minutes.
September – If successful you receive an official email inviting you to join the WBSSU program. Those unsuccessful will be offered alternative options for the winter or their gap years either in Whistler, or other bespoke project ideas.
October – Our unique pre- departure briefing is held via video conferencing which covers topics such as kit lists, insurance, flight details, arrivals and departures, and much much more. You also get to have a private Q&A with your future team lead, and fellow team mates!
Our instructors are more informed and knowledgeable before they arrive, than many that join the internship. Previous Oyster Worldwide participants have won various awards such as ´Instructor of the Year and many return for the following seasons, or join our Rep program to help the next year´s participants.
November – Departure. You are introduced to the team of reps that will look after you during the season, and the first few days are spend in orientation, checking into your housing, and ensuring you are set up for success before you start your training! Your Ski Instructor course and certification starts from here.
Travel arrangements
Airport: Vancouver (YVR)
Arrival day: Usually a Thursday – this will be confirmed before you book your flights
Transfer details: Assuming you arrive with the rest of the group, we will transfer you to a hostel for the first night. The next morning, Tory shows you where you can register for your Social Insurance Number before you hop on the coach and head up the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) to Whistler. The journey takes about two and a half hours. On arrival, we’ll get you checked in and give you time to settle into your accommodation before beginning our thorough orientation.
Departure day: Usually a Thursday. If you are flying home on our end date, the airport transfer is included. If you are returning on a different date you will need to organise your own transport.
As an ATOL bonded company we will book flights for you from the UK for around 850 GBP. If you are flying with the group from London, we will see you off at Heathrow on departure day. On arrival, our rep Tory will pick you up at Vancouver Airport and transport you into the city.
If you want to arrange your own flights to Vancouver, and are not based in the UK, that’s fine too. If you arrive at the same time as the rest of the group, the airport transfer will be included, otherwise you will just need to make your own way to the hostel for the first night.
Supporting You
Dual-national Tory (she is British and Canadian) took her gap year in Tremblant, went back to the UK to complete her degree and returned to Whistler to become a ski instructor. She is married to Mike, one of Whistler’s most respected ski instructors, and they have two young children. Tory’s full time job is as the Senior Manager at Whistler.com. She has been our representative since the beginning and knows what she’s talking about, having previously been an instructor herself!
On arrival, Tory will arrange a short orientation course and be in close contact with you over the few days. As time goes on, Tory will take more of a back seat and be there as a helpful friend should you need any help or advice. Once a month Tory hosts a meet up with the Oyster group where we provide either a meal, drinks or activity which gives you the opportunity to chat through any issues you might have. Tory is a local expert on where to go and what to see in the area.
Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. Tory will keep us updated on your health and welfare throughout.
Read more about Tory in our ‘meet the reps‘ blog. Tory’s children have been part of the Whistler Kids Snow School – check out her review from the parents point of view.
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- In-country support
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights); IPP (if we don’t book your flights)
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- UK briefing course covering childcare issues and work advice. Either face to face or Zoom (TBC)
- A job with Whistler Kids on successful completion of the Whistler University course and pre departure interview.
- Organisation of staff accommodation before arrival (free during the Whistler University course and then approx $15 per night taken directly from pay cheque, which is roughly £60 per week)
- Whistler University fees including tuition from Level 4 instructors, exam fees for the CSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor exam and accommodation fees during your first 3 weeks. (In the unlikely event you fail you will need to pay for a re-test)
- Ski pass, including 20% discount off food, for the duration of the Whistler University course
- Full season Epic ski pass, with staff discounts, once you begin your job
- Arrangement of transportation to your accommodation from the airport
- ATOL protected, return flights from the UK (additional charges may be added for changes)
- One night in a central Vancouver or Squamish hostel when the group arrives in Canada
- Thorough orientation when you arrive in Whistler, including a ski shop visit and some meals
- Assistance organising your Social Insurance Number and bank account (with TD Canada Bank in Whistler)
- Advice and support from our representative whilst on the programme with us in Whistler,
- Monthly ‘meet ups’ eg Drink and some food, Escape room, Ziptrek etc
- Wages once you begin your job (approx. C$400 per week, before tips)
- In-resort discount on buying skis and boots when you first arrive in Whistler plus free boot fitting·
- Oyster Whistler Kids ski season hoody or similar
- Bus ticket back to Vancouver Airport on the Oyster programme end date
On your return:
- Welcome home pack
- Certificate of Recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Be eligible for the Canadian IEC Working Holiday Program (sign up for our free application guide)
- Have experience working with children and be a confident skier
- Accommodation and food costs, approximately C$25 (£18) per day. Accommodation cost is taken directly from your pay cheque.
- Cost of retaking your Level 1 examination in the unlikely event you fail first time
- Police check for immigration purposes (approx. £55)
- Cost of IEC Working Holiday Work Permit and biometrics fee – C$338
Project story
“Each time I visit Whistler I love hearing the stories from our participants and the great feedback from management. We’re proud of the fact Whistler Kids want to work with us and we’ll continue sending well selected and prepared participants every year.” Says Jon.
More Information
We have worked with Whistler Blackcomb to offer you a place on the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School University programme.
The 3 week course provides of 2.5 weeks intensive training (two weeks on snow training) to improve your technique and confidence to prepare you for your Level 1 exam, which takes place in week three.
The programme runs Monday-Thursday and includes the exam fees for your CSIA Level 1 and the Teaching Children Module – a pre-requisite to you starting work with Whistler Kids.
You will be provided with a ski pass for the duration of your course. This turns into a season long ski pass once you begin your job (after gaining the ski instructor certification).
To secure a coveted spot in our program, we seek individuals with a profound connection to children and a depth of childcare experience that goes beyond babysitting. The children you’ll be entrusted with range from those taking their very first steps into the world of skiing, where your role is to guide and nurture them through the basics, to young skiers who practically grew up on the slopes!
Your childcare experience should span the age group of 3-11, (experience with older ages is also welcomed), or you should be willing to acquire the necessary experience prior to the program’s commencement.
Our participants often come to us with various forms of childcare experience, or they commit to gaining relevant experience before embarking on this adventure. Some examples of such experience include:
- Volunteering at a local Scouting or Guiding group
- Coaching sports to younger students at school
- Volunteering in a nursery or primary school as part of work experience
- Engaging with children in an artistic, musical, or dance environment
- Summer camp experience such as Camp America, PGL etc.
In addition to your childcare prowess, you’ll need to be a confident intermediate skier, capable of skiing in parallel, mastering pole planting, and exhibiting unwavering confidence on intermediate slopes. This unique combination of childcare expertise and skiing proficiency will set you on the path to an extraordinary journey in Canada.
If you don´t have the experience, you can still apply and our team at Oyster Worldwide will advise you on how best to prepare yourself for this amazing opportunity.
Day 1
Arrive mid-November at Vancouver Airport and meet one of our Oyster reps who are previous participants of the same programme. You will then transfer with the rest of your group to a hostel in the city for your first night.
Day 2
Receive assistance with organising your Social Insurance Number, after which we will transfer you by coach up to Whistler to then settle into your new home.
Day 3-4
We will run a group tour of Whistler village and give you a thorough orientation of what to expect during the season. You’ll receive bank account advice; help with organising SIM cards and buying skis.
First Monday of the week to the end of week 3
During this time you will be on the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School University course, being trained to pass your CSIA Level 1 exam. The qualification allows you to instruct in other countries, as well as Canada, and looks great on your CV. The course runs 4 days a week and mainly takes place on snow. Expect some classroom days as well.
Week 3/ 4
This is exam week! During this week you will take the CSIA Level 1 exam and the Teaching Children Module – a prerequisite for teaching children as a ski instructor. All exam fees are included.
Week 4
(Or, more likely, the end of week 3 or4) begin your job which has been arranged with Whistler Blackcomb before you even arrive in Whistler. We arrange for our applicants to be pre-interviewed by a senior manager from Whistler Kids before you head to Canada. For the remainder of the season you will be working full time for the Snow School, teaching young children the basics of skiing.
Working for Whistler Kids is hard work but immense fun. The work of a Mini’s Instructor is probably one of the most responsible jobs that you will ever have – looking after other peoples’ children on a mountain!
Iain Holliday, Oyster instructor in Whistler wrote a blog about his typical day at Whistler Kids.
You can also read about Lucy’s life as a Whistler Kids ski instructor.
We have instructor positions available for people who would rather teach skiing in the adult snow school at Whistler Blackcomb. On our adult programme you would receive the same service from Oyster and take the CSIA Level 1 in the same way, you would just work with adults rather than teaching children. These places are limited so book your place as soon as you can!
The ski season in Whistler Blackcomb usually runs from mid November until the end of April.
Included in this programme is a ZipTrek tour or similiar. This takes place during your orientation weekend in Whistler and is a great way to get to know Whistler, the local habitat and your fellow Oysters!
We also hold monthly meet ups in Whistler once you land, which gives you the opportunity to connect with your fellow Oyster participants out of work hours.
Check out this video from ZipTrek
Among the plethora of ski instructor courses and certfifications in Canada, we firmly believe that ours stands as the crème de la crème. What sets us apart is not just the coveted CSIA Level 1 qualification, recognized worldwide, but the remarkable opportunity to secure employment at an iconic ski resort for the entire season and support for the whole relocation process.
This is our most sought-after program, tailor-made for those yearning to spend their gap year on the slopes. We take immense pride in the fact that a significant number of our participants have found their way to us through glowing recommendations from family and friends. Having spearheaded the program in 2004, we have continued to set the bar for excellent gap-year experiences and great support from our reps throughout.
If you’re a confident skier with a natural affinity for children, this is the golden ticket to elevate both your skiing prowess and your instructing skills. It’s a transformative journey, enabling you to acquire a prestigious qualification while enhancing your experience as a ski instructor.
Rest assured, our commitment to your success goes beyond the snow-covered slopes. You’ll experience unwavering support throughout your journey. Before departure, you’ll benefit from comprehensive and personalized pre-departure guidance and assistance. Upon landing in Canada, we’ve got you covered with airport transfers, comfortable accommodation, a thrilling team-building activity, round-the-clock support from our seasoned representatives, and regular Oyster social meet-ups to keep the camaraderie alive.
With us, your dream of becoming a ski instructor in Canada will be more than just an adventure; it will be an unforgettable experience backed by unparalleled support and expertise
Yes, you will need your own skis, boots, helmet, poles, goggles and clothing by the time you begin the instructor training course. Whilst this is an additional expense, it is far cheaper than renting for the whole season!
If you don’t currently have all of the equipment, we would recommend taking ski clothes with you and then buying the skis and boots in Whistler. We always try to arrange a small discount with one of the ski shops for the first weekend that you arrive in Whistler and will give you price details before departure.
Check out our buying ski gear blog for more tips and we will give you an overview of discounts and costs on request.
Whistler Kids instructors can expect an average of 4-5 days work per week across the season. Working in a tourist resort means that there are fluctuations in the number of guests and therefore the number of hours of work you will get. During peak times, such as Christmas, you may even be working 6 or even 7 days per week. In the quieter times you may only get 2-3 days work per week.
Each pay cheque will be different so there will be times you need to live on a budget. The great thing about fewer shifts though is that you’ll be able to ski on your days off!
For the past few years, Whistler Kids instructors have averaged around 32 hours per week across the season.
Yes!
Once you are a member of Whistler Blackcomb staff (on completion of the 4 week Level 1 course), you will be entitled to join free staff training on your days off and before your shifts start.
The training rota begins in mid January and provides Level 2 training, avalanche skills training, bumps training, jumps training and much more.
If you are interested in taking your CSIA Level 2 during your first season, you can join the free training sessions and then just pay for the examination itself (approx $650).
Each year, we have a few people from our group get the Level 2 and some, even the Level 3. This is a great opportunity, particularly if you are looking to instruct elsewhere the following season.
The winter in Whistler is perfect for a ski season. Temperatures remain below 0 for the majority of the season meaning fantastic snow. Even when the village warms up, temperatures as low as -20oC are not uncommon mid-winter on the mountain.
It can take up to 6 weeks before your first pay cheque arrives so you will need to arrive in Canada with enough money to feed and entertain yourself. We would suggest having a minimum of £1500 available, plus extra if you are buying skis/boots. Once you start earning money, you should be able to live on the money you earn day to day. You might want savings in place to cover any extra trips or outings that you want to do.
NB one of the requirements of getting the work permit is that you arrive in Canada with the equivalent of at least $2500 CAD (1666 GBP) in your account.
You will be able to set up a Canadian bank account with the help of our local representative at TD Bank in Whistler, which you will be able to get a card for. Credit cards are advised for emergencies, as well as enough cash to see you through the first few days. There are ATM’s in the village so you won’t need too much cash with you.
We recommend opening a free account with Revolut with you as well. You can read more on our blog here.
You will need to apply for a Canadian IEC Working Holiday permit. To be able to qualify for the working holiday visa, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and hold a passport from one of the eligible countries stated by the Canadian Embassy: Australia, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea Rep, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom. This costs C$250 (approximately £150).
You will also need a Police Check for immigration purposes and this costs approximately £55.
We will help with applying for these once we receive your application.
Most people book with Oyster on their own and travel with the rest of the group. The group meets at a UK briefing course before you go to Canada and we also create a Facebook group each season.
You will be able to travel with a friend if you wish, please state this on your booking form.
If you live outside the UK or are travelling and cannot make it to the briefing course, don’t panic! Since COVID-19, this is now held online! We will arrange a time for you to have a Zoom call meeting with the rest of the team and a member of Whistler Blackcomb.
You will be included in our Facebook group and will be able to get to know the rest of the group before departure.
Please visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out. It is unlikely that you will need anything in addition to your routine vaccinations, which should be up to date.
There is a clinic and multiple pharmacies located in Whistler village. For anything major, the main hospital is in Vancouver.
Whistler is a very safe village but it is always advised to keep valuables secure and stick together when you first arrive.
Skiing is a safe sport if you follow the mountain rules and take adequate precautions. You should always follow safety advice from instructors and we would recommend always wearing a helmet. Safety advice when looking after young children on the mountain will be given during your training.
Staff accommodation is located halfway up Blackcomb Mountain. This means that you are pretty much ‘ski in ski out’ and that your commute to work involves a ski down to the village creating fresh tracks in the morning! To get back to your accommodation you can take a lift, or if the lifts are closed, either take a bus or taxi. Whistler Kids has three bases in the resort.
If you are working at the Creekside base, you will need to get a bus from Whistler Village each day. The bus takes 10 minutes and the cost of the monthly pass is approximately $70.
Our participants live in staff housing on the side of Blackcomb Mountain. There will be 4 of you living in a small apartment (usually with other people).
Each apartment has 2 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. You will be sharing a room and sleeping in a bunk-bed. On each floor of the building there are about 10 apartments. The Oyster group all live together in the one building which means you get to know everyone in the group really well.
The cost of the accommodation comes directly off of your pay cheque and equates to approximately an hour of pay per day.
Your accommodation is self catering so, for the majority of time, you will be cooking for yourself. This is far cheaper than eating out every night! There are supermarkets in the village where you can stock up.
When you are working, you will be entitled to a meal at lunch time with your group of children. This usually consists of a soup, main meal (pizza, pasta, hot dog, chips etc) and dessert (cookies, jelly, cake etc).
If you are feeling flush, or it’s a special occasion, there are plenty of places in Whistler to eat out with something for every appetite. Expect to pay C$13-20 for a main meal.
There is a very good staff deal that people tend to take advantage of a couple of times a week at a restaurant close to the staff accommodation. For $7 you can get a 3-course meal!
WiFi is included in your rent. Each apartment has its own internet router so you will be sharing the connection with three other people.
There is also free WiFi on the mountain and in the mountain restaurants.
You should take an ‘unlocked’ mobile phone with you to Canada (or you can buy a cheap Canadian one) and purchase a local ‘pay as you go’ SIM card. This is useful for contacting the representative and the rest of the group as local calls are very cheap.
Expect to pay around $40 per month for your mobile/cell contract. No need to waste money on a data plan as the WiFi is accessible all over. All you need is a deal with inclusive minutes and texts.
You can buy International phone cards to call the UK for $10+tax from any supermarket/phone shop this will give you hundreds of minutes to use any way you like, including calling the UK.
You will need a phone as part of your job.
Whistler is in the West of Canada, on Pacific Standard Time and is 8 hours behind GMT (GMT -8).
Canada, like the US, operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power. You should bring an adapter with you that has a two pronged (flat) plug.
Most people use their days off to take advantage of their free ski pass and hit the slopes. However there is plenty to do in Whistler besides skiing and snowboarding. ZipTrek is an educational tour of Whistler’s coastal temperate rainforest that lasts for approximately 3 hours. On the Instructor programme, we include this as part of your orientation. You’ll learn you all about sustainability and conservation as well as ‘zip lining’ along a number of wires that cross the Fitzsimmons Creek. This is an exhilarating thrill, hurtling across the rainforest at tremendous speeds!
Further afield, Vancouver is 2 hours bus ride from Whistler and you can head there to shop or to watch an ice hockey match. There are usually good discounts available for staff, and sometimes free, coaches to Vancouver.
Working in a ski resort means that the hours you work are dictated by the weather and the number of tourists that are on holiday there. During the peak seasons (Christmas, New Year, and school holidays) you could be working 5 or 6 days a week but then in quieter periods this might reduce to 3-5 days a week.
You will get to know our representative well in the first few days as they help you settle into life in Canada. You will go through an induction that involves a tour of the resort, assistance with setting up Social Insurance Numbers, bank accounts and mobile phones. You will also be introduced to your employer.
Once you start work, the representative takes more of a back seat role but is there as a helpful friend should you need assistance. Once a month, they will run a meet up with you and the rest of the group. Day to day, you will be under the supervision of your manager and supervisor at work.
Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are on our programme. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the end date of the programme, when you will make your own way back to the airport. If you are arranging your own flights and arriving earlier or later than the rest of the group on arrival day, you will be responsible for getting yourself to the hostel in Vancouver where you will meet the rest of the group.
Before and after the Oyster programme, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to get involved in activities during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.
Ultimate guide to living and working in Whistler
Tips on buying ski gear in Whistler
A day in the life of a Whistler Kids Instructor
What to do in your free time in Whistler
Have friends or family visiting? Check out our guide on where to stay in Whistler
Best winter activities in Whistler
Step by step guide on how to become a ski instructor
How much can a ski instructor expect to earn?
Advice from our participants on how to pass the CSIA Level 2
Update from our ski instructors in Whistler
Check out our pick of the 21 best places to ski in the world
Sending your child to ski school – what’s it like from the parents point of view?
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Sami who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0)1892 771976or email: – [email protected].
