Summary
A place on the Whistler Blackcomb Ski School University program that includes the CSIA Level 1. On successful completion, whilst the exact role cannot be guaranteed until nearer the time, participants can generally expect paid work giving basic ski tuition and caring for children in the resort creche ‘Whistler Kids’.
Project location
Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, Canada.
Length of programme
5 months
Group/individual basis
Group – you will meet at our UK briefing course or on arrival in Canada.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from our representative.
Includes
- A pre-arranged job in Whistler Blackcomb with wages approximately $20 per hour. Expect to work an average of 30 hours per week (with peaks and troughs throughout the season)
- Pre-departure training and briefing
- Flight with fixed return date from a London Airport (additional cost)
- ATOL Protection (if you ask us to book your flights) or International Passenger Protection (IPP)
- Overnight accommodation in a Vancouver or Squamish hostel
- Assistance with arranging your Social Insurance Number and Canadian bank account
- Transport to your accommodation in Whistler from Vancouver
- Season Ski Pass worth £800 (once you start your job)
- Whistler Blackcomb Ski School University course – 3 weeks of training plus the 1 week CSIA Level 1 course. Monday-Thursday. Includes ski pass
- Accommodation costs whilst you do your certification (3 weeks)
- Oyster Hoody
- Return bus from Whistler to Vancouver Airport on the programme end date
- Monthly meet-ups involving food and drink and/or activity
Not included
- IEC Working Holiday Permit and fees involved (C$255)
- Police Certificate (£55)
- Food
- Accommodation costs (after the first 3 weeks)
- Any home country travel costs
- Winter sports equipment
- Travel and medical insurance
- Cost of daily bus transport to Creekside, if working there (approx $50 per month)
Accommodation
Staff accommodation (shared bedroom, shared kitchen) at a cost of approx $15 per night. This is paid for by Oyster for the first three weeks, and then the cost is taken directly from your pay cheque.
Travel arrangements
For ease of booking, Oyster Worldwide have added the option for us to book your flights for an additional fixed cost of 900 GBP for London departures. If you do not require this, and prefer to book your own flights, this is also possible. Overnight stay in a Vancouver or Squamish hostel on the first night of the Oyster programme. Transport from airport to Vancouver and then on to Whistler provided by Airlinks.
Pre-departure briefing
UK course briefing job related training and information about life in Canada. Expect a mini interview with a senior manager from Whistler Kids, either in person or video call. Date to be arranged. If you are not able to get to the UK for the course, this will be run on Skype at a later date.
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your doctor or travel nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have. Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need. You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the Fit For Travel website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your doctor before continuing with your booking.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your My Oyster area, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for. Make sure that you are covered for winter sports for the duration of your stay in Canada.
Any risk factors
This region of Canada has low crime rates and good safety standards in all areas of life. Obviously, winter sports carry a risk of injury. Participants might have to use equipment as part of their work, but will be trained appropriately.
Downtime
Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others.
Accessibility
Due to the nature of the terrain in the ski resort, this project would not be suitable for someone with mobility problems.
Financial Security
When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.