Summary
Whilst the exact role cannot be guaranteed until nearer the time, participants can generally expect paid work as an Outdoor Ranger, Kitchen Assistant or Den Master.
Project location
Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, Canada.
Length of project
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 $15 per hour TBC for 2023-24. Expect to work an average of 30-40 hours per week (with peaks and troughs throughout the season based on business needs)
- Pre-departure support and video briefing
- Optional flight with fixed return date (if you want a more flexible ticket, this can be organised)
- ATOL Protection (if you ask us to book your flights) or International Passenger Protection (IPP)
- Overnight accommodation in a Vancouver 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
- Team building activity
- Oyster Hoody
- Return bus from Whistler to Vancouver Airport on the programme end date
- Monthly meet-ups
Not included
- Flights
- IEC Working Holiday Permit and fees involved (C$350)
- Police Certificate (£55)
- Food
- Winter sports equipment
- Accommodation costs
- Any home country travel costs
- 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 $15-18 per night. The cost of this is taken directly from your pay cheque, at source.
Travel arrangements
Organise your own flights to Vancouver (dates to be confirmed). Overnight stay in a Vancouver 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
One-day UK course including job related training and information about life in Canada. Expect a mini interview with a senior manager from Whistler Kids, either in person or on Skype. 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 account, 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.
