Whistler: Waiting for Snow

SETTLING IN

It’s been great so far. Meeting everyone in house (80% Aussies, though I did meet a couple from Buckie the other night), going out, getting to know Whistler, sharing bear stories…but quite unpleasant as we all played the waiting game to find out if we’d been successful in getting jobs for the mountain and can stay on in staff accommodation (finding your own accommodation is near impossible in Whistler). I ended up cutting the waiting a day short by phoning earlier than my allotted call back. My flatmates had both phoned and I couldn’t bear it any more! We were all lucky (/successful), and I’ve exceeded my own expectations. They’ve given me a supervisory position as a Senior Host in Tickets/Validation. I could hardly believe it. The sad part is that a lot of the mates we’ve made in house didn’t get jobs and are slowly being evicted. It’s cruel. I’ll be working at Creekside, about a 5 minute bus trip from where I live. I was a little disappointed that I’m not working in the main resort, but it’ll be quieter at Creekside which will make my life a lot easier!

Brio, where I’m living, was a good choice (for ‘older people’, they say). It’s down from the village, about 10 minutes walk through the ‘valley trail’ – always a joy to see if there might be a bear lurking on the path. I dislike walking it alone now I’ve heard so many bear stories. Not that they are a problem as everyone that has seen one has been completely ignored: they’re not interested in us. We saw one rummaging in the garbage the other night, from inside, which was a very satisfactory bear experience. We also saw a raccoon in the same spot. Turns out having a good view of the garbage dumpsters is a positive thing.

HOME SWEET HOME

My flat is basic – very reminiscent of my flat in Manchester in first year. I was expecting that, so it’s fine. Luckily my roommate Ange (23, Australia) is a complete star. She is the happiest little person, almost too nice for her own good (balances me out, I like to think), but she also has a wicked sense of humour. There is another two-person room in the flat, but only one person in it thus far. The other should be arriving imminently now all the jobs have been dished out. Emma (29, Cornwall) is a good girl too. If you think Essex girls uncovered, that’s Emma. Peroxide hair, startling blue contact lenses, man-devourer. Though she’s yet to impress us on that front. I’ve landed on my feet in that both girls love to party, but are brilliant around the house. Ange and I have had frank discussions about space, and respect each others’, so it’s going to be fine sharing a room. I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather share with.

HALLOWEEN, CANADIAN STYLE

With my love of fancy dress, it’s been a good week. Trailer trash night last Thursday, and of course Halloween just past. We spent much of the night queuing as everywhere was rammed, but it was funny and the costumes were fantastic. I was some sort of Fame/80s cheerleader. Making my pom-poms took an hour and a half but it was worth it!

GETTING 'INTRAWESTED'

I started training yesterday, and have another tomorrow then 4 days of it next week. Yesterday was some sort of coaching course, which was fairly tedious – lots of role play. Most people there already work for Whistler Blackcomb, in supervisory roles, so I felt a bit weird. I just played along and am still hoping that they don’t decide they’ve made a mistake and demote me.

RAIN. RAIN. RAIN.

It has turned cold here now, after nearly a solid week of rain. There have been the odd flurries of snow, but nothing lying yet. We’re all waiting for the dumping to begin, because that’s when we’ll start work (money is an issue for everyone just now).

Amusing ourselves has gotten easier as we become more familiar with the area. I gathered a group and went ice-skating on Monday at the local sports centre. I’m determined to become pseudo-Canadian, and skate well. I also can’t wait to skate on a lake (Alta Lake here freezes over in the winter – SO exciting). I decided to buy my own hockey skates, after trying both figure and hockey skates at the rink. I just had them fitted and sharpened just now and will be going skating as much as I can until I start work.

There’s a lovely pool at the centre as well, with a rope swing, which was all well and good until I gave myself cramp in my leg trying to climb up it. I had to hang there until it subsided. Idiot.

WELCOMED AS A NEW WHISTLERITE

On Monday Whistler Chamber of Commerce organised a $2 pancake brunch for new residents, with member of the Rotary club doing the cooking and serving. For some reason it was held in the fire station. A surreal, but fabulous, experience: particularly when the firemen were called out to deal with something. That night they organised for Westbeach to screen a snowboarding movie and a pro boarder gave us a talk about ‘common sense’ (of which he clearly has none). Then they threw out a load of freebies which had people scrabbling. I got a decent belt.

ENOUGH LEISURE TIME TO SHAKE A STICK AT

In the meantime, plenty of TV and Kraft Dinner. Going for beers to watch the hockey is my new love – there are certainly plenty of games on. The Vancouver Canucks play 82 games apparently. And half hoping, half not hoping to see a bear out and about.

I’d been thinking of taking a trip down the Vancouver for a few days, but with lots of activities on for us new people (pool party Friday night, $2 dinner at the conference centre on Saturday night) and with my random training and uniform pick-up sessions I’ll be best sticking around here.

I hope this find you all well and happy.