Work and Play the Whistler Way

FIRST DAY BOARDING!

Lyndsey and I about to get on the Whistler Gondola. 8.30am.

I am writing tired and slightly damaged but very happy after my first day on the slopes. I surprised myself by being much better than I was expecting, which I credit to the excellent runs and conditions. I was linking turns fairly easily and preferring blue runs by the end of the day. I know what I need to work on and it’s reassuring to know there will be plenty of days to do so. My new equipment is all fantastic: everything I’ve bought (and been given) is just right.

After trying to teach Emma at the top of the hill (her first time) we ended up sending her back in the gondola to get a lesson which worked out really well for her. Lyndsey, Ange and I rode together all day as we were about the same ability.

There were loads of us out today, and although we kept losing people on the hill we were never far from a familiar face, as only Whistler mountain was open, and only from so far up the hill because of the limited snow in the valley (we had to download on the gondola at the end of the day).

We got our 50% staff discount at the restaurant at the top of the hill for lunch, and the day didn’t cost a penny otherwise.

UNEMPLOYMENT NO MORE

I started work on Saturday: early opening day for Whistler mountain (Blackcomb opens 23rd November). I’d like to say it was well planned and enjoyable, but in reality it was daunting and hectic. There were forty odd people waiting outside the ticket office as I arrived for work at 7am on Saturday. Guest services had queues (sorry – line ups…) with two hours wait at points.

It wouldn’t have been as bad if I was just expected to be a ticket host full stop. But in the back of my mind all the time, as I watched Keryn, who worked in the ticket office last year and has returned as a Senior Host this year, I felt ever so slightly overwhelmed at the thought of attempting to be senior with procedures I know very little about. Cashing up and running all the reports at the end of the day was mind boggling to say the least. My till was only 10c under, 5c of which I recovered the next day, which was a relief. Unfortunately if any of the hosts tills are over or short, it’s up to me to work out why. I haven’t worked any shifts as a Validator yet either (potentially this Friday), and I’ll be stepping in as a Senior Host in Validation too in no time. I realize, however, that I’m in the steepest part of the learning curve, and that it will get easier….

All the training we’d received about being friendly and chatty went fairly amiss as I realized nobody actually wants to be buying a ticket (and they almost always whinge about the price. Come on, 8,171 acres, 38 lifts and 200+ runs!!). Therefore nobody is keen to indulge in chit-chat. They see you as the thing holding up them getting on the hill.

And the early mornings. Oh my god. My alarm was set for 6am on Saturday and 5.45am on Sunday. Five days a week I’ll be getting up that time. I suppose it made it easier to get up at 7am to go boarding this morning though.

ULLR: MASTER OF SKIING AND GENERAL SUAVITY

The mountain held a party for Ullr, the Norse God of snow (obviously a natural on skis) last week. There was a giant bonfire, on which miniature skis were sacrificed in order to encourage Ullr to make snow. Ironically they had trouble lighting the bonfire as it was snowing and had been all afternoon. Vast amounts of fuel were used, and many ski jackets were singed as the fire roared.

As with many Whistler activities, it was impressive: burgers, hot chocolate and fruit cider for staff pass holders, and a miniature ski to throw on the fire upon donation to the local food bank. I met the local carpenter who carved all the skis. Three hundred of them. He said it was worth it if people enjoyed themselves.

I’M SORRY, I DIDN’T GET THAT…

In the UK when I needed to check the balance or top up my pay-as-you-go mobile it was simply a case of punching in a few numbers. For some reason, networks here supply a very friendly virtual assistant (called Melanie on the Rogers network) who is meant to understand what you ask her. Unfortunately Melanie isn’t too good with overseas accents. I often here people repeating insistently “account balance!” into their phone, to which Melanie replies “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that….”. And it goes on.

Time has told that the best way to deal with Melanie is to put on your best Canadian/American accent, particularly when dictating the 14 digit pin number on top up vouchers to her. It does actually work and I don’t even try my normal accent any more.

MONEY FOR MY RAMBLINGS??

My meeting with the editor of the local paper went well and we discussed two story ideas he’d be interested in. I learned that there is considerable financial reward for features published, which is incentive and a half. I just need to write them now, which is proving a lot harder now that work and snowboarding have been added to sleeping and skating.

POUTINE

Chips, cheese and gravy. Lovely.

THE INTRAWEST GUEST SERVICE ‘MANTRA’: READ IT AND WEEP

Recently helpfully provided laminated on a lanyard for us to wear and presumably consult in times of need.

We are excited to be here. Our enthusiasm for the mountains is reflected in our passion for exceptional service. Our guests are impressed. They feel welcomed by our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our team shares ideas and communicates effectively. We celebrate our successes together.

SURPRISE NEWS FROM HOME

My uncle got married in secret. Well I never.