How to Land a Cool Seasonal Job at a Ski Resort

I stepped outside into the freezing cold, my breath forming little clouds in the frigid winter air. My body shivered as it woke up, preparing for the challenging day ahead. It was tough out there: bone-chilling negative temperatures that could drop below -40°C, wind chills that could freeze your skin in just a few seconds, and blizzards that could trap you in minutes. But amidst all these challenges, there was also the thrilling prospect of work.

Work? Yes, work. You might not think such conditions are suitable for a regular job, especially for someone like me, a South African. But let me tell you, it’s possible. I’m one of many who’ve spent a winter season overseas, working and having a blast in the snow.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience a few real winters in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern United States. You see, South African winters just don’t compare. But let me tell you, real winters are something else. It’s like a magical spell is cast, and suddenly the whole landscape is covered in a blanket of pure beauty.

Every day, I would step outside and be greeted by a scene straight out of a dream. The rolling hills stretched out for miles, their colors frozen in shades of purple and crystal-blue against the ever-changing winter sky. In the valleys, time seemed to stand still among the golden-white trees, as if the whole world had paused to take a breath.

But the real showstopper was the snow. The branches of trees would sag under the weight of it, until they couldn’t hold on any longer and released it all in a spectacular flurry of flakes. Each one a tiny firework, dancing and twirling in the air, before gently settling on the ground. And in that moment, everything around me would fall into a hushed silence.

It’s hard to put into words just how magical a snow storm can be. Each little flake, unique and delicate, contributes to the wonder of it all. It’s a sight that fills your heart with awe and makes you feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Every morning, I wake up with anticipation, eager to discover what new wonders the day will bring as I step outside into the crisp winter air. It’s ironic that winter, a season that drives most people indoors, fills me with such energy and excitement. The snowy landscape transforms into a radiant wonderland that takes my breath away. Becoming a ski and snowboard instructor has truly been the highlight of my life.

Waking up early in the morning and stepping out onto the snow is such an amazing experience. It’s like getting a burst of energy from the brisk winter air. Each day is different, but here’s what a typical day looks like for me: first, I shovel a lot of snow and set up fences and flags to create a safe area for learning. Then, I gather my lesson plans for the day. I never know what to expect. Some days, I have to deal with kids who would rather explore the woods than learn to ski. Other days, I have beginners who quickly pick up the skills as if they’ve been doing it forever. And sometimes, I work with families who just want to ski together as a group. No matter what kind of day it is, it’s always filled with excitement, fun, and a sense of accomplishment.

Working outside in the snow was an incredible experience for me. Not only did I have the privilege of enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape, but I also gained valuable life lessons every day. One of the most important things I learned was patience. In this frosty environment, I had to be patient and adapt to the unpredictable weather conditions.

Moreover, I discovered the power of instilling confidence in others. Many people were nervous about being outside in the snow, but I was able to help them overcome their fears and feel more secure. It was truly rewarding to see the transformation in their faces and know that I had made a positive impact on their day.

Furthermore, my time in the snow taught me something profound about humanity. I realized that human connections are always present, no matter the circumstance. By communicating with strangers and earning their trust, I witnessed the power of openness and genuine connection. It was through these interactions that I truly understood the essence of human nature.

But it wasn’t just the adults who taught me valuable lessons. The children I encountered had their own wisdom to share. Seeing their eyes light up with pure joy as they experienced the magic of snow for the first time was a truly humbling experience. It reminded me of the importance of embracing our inner child and finding wonder in the simple things.

In conclusion, my time working in the snow allowed me to gain invaluable life experience. It taught me the virtue of patience, the power of confidence, and the beauty of human connection. It also served as a reminder that children have so much to teach us and that we should never lose touch with our own sense of wonder. Working in the snow was not just a job; it was an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to see the world through a different lens.

The work is amazing, but the resort experience is equally incredible. People from all corners of the world gather there with one common goal: to have an extraordinary and enjoyable time while experiencing something new. Living and playing with friends and colleagues is an effortless way to create lifelong bonds and make unforgettable memories.

However, there is one drawback. My experiences have left a tiny bug in my mind. It jumps around, bringing thoughts of snow, the crisp mountain air, and the feeling of ultimate freedom. This bug ignites my imagination, making me think of all the mountains as vast opportunities for winter fun. South Africa is blessed with countless breathtaking mountains. Yet, more often than not, I find myself gazing at them and wondering, “Where is the snow?” This is why I am determined to return to my winter wonderland as soon as I can.

Now, let’s talk about visas.

If you’re looking for winter work, there are plenty of places and opportunities to choose from. North America, Europe, and New Zealand are known to be the most popular destinations. Out of these options, the United States is probably the easiest and most hassle-free when it comes to visas. However, it’s important to note that the majority of visas are offered to students. Don’t worry, though. Even if you’re not a student, there are still ways of making it happen.

Let’s start with student visas. If you’re a student, you can apply for the J-1 5-month work and travel visa. This visa allows you to work and travel in the United States. To learn more about this visa, you can visit websites like www.ccusa.co.za, www.sasts.org.za, or www.ydp.co.za.

If you’re not a student, don’t worry. There are still options available to you. One option is to visit travel.state.gov, where you can read up about H2-B working visas and find out if you qualify.

If you’re interested in working in Europe, there’s a fantastic website you can visit. It’s called www.anyworkanywhere.com, and it provides information about European working visas.

Finally, if your heart is set on working in New Zealand, you’ll need to visit the New Zealand Embassy for more information.