 Poster: A snowHead
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pam w, ansta1, not if all your friends had their own apartments/luxury chalets to stay in. Anyone who can afford to own two luxury ski chalets clearly moves in rather different circles to the majority of Snowheads.
nixmap, I don't understand what all the fuss is about, it seems to be a fantastic offer for the right candidate. I wish I'd known about your offer before I did my 6-months off to run a chalet 2 years ago. Maybe if I ever get to do another one...
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Gämsbock, I agree it may well be a fantastic opportunity and work really well for all concerned however questions.
The legality of the working arrangements have never been tested, confirmed. For all we know all previous helpers may be in jail or too embarrassed to respond.
If there is no contract then we have to assume silence is because the previous helpers are either too scared, too embarrassed or so ecstatic with the arrangement that they have agreed to Nixmaps request for silence. If it's the latter I would assume Nixmap would not need to come back year on year looking for new blood. If it is one of the former 2 options........
The well used phrase of "if it looks and. Sounds too food to be true, it probably is" springs to mind.
Also, why not recruit locally, I am sure there would be takers. I assume this is due to Nixmaps position (rich, politician, famous)
It may well be a great deal, but until someone who has done the work can back IP this great deal with some actual reports I am sceptical, but hey ho.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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ansta1, the legality of working arrangements at a lot of British TOs are a bit dubious as well - note the recent Le Ski case which involved ski-hosting but where they got a much bigger fine for labour law violations. No-one seems bothered about the staff at various TOs working 60+ hour weeks for a package of maybe £70, shared (and often dodgy) accommodation and a ski pass, because it's regarded as a life-enriching experience and a price worth paying to get to ski 5 days a week.
It seems to me that previous helpers don't respond because nixmap has some kind of gentleman's agreement with them not to. If they parted on good terms, why would they break that agreement? If they hadn't parted on good terms, I think we'd have been more likely to hear from them. Why assume no news is bad news?
I don't think it 'looks too good to be true'. It is what it is - you help out, you get good accommodation and a ski pass, and a fair amount of free time. You need to be able to self fund to an extent to look after yourself when the owners aren't around. You need to be where the owners want you to be on their schedule. Some things may be tricky if you don't speak German, and it's probably easier if you do. For some people, this represents a better deal than either full time resort work or self-funding a season. Others won't be sufficiently independent and would be better off doing a traditional season for a TO. Others will have be able to entirely self-fund a non-working season anyway so wouldn't be interested.
Maybe the Nixmaps like meeting new people? Maybe they like their kids to have native English speaks to talk to. In many respects it seems like a Aupair setup, where it's viewed as a cultural exchange on both sides.
As to why people don't come back - well, it's the kind of thing that's easy/nice to do once, as a gap year or other sabbatical, but then most people need to go back to the real world and get a job/earn money. I did a season working in resort. I liked the company, I'd work for them again (hypothetically), I've been on holiday with them subsequently. There's nothing sinister about me not going back to work from them. If you could afford to do it indefinitely, you could probably afford not to do it at all.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Gämsbock, i agree with some of the points mentioned and as i have previously said, if i was in a position to consider the offer i would probably have taken the discussion a step further and get more information. That being said there are some things i dont agree with you on.
Working for a TO you are bound by a contract, this will dictate your role, reumuneration and other conditions. As Nixmap has said there is no contract therefore by definition no binding tie in on either side to what you get, what you do or where the boundaries between both those points exist or blur.
The english speaking part i can see to a point, but as has been discussed in various historical threads, quite often the majority of non native countries can actually speak better english (grammaticlally) better than some of us locals.
As for the gentlemans agreement regarding feedback, that would also be my guess but where i see the failure in this is if its a gentlemans agreement and all parties are happy with it, why restrict all and any comments? Surely (and obviously this is a negative viewpoint) would it not be in Nixmaps benefit to have that agreement stretch as far as "you can say how good it was but nothing more, including who you are or what the work was, or what we did on Sunday night after the party"
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Fri 5-09-14 22:05; edited 1 time in total
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| Gämsbock wrote: |
It seems to me that previous helpers don't respond because nixmap has some kind of gentleman's agreement with them not to. If they parted on good terms, why would they break that agreement? If they hadn't parted on good terms, I think we'd have been more likely to hear from them. Why assume no news is bad news?
I don't think it 'looks too good to be true'. It is what it is - you help out, you get good accommodation and a ski pass, and a fair amount of free time. You need to be able to self fund to an extent to look after yourself when the owners aren't around. You need to be where the owners want you to be on their schedule. |
exactly right
| Gämsbock wrote: |
| Some things may be tricky if you don't speak German,? |
- language is never a problem
| Gämsbock wrote: |
| Maybe the Nixmaps like meeting new people? |
yes especially independent people willing to do something unusual, the more the better.
| Gämsbock wrote: |
| As to why people don't come back - well, it's the kind of thing that's easy/nice to do once, as a gap year or other sabbatical, but then most people need to go back to the real world and get a job/earn money. |
yes most people need a job sadly which this is not
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| ansta1 wrote: |
| "you can say how good it was but nothing more, including who you are or what the work was, or what we did on Sunday night after the party" |
or some thing else and then some more and what happened at the boys weekend....
and followed by twenty posts of further cross examination by you lot hungry for more and more detail - like a horde of zombies
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pam w, indeed, if you have friends over you don't expect them to lighten the load. Of course a true friend always offers, but you don't offer a contract in return... Still think this is a windup.. Could anyone be that callous
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| nixmap wrote: |
| ansta1 wrote: |
| "you can say how good it was but nothing more, including who you are or what the work was, or what we did on Sunday night after the party" |
or some thing else and then some more and what happened at the boys weekend....
and followed by twenty posts of further cross examination by you lot hungry for more and more detail - like a horde of zombies |
But Nixmap, surely if they are willing to say absolutely nothing at all or identify themselves in anyway under the terms of the agreement, then why could and would they not also agree to either post a brief positive response and nothing else? The cynic would possibly suggest that there is something more binding than a gentlemens agreement, either positive "shut up and you get some cash" or something more sinister.....
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| ansta1 wrote: |
| The cynic would possibly suggest that there is something more binding than a gentlemens agreement, either positive "shut up and you get some cash" or something more sinister..... |
That is the nature of cynics, which is I think is rather different to the nature of gentlemen.
which works out well as cynics don't normally apply for the offer..
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I would be interested in this for a future winter, possibly next winter with enough forward planning. Seems like something my wife and i could probably do if we could get enough time off work. How long are you expecting people to be at the chalets(early december to end of March?), and how many days in the season do you roughly spend at the chalets. I know you say week ends and school holidays, so is that some where around 40 days a winter?
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nixmap, back to the 'friends' point. I would assume you CRB check all candidates given that they will be around your children/in your house alone. This is not normally something that you would do with true friends when they stay over surely.
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You know it makes sense.
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| ansta1 wrote: |
"
But Nixmap, surely if they are willing to say absolutely nothing at all or identify themselves in anyway under the terms of the agreement, then why could and would they not also agree to either post a brief positive response and nothing else? The cynic would possibly suggest that there is something more binding than a gentlemens agreement, either positive "shut up and you get some cash" or something more sinister..... |
Forget the "something more binding" or "something more sinister" ideas... I'm thinking that maybe this whole thing is an elaborate wind-up. A phantom role in a phantom chalet created in a fantasy world by nixmap for a bit of summer entertainment.... I simply cannot believe that not a single previous "worker" who found the role via  and would be aware of the debate that goes on each year would not come back and post about a) the bona fides of the offer and b) the experience (even at a high level).
Something does not add up!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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1556garyt, for me the weirdest thing is that someone with so much apparent wealth would waste their time having this pointless conversation on multiple forums (this isn't unique to SH). If nixmap was less active it would be more credible. Any clients I have at his sort of level would be passing this sort of thing on to assistants, chalet managers or specialist recruitment agencies.
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Poster: A snowHead
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[quote="1556garyt"]
| ansta1 wrote: |
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I'm thinking that maybe this whole thing is an elaborate wind-up. |
A wind up so elaborate that spans the course of 5 years replies to all applicants that takes months each year
Its possible but that would mean a troll of gargantuan proportions.
What would be the point?
Besides there has been feedback ,
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| albinomountainbadger wrote: |
| 1556garyt, for me the weirdest thing is that someone with so much apparent wealth would waste their time having this pointless conversation on multiple forums (this isn't unique to SH). If nixmap was less active it would be more credible. Any clients I have at his sort of level would be passing this sort of thing on to assistants, chalet managers or specialist recruitment agencies. |
I don't see helping others to have a good times on the snow as a waste of time.
You don't have to be at any level to decide to get personally involved with anything. You just do.
Specialist recruitment agencies I doubt would even set foot in this place or TGR, which is precisely why they are of no real use.
N
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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It strikes me that nixmap, or nixmap's, partner ( there has been an admission that it's not always the same person ) 'generally' argues a good point, and those that play the man, and not the ball, often come off worse. Why can't people just decide whether it's for them or not, and then just live and let bloody live. FFS people. Get over it.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Timberwolf, +1
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| nixmap wrote: |
Besides there has been feedback , |
Where?
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Timberwolf, +100
Good luck, trying to change the world !
Honestly I have a sneaking suspicion that some decide to "play the man" for their own personal enjoyment.
I have no idea why. Nature of the beast I guess.
Hope it's not exclusive to me though.
N
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| 1556garyt wrote: |
| nixmap wrote: |
Besides there has been feedback , |
Where? |
Directly or indirectly on at least 3 of the previous threads.
Obviously I am not going to name them.
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nixmap, just trying to create a good impression in case my life ever allows an application 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Timberwolf wrote: |
Why can't people just decide whether it's for them or not, and then just live and let bloody live.
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Because it's summer and there's nothing else to do - after 4 years watching this my favourite theory is now 1556garyt's that Nixmap is in fact an elaborate ruse to entertain the community over the quiet months...
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| nixmap wrote: |
Directly or indirectly on at least 3 of the previous threads.
Obviously I am not going to name them.
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Why would you not?
I have no issue with the concept of what you are offering, however more fundamentally I am not sure whether you are genuine or whether this is a "troll of gargantuan proportions"... !
My central point of confusion is that I simply do not think it is credible that NONE of your former "helpers" would come forward to endorse (or not) the experience? Why would they not, particularly as they know the contentious nature of the offer?
Now we are told that at there has been feedback given in 3 previous threads but you are not going to name them. I don't recall seeing them but I accept that I don't watch this thread as closely as other do. If there already has been feedback, why not identify it?
But to be honest, you don't need to worry about me as I will not taking you up on your offer - unfortunately I don't get enough time in my own little place, never mind yours! All I would say is that not everything is adding up and your enigmatic and sometimes evasive responses do not suggest that this is a straightforward proposition (if it even exists).
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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1556garyt, I have seen some of the independent feedback, if your se keen on reading it to disprove their honesty why not spend 5 mins searching, you clearly have enough time to post so go search, would be great if it was a big wind up tho just to annoy all you pedants who come here to moan, there are so many on here though it would be a tough task to get you all 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| nixmap wrote: |
You won't get it. Not Until you have enough info to get it.
By which time you would also choose not to share it.
Catch 22 |
Mysterious internet presence, another home in NZ.... You are Kim Dotcom, do I get to stay in your chalet without having to cook dinner for guessing correctly?
https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/367628775720108033
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I'm always amazed that the people who are so animated in this thread, every year, are the ones that have absolutely no intention whatsoever of applying for the position. I find it incredibly bizarre.
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You know it makes sense.
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Why is that amazing? Obviously the people who might wish to apply for the job aren't gonna be critical.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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| nixmap wrote: |
| pam w oddly silent on this.. |
This has the signature of a classic troll written all over it!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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nixmap, you failed to answe my last question too 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Or reply to my questions?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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geeo, it definitely seems to be as though nixmap like to play the game too? He manages to drag this thread out for several months over the summer until we can all go back to nozawaonsen weather outlook thread...
He may well be completely legit and good luck to him and whoever gets the role. But some of the mystery in his replies might make the more sceptical among us question it... nixmap doesn't do that much to stop it and lets face it, it would be a very dull summer if we couldn't claim something was not quite right here...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| PaulC1984 wrote: |
| nixmap, back to the 'friends' point. I would assume you CRB check all candidates given that they will be around your children/in your house alone. This is not normally something that you would do with true friends when they stay over surely. |
No, generally take a reference or two by the time the shortlist is complete some of the applications are pretty detailed.
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Same idea, not ever successful,
I think the role changes as life goes on, by now I seriously doubt my kids would have any use for an English Ski instructor, other then some form of Schadenfroh entertainment.
More parties, though. 
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Mon 8-09-14 22:56; edited 1 time in total
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| yuppie wrote: |
| I would be interested in this for a future winter, possibly next winter with enough forward planning. Seems like something my wife and i could probably do if we could get enough time off work. How long are you expecting people to be at the chalets(early december to end of March?), and how many days in the season do you roughly spend at the chalets. I know you say week ends and school holidays, so is that some where around 40 days a winter? |
probably less, if the weather is bad or we get invited to another place, some weekends we just can't be bothered.
but your maths is sound, depends on the snow .
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| nixmap wrote: |
| yuppie wrote: |
| I would be interested in this for a future winter, possibly next winter with enough forward planning. Seems like something my wife and i could probably do if we could get enough time off work. How long are you expecting people to be at the chalets(early december to end of March?), and how many days in the season do you roughly spend at the chalets. I know you say week ends and school holidays, so is that some where around 40 days a winter? |
probably less, if the weather is bad or we get invited to another place, some weekends we just can't be bothered.
but your maths is sound, depends on the snow . |
Cheers Nixmap, might well check in next year if the offers on again. Will be doing a season somewhere.
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| yuppie wrote: |
I would be interested in this for a future winter, possibly next winter with enough forward planning
Cheers Nixmap, might well check in next year if the offers on again. Will be doing a season somewhere. |
Cool already looking forward to next years thread
As I'm sure is everyone else. 
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FAQ
