 Poster: A snowHead
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Went to Banff in March for 2 weeks (trip report to follow) and feel that it was just not enough. I need more and the only way to do it is being a boardbum for 2 or 3 months. I would work probably on weekends and ride all week but where to go at my age (45)? I'll regret it if I don't do it and work has reluctantly agreed a sabbatical. My choice would be SLC but Salt Lake itself is a bit too quiet. Where else? Canada would be great but Jan is too cold. Europe doesn't interest me but its the most probable location even after brexit as I have dual citizenship. This would be for 19/20 season so I have time to work it out. What do I need to consider? Any input would be great.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 10-04-17 21:37; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Whistler?
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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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@QRZBuddha, thanks so what about visas etc?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Look at every option and then just do it before it's too late 😀
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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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Be warned. Last year we did our first proper season. Just coming to the end of our second and have now secured a home here. Even a season isn't enough!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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What about Norway or north and south islands of New Zealand (and maybe pop to Mt Buller in Victoria Australia)? We were in NZ last year but just couldn't fit skiing in too (gutted). For various reasons, our two attempts at emigration to Oz and NZ have fallen through, we've learnt through bitter experience you have to seize the day and don't live with the regret of not doing something. Good luck and enjoy.
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Work 3 jobs and save as much money as poss.
Then go do a season, no point working if you don't need to!
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Nobody NEEDS to do a season. Just be honest and say you would like to do one. Your age is immaterial. I did my first season at 54. Now coming to the end of my 11th. this time in Steamboat Colorado. If you think you can only have the 1 full season due to your employer giving you the requisite time off, then take some time to research lots of options. Not far from SLC is Park City which has a good vibrant nightlife along it's main street. If you want a really raucous night life and a really great ski area, then St Anton could be the answer. Several of the Austrian new 'mega' resorts could fit the bill too. The people there are very friendly and welcoming, and most will speak English.
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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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@Gainz, Europe's pretty big and varied. Why doesn't it interest you?
What are your main criteria? What's your level/preferred terrain?
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If you are going to North America then you need to think about how you are going to get a work permit as your a little past BUNAC.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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It can be a little addictive.
The more you get paid, typically the less you ski.
Possibly consider some sort of well paid part time work in the UK and a partial season with no work while in resort? (Europe much easier for this due logistics).
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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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Yeah, realistically a season in Europe only needs to be three months (Jan-Mar) since the months at the extremes typically have less perfect condicions. So full-time for 3 months instead of part-time for 5 is worth considering.
That said, personally I love being able to mix working with ski-time...it make it feel more like a normal life than a special holiday (and then it gets really addictive since you realize that it can be a normal life  .) But for the first season it's not an especially important factor though.
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Some food for thought. My main priorities are the ski area particularly off-piste and more importantly backcountry (my new addiction). So I guess a European megaresort would work but I can't be arsed to learn a new language and the town has to be busy so the missus can get a full time job and give us other options. I've lived in the states so know the ropes (a bit) and been to Utah which i loved. I could see myself there but for the visa requirements and work permits. Canada is looking more likely as I can stay up to 6 months and maybe get casual work if I need it (missus can get a work permit for 1 year). How much would this cost? I'm budgeting at £10k for the 3 months including rent for me and if the missus works then £10k for her though part-financed with work.
Oh and @Old Man Of Lech, I do NEED to do this!
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You know it makes sense.
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to learn a new language
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Not necessary in e.g. Chamonix...or probably Verbier either ... or Morzine/Les Gets...
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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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And what does "the missus" think of the plan? I'd tell you what you could do with your snowboard...
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Poster: A snowHead
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If you work in Canada without a Visa and get caught, BEWARE. You will be expelled and banned for a minimum of possibly 3 years from returning. In 2005, my first season was just a long holiday, actually in Canada and when I said at immigration I was staying for 5 months I was sent through to 'secondary' and GRILLED for an hour about my intentions. I spent about £12,000 pounds in that 5 months, though admittedly I didn't skimp on anything.
Just a little aside. Check on the definition of the word, need.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Nice snow in Utah but for what you're after Verbier or Chamonix would be ideal. You get proper mountains thrown in for free. In Verbier there are signs saying "A Verbier on parle français" precisely because noone does!
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FAQ
