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It’s no secret that Big White Ski Resort is a popular spot for internationals visiting Canada on a working visa.
In previous ski seasons, Australian employees make up 40% of the mountain’s staff with Canadians making up 30% and residents of the United Kingdom in third at about 10%.
However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made international travel more complicated than ever, meaning domestic employees will be relied on more than ever.
“It’s like reverting back to the 80s,” says Michael J. Ballingall, Senior VP at Big White Ski Resort Ltd.
“When we would go on hiring clinics through the Prairies to find groomer drivers, rental shop personnel, lift operators, and other on-mountain team members.”
While Big White will be hiring fewer staff due to COVID-19 protocols, the resort is still looking for people to work in food and beverage, rentals, retail, repair and central reservations.
On top of this unprecedented challenge to staff the resort, management is also faced with finding accommodation for all of its employees.
For the first time in a long time, the resort will need to house staff in Kelowna, or rely on Kelowna-based employees, and bus everyone back and forth for shifts.
It could be a prime opportunity for any local residents who’ve had international travel plans cancelled to explore their own backyard.
“Canadians will enjoy spending a winter in a resort like Big White,” added Ballingall.
“Even if you have to work a few shifts a week, the skiing is awesome.”
Want to learn more about what working a ski season at Big White is like, and what positions are currently available? Click here.
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