 |
| Sunrise at the Remarks |
For the past two weeks I've been working for NZSki - the snowsports company that controls three of the biggest ski fields on the South Island. It is a lot more fun than housekeeping (no surprise there, really) and I am learning a lot about the snow industry along with how to ski.
 |
| NZSki Remarks crew 2012 |
From Monday through Friday I spend the mornings at the base of the Remarkables Ski Field and sell bus tickets for those who don't wish to brave the treacherous 45 min. drive up the mountain on an unpaved road. Then I take the last bus up at noon and work in the retail store from one p.m. until close at 5 p.m.
 |
| Above the cloud line |
If it's not busy we can take a break to ski and I have been spending my days off there as well since we can jump into lessons for free if there is enough room. Currently I've done level I (how to wedge or snowplow), level II (how to turn), and level IIIA (how to use the lifts and make it safely down the green/beginner runs). I've learned that skiing is a lot harder than it looks and quite painful if you fall or if someone nears you falls and you crash into them. I have the bruises to prove it.
To be honest, my favorite thing about working this ski job is just being up in the mountains every day. The view is spectacular and while selling bus tickets I get to be outside which is nice. It's fun talking to all of the tourists and guests as well as learning all about the gear we sell in our shop. My least favorite thing about the job is the cold and wintry conditions that are ever-present and hard to deal with as NZ doesn't use central heating or furnaces anywhere. That being said, during the past ten days I've only taken my full set of long johns off to shower. It's that cold. Cheers to winter!
beautiful pics!