But not always, no, before the ski thing I was just a...
Army, UN, Property development, corporate path... but why earn money? So I could spend it on stuff, things and vacations.
I always talk to my clients, (I'm a temporary full-time, part-time ski instructor... well it means I work full time but get paid part time... if they need me...) "what do you do, where you from, blah blah blah". Australians often visit Big White every second year, they work hard, save for two years so they can have a fantastic bi-annual ski vacation. A woman from Vancouver Island visiting for two weeks saved all year to do her trip... Others? Of course, lots but the point is made.
The common theme - I'm lucky, living the dream, wish they could live this life. What? Well, yes, it is true, I live at a ski resort, I ski most of the winter... they even pay me to do it. Not a bad life, not much money but I can't take money with me.
I watched a documentary recently, 'Inspired to Ride'. About cyclists riding across the States - no support, no pay, no medals - 16 hours on a bike a day... sometimes riding through the night. Sounded like hell, compelling tho. Anyhoooo, Juliana Buhring (third overall) was asked 'is this not insane?'
"Depends on your definition of insanity" she answered, "for me sitting behind a desk 8-hours every day is insanity."
Exactly!
First World Problems.
There have been a couple of incendiary posts on the Big White Facebook Page - Revelstoke this, Whistler that, Bike Park, Big White should do this, do that... And then lift pass season prices - too expensive for families, incorrect marketing... whatever.
Big White doing stuff...
We arrived in 2000, since 2000 the resort has added or improved or developed...
- The Cliff Chair
- The Snowghost Express
- Telus Park and the chair.
- The Gondola
- The Skating rink (one of the biggest in North America)
- The Tube park (ditto)
- The Ice Climbing Tower.
- Happy Valley Day Lodge.
- Happy Valley Learning Area
- Snowpines Phase II
- Feathertop (the big log house area)
- Black Forest Day Lodge
In addition new runs have been cut, summer grooming done, hiking trails built, chair upgrades for hiking...
As for development...
- Copper Kettle
- Sun Dance
- Feathertop Homes
- Southpoint.
- Timbers
- Edge
- Raven
- Snowbird Lodge
- Trailside Town Homes
- Bullet Creek Cabins
- Blacksmith I & II.
- Glacier Lodge
- Solitude
- North
- Stonebridge I, II, & III
- Stonegate I & II
- Forest
- Trappers Crossing
- Aspens
- Treetops...
- The school...
Plus numerous others. All world class accommodation. Then there are restaurants - Six Degrees, Woods, Black Diamond, Globe, Blarney, Kettle Steak House, Frosted Snowflake, Sessions...
Hundreds of millions in investment? The biggest investor in the mountain is Big White. We complain that nothing is happening, we complain that every other resort is growing... we voice our problems, our First World Problems... "but nothing is happening" really...?
But to spend money, to invest in the resort what do you have to do? Yes, make money... true story. So pricing structure on season passes gets tweaked, some families may pay a little more, some families less.
I know the families with more than two kids won't like this but why should I pay more per child than you? Why? I go on vacation I pay for each plane seat. I buy ski gear every year for my kids, I don't get extras for free.
And the cost? What does a lift cost? $7m? And to run per day? Maintenance, parts, staffing, insurance...? Your $629 pass gives you what 140+/- days with 10+/- hours per day? 45 cents per hour, roughly? Not that bad.
But ultimately these are First World Problems... We live this luxurious life, we won the lottery, abundant food, fresh water, and a life that allows huge amounts of recreational time - yes, Whistler may be further along the development curve, we may have to pay for each pass but we all have a choice...
We can choose not to step out our door, into our skis, we can choose to live in a congested, smoky, smelly city, we can choose to work and save for two years to afford two weeks skiing... We have First World Problems... we have choices.
Sólido Properties infrequently writes a blog, skis lots, suffers from First World Problems, drinks beer, manages both their own and third party property. And is proud to be a Ski-Bum.
If you would like to comment on this post or email me to complain about my insensitive nature you can try at idontgive@hoot.com
