2 common mistakes people make when planning their ski season

“It was the ski season that changed my life”

We’ve heard it all before, it may be cliché but that’s because it’s true. Taking that leap of faith to do your first season really can be life-changing. BUT, it doesn't always turn out the way you necessarily expect it to.

It comes down to what you want to get out of your season abroad and your expectations. For example, if you expect to be on the snow 24/7 but get a job that keeps you indoors staring out at the slopes half the season, then you're bound to be disappointed.

So here are the two mistakes people make when planning their winter gap year:

1. Not spending enough time on the slopes

If you travel to a ski resort, during winter, then chances are, you're there for the snow! If you don't give yourself enough time out there on the slopes, chasing powder and exploring the mountain, then you're not making the most of the opportunity to live there and you'll know it. Make sure you prioritise the mountain, get out there and enjoy it! Trust us, you won't regret it.

2. Planning for just one season

Many seasonairres make the mistake of booking their flight home heading back to reality earlier than they should. There are plenty of places to travel to after the season and even other resorts around the world calling your name. Many travel overseas thinking that they will only do one season and head back home…. But often the snow calls and you won't be ready to head back just yet.

Your new mates will be travelling to exotic places like the Philippines and FOMO will kick in. If you’re not planning your back-to-back season in the southern hemisphere by chasing your Japan Ski Season with an NZ ski season, you’ll be making the most of that hard-earned working holiday visa and sticking around for the summer.

There are so many epic travelling opportunities to be had during the off-season, from hiking mind-bending peaks in the Canadian Rockies, chilling in truly natural hot springs in New Zealand (that only smell a little bit like rotten eggs), or experiencing Japanese culture and ultramodern cities like Tokyo.

Learn from others mistakes and don’t assume that you’ll want to go home straight after the season. Travelling is addictive and once you’ve visited one country there’s 194 more to see.

Where can instructing take you?

Ski instructing is not for everyone but after training instructors for over ten years, we have realised that it’s a great way to make the most of a ski season while travelling the world.

It’s true what they say if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. Not every day involves shredding pow with your mates but you get to be out on the mountain, riding the first chair, shredding with likeminded people and training in between lessons, all while earning an epic goggle tan.

With resorts offering unreal reciprocals (free or heavily discounted lift passes) your days off take on a whole new meaning, set off on an epic road trip with your mates to chase the best snow, compare the parks, or sample the après scene!

Your job involves inspiring the next generation of Olympians (you never know), putting smiles on kids faces, learning from the most experienced instructors in the world and encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone.

EA Ski & Snowboard Training help adventure travel enthusiasts and ski season addicts secure their guaranteed job offer as a ski or snowboard instructor.