Pakanakadid you have experience grooming and stuff before you got employed at turoa? I work as a ski instructor at cardrona atm but thinking of doing something else due to the pressure of getting nzsia level 2, competing for lessons ect..
Yeah. I did day staff at Turoa but had been doing it for a while in the states at that point. Didn't really know a ton about the visa at that point but i threw out an application to turoa and another spot and got a call and job offer, then applied for the visa and stuff.
I think I only had two full seasons grooming when I went to Australia.
Not sure how everything works in NZ but getting into snowmaking can be a good way into a cat st most mountains. One of my friends at turoa did that as well so it at least happens sometimes there.
Shows that you're a decent worker and you learn a lot about the mtn ops side of the place. Day staff parks is pretty sick too. I did it for a lot of seasons.
I did ski school for a few seasons before I got into parks so I know the vibe. Everyone's different but I preffer park stuff to teaching.
Also if you're trying to get in the cat, talk to the guys at the shop or your boss. Let em know you're trying to get a ride along. No guarentee it will get you a job but it helps to show your face an interest. If people know you they're more likely to hire you. Especially if you seem like you really want it. Not eveyone pics it up and makes it but places are down to throw somebody a shot if it seems like they really want it.
Sometimes it can be pretty easy to snag a grooming job, sometimes it's tough and can take years, but if you want it and stay on it you can make it happen.
Snowmaking def helps though. That season ends early and mtns are pretty good about getting people into other roles. A good way to get in a cat or even park staff if you've been striking out. Same goes for parks. Talk to the guys, your boss park boss and let them know you're trying to get in there.
Best of luck man!