Instructor Success Story: Olli Dickerson

Olli did our 11 week snowboard instructor course in Fernie and the following season secured a job as an instructor in Japan's most famous resort, Niseko. Read about his journey...

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE THE COURSE AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FERNIE TO TRAIN AS AN INSTRUCTOR?

I was studying geography at Loughborough University. I’d always wanted to go to BC. I think I was drawn to Fernie not only because I heard it was BCs ‘powder capital’, but because it was a lot smaller than the other resorts and didn’t have the commercial ‘resort’ feel to it. I didn’t want to go to a large party place like Whistler - I mean, every ski town is going to have a party atmosphere. It seemed like the mix was right in Ferine and I felt quite at home there. Not to mention the terrain was awesome!

WHAT WERE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COURSE?

I felt like a ski bum but was being trained like a pro. The whole course was run very professionally but not so that you felt like you were on some crazy boot camp.  The training was amazing. My riding (which I thought was okay!) was stripped right back to basics in the first week and I felt I was progressing week on week. The culture within the course was great. Everyone is there for the same reason so naturally everyone gets along. I made some great friends in Fernie and not solely course mates. Every instructor was incredibly experienced and loved sharing what they know both in lessons and over a drink in the bars.

My main highlight was my first proper powder day. There was so much excitement in the group and everyone went nuts – riding from first lift to last every day until everywhere was tracked.

Another of my highlights from the course was Hot Dog Day. It was a pretty loose day from what I remember. Everyone was in good spirits, donned their most outrageous fancy dress and descended on the hill. 

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE APPLYING FOR WORK AS AN INSTRUCTOR?

I was probably a little keen on applying for jobs as I started looking as the course was ending. Unless you’re looking to do a Southern Hemisphere season there is no real rush. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a Canadian visa so I applied to a number of resorts in Europe and Japan over the summer. Nonstop were great with providing possible ski schools as well as references.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE JOB IN JAPAN?

Niseko Black was recommended through Max at Nonstop.

WAS IT DIFFICULT TO GET A VISA?

In essence – no. All the information is available on the website. Although it took me two trips to the Japanese embassy as they can be quite picky on your documents (normally the financial ones).

Describe a typical day working for Niseko Black.

First job is to shovel the car out from under last night’s dump. We operate a chaperone service so we had to pick clients up from their apartment or hotel and drive the to the snow. Then you'd start your morning lesson with lunch around 12:30. The afternoon lesson would usually start at 14:00 and finish around 4.30 - then it’s time to grab a rice triangle (Japanese equivalent of a sandwich) and head out for night skiing (or your secondary job should you want one). Night skiing is super fun and it's always good to have a shred in the evening after work.

WHAT WAS THE PAY LIKE?

Pay varies on experience and if you are dual cert. The pay is above average for the resort. However, the clients you are instructing normally (but not always) tip well. Although you shouldn’t always expect a tip it is normal for you to get lunch on a full day. As a peak season employee I had another job to tide me over which I would recommend.

HOW DID YOU SORT OUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

Niseko Black sort that for you. You can sort it yourself but it is normally quite difficult to sort out as most companies have staff accommodation (Niseko is generally very expensive accommodation wise).

Were there any of your course mates there?

There was one of my course mates in Niseko working for a the Hilton and a few others working as instructors in nearby resorts.

What was your highlight from your season in Japan?

The whole season was an absolute dream. Nipple deep powder all of January was a definite highlight. But I think the best part was being able to work in such an amazing country. Although Niseko is incredibly westernized, Japanese culture is still evident in the sake, ramen, sushi and onsen. All the lifties and Japanese staff are so happy all the time. It really makes even the most tedious lessons (and there will be some!) enjoyable. I can’t speak highly enough of Niseko and would recommend anyone to go.

What's your plan of next season?

I unfortunately managed to injure my knee at the end of last season. So, as of yet I’m not too sure. But I'll be back chasing winter soon!

START YOUR OWN INSTRUCTOR STORY

If you fancy yourself as an instructor, join our ski instructor course or snowboard instructor course in Fernie just like Olli and begin your journey to 'living the dream'.

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