Tremblant Ski Resort
Most people stick to bar or restaurant work in Tremblant, which caters largely to Canadian families and tourists, but there are also opportunities for housekeeping work (ie cleaning, to start off with) in hotels. The better your French, the better your chance of moving to a front-of-house role such as waiter, barman, reception, customer services and so on. But don't worry if French is not your thing: if you're keen to learn, you can do a course, and then practise every day in your job.
Expect to earn around C$9 (approx £4.50) per hour before tips for 30-40 hours a week. Hours vary with season, snow conditions and guest numbers; normally you get two days off to ski. The employers we use aim to pay enough to cover your accommodation, food and fun, so if skiing, cross-country, snowboarding, skating and sledging appeal, this is your baby. Like our other Canada placements, it's not the way to save money!
In order to be eligible for the Work Permit that we provide you must be aged between 18 and 30 and be confident of obtaining an unconditional UCAS place on a degree course following your results in August. The course must start at the end of your Gap Year. Graduates of fulltime degree course from a UK University are eligible if the placement takes place within a year of graduation. These are the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Department.
What will I do in Tremblant?
The hospitality industry in Tremblant is big and competitive, so your employer - be it a bar, restaurant or hotel - will nurture their service standards. You will be expected to be punctual, dress appropriately - possibly in uniform - and be genuinely friendly and courteous to guests. Jobs start at a low level, but there are plenty of possibilities should you prove yourself able and willing, particularly if your French improves.
If you've worked in a café or restaurant during your holidays, tell us - you may be able to start in a more skilled job. Read our blog for accounts written by oyster participants. Check out our 'more information page' for further details.
Getting there
We will see your group off at Heathrow Airport. On arrival Cynthia will pick you up at Montreal airport, drive you the 90 minutes up to Tremblant and settle you into your accommodation.
Representative
Tremblant
Cynthia
Cynthia helped us set up our Tremblant placements in 2006 and has been our representative ever since. She has grown-up children and runs a real estate business with her partner, Pierre. Good news for our participants: you not only get a sympathetic ear from someone who is used to young adults, you get the best accommodation going!
We’re right behind you
On arrival, Cynthia will arrange a short orientation course and be in close contact with you over the first couple of days. As time goes on, Cynthia will take more a back seat and be there as a helpful friend should you need any help or advice. Once a month Cynthia hosts a meet up with the Oyster group where we provide a few drinks and snacks and the chance for you to talk through any issues you might have. Cynthia is a local expert on where to go and what to see in the area. We also organise some French lessons for you so that you can brush up on your skills. Cynthia will organise this with you once you know what your work shift pattern will be like.
Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. Cynthia will keep us updated on your health and welfare throughout.
Accommodation
When we launched our placement in Tremblant, we took the decision that you would be more comfortable living together in a Condo (Canadian flat) rather than living in staff accommodation at your place of work. This means that you will be living in the best accommodation that we send anyone to anywhere in the world. The cost is pretty comparable to what it would cost to live in staff accommodation. You pay roughly C$375 per month per person.
The accommodation is based in the quaint town of St Jovite - just outside the resort of Tremblant. There is a bus that takes you to the resort in about 20 minutes.
Cost and what is provided?
Cost
A six month placement in Tremblant costs: £1725, excluding flights
What is Provided?
- One-to-one interview and informal briefing
- Hotel based UK briefing day covering hotel issues and work advice
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst in Canada
- Work permit documentation and liaison with the Canadian High Commission
- Cost of applying for your Work Permit
- A suitable job, liaising with employers and obtaining job offer letters etc. Please be aware some employers like to conduct their own interview on the phone
- Optional flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Total cost with flight £2325
- ATOL Protection (as long as we book your flights)
- Arrangement of transportation to your accommodation from the airport and local information
- Assistance and support from our representative whilst on your placement including regular social 'meet ups'
- Wages (approx. £120 per week, before tips)
- Excludes accommodation (approx. $375 per month)
- French tuition by a local tutor
What do I need?
- A full UK or Irish passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay in Canada
- After results in August we need a copy of the letter from UCAS offering an unconditional degree course place or, for graduates, your degree certificate
- Insurance (covering winter sports and any planned independent travel)
- Cost of changing your return flight date if you need to (approx £50)
- Independent travel costs or cost of journey to airport at the end of your placement
- All UK travel costs (to the interview, briefing day and airport)
- Accommodation and food costs, approximately C$15 (£8.50) per day
- Police Check for Immigration Purposes (approx. £35)
- Optional - 6 month off peak T66 ski pass - approx £300
- Flexible Work Permit - approx. £200
And one more thing...
In winter the temperatures in Tremblant can reach minus 30ºC. You have been warned!
