Day 11


Well I am finally here after 72 hours of planes, buses, taxies, cousins and a friendly family from Holland I made it to Mount Panorama. It has been a quick change working in Perth, Australia on Thursday (a nice 25 degrees) to working in Mt. Panorama, Canada (a nice -10 degrees).


I am working as a snowmaker working shifts 4pm - midnight, which is much better than the midnight - 8am shift! I think I am quite lucky with my shift as I get to ski all day, work in the evenings and then have a few knock off beers at the local. I am working in a team of 4 with irish/english/scottish nationalities and a relaxed Canadian supervisor. To make snow it is basically mixing pressurised air (150 psi) and pressurised water (600 psi). After a week of work we have nearly completed two runs, which is probably the equivalent of 3 burke streets at Mount Buller.

Taking a break during work

Checking the guns to make sure they are making snow

The scenery is pretty spectacular up here with many of the trees changing colour. I have been told different stories about the yellow pine trees below. Some people have told me that the yellow trees are dying from an imported asian insect while others have told me it's just the changing of the seasons. Either way I got to try out my new Nikon SLR camera.

I have Friday and Saturday off so I hiked up the mountain on one of my days off. After 2.5 hours I made it half way up to the submit and realised how good it will be once the powder starts falling.

Checking out the slopes on my day off

I found a deserted hut on the slopes to have lunch with a nice view

Tomorrow there is going to be a staff ski day to get the slopes ready for the 100+ professional skiers that arrive next week for pre-season training. So it is the first chance to get on the slopes and brush away those cobwebs. The plan this season is to buy a snowboard and learn how to board properly so theoretically I will be able to ski and board by the end of the season!


Hope everyone is doing well around the globe.