Snow Hosts: A Day in the Life
Fernie Alpine Resort is a winter wonderland for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. With its abundant powder and incredible terrain, it's no wonder that thousands of visitors flock to this resort every season.
Among the many people who make the Fernie experience unforgettable are the dedicated team of volunteer Snow Hosts - passionate, friendly characters who genuinely love sharing their love of our mountain with others.
Whether it's providing information to guests looking for rentals or recommending the best après-ski spots, Snow Hosts go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels supported and valued. Their dedication to creating positive experiences extends to all visitors, from individuals to families and groups of friends - have a question? Find a Snow Host!
Let's take a glimpse into a day in the life of a Snow Host at Fernie Alpine Resort.
7am - Rise and Shine
A Snow Host's day starts early. The alarm rings at 7am, and after a hearty breakfast, it's time to gear up for a day on the mountain. The Snow Host uniform is donned with a bright yellow jacket, making it easily recognizable to guests seeking assistance.
8:30am - Morning Meeting
Arriving at the resort, the Snow Hosts gather for the morning meeting. Here, they receive updates on weather conditions, slope conditions, and special events or activities, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared to provide accurate information to guests throughout the day.
9am - Welcome Guests
The lifts open, and the mountain comes alive with eager skiers and snowboarders. You can find the Snow Hosts in the plaza, ready to greet guests and offer assistance. They provide information on trail maps and current weather conditions, the best places to eat, what events are happening and recommend the best slopes based on guests' skill levels and preferences. Whether it's a family looking for a gentle slope or experienced thrill-seekers in search of challenging terrain, the Snow Hosts are ready to guide them in the right direction.
10am Onward - On-Mountain Assistance
By mid-morning, half of the Snow Host team grab their skis and head up the mountain to answer guests' questions, share the resort's hidden gems and share their knowledge about the mountain's history and features.
1pm - Safety Patrol
Safety is a top priority at Fernie Alpine Resort, and Snow Hosts play a vital role in ensuring guests' well-being. They spend the day skiing/riding around the mountain in staggered time slots, monitoring trail conditions, and addressing guests' questions. If they see someone in need of help, they will quickly connect with Ski Patrol to get assistance to the injured guest. Snow Hosts act as friendly guardians, ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable day on the slopes.
3:30 – 4pm - Wrapping Up
Snow Hosts bid farewell to the last guests as the resort winds down for the day. They gather for a debriefing session, discussing notable incidents or feedback received throughout the day. This helps them improve their service and ensure a better experience for future visitors.
4pm - Off the Mountain
After a fulfilling day of assisting guests, Snow Hosts hang up their jackets and call it a day. If a Host told you on the best place to après, you may even spot a few of them there, chatting and enjoying the music.
Coming from all walks of life, many Hosts are retired professionals (e.g., Engineers, Health Care Professionals, Teachers). Every Snow Host has an entertaining story to tell, so when you see the yellow jacket, be sure to say ‘hi’ and have a chat. You're bound to hear some great stories, get valuable information, and may even catch them doing a choreographed dance (did we mention how fun they are!?).
Emma Polit is the Social Media and Content Specialist at Fernie Alpine Resort where she spends her days in the mountains creating, sharing and inspiring others. skifernie.com