People always ask if it is really magical to be in a ski resort over Christmas. Perhaps as a guest, it may be. Definitely for kids from Singapore or Hong Kong that have never seen snow before. They are so excited to get off the transfer bus and play in the snow! As an instructor, to be honest, Christmas Day feels pretty much like any other day of the season. There are still ski and snowboard lessons to undertake, entertaining of guests to be carried out, there are the usual duties to be done here – the only difference for us was that Santa joined us in the torch procession and we were Santa’s helpers. I honestly haven’t put on three stone since being here- the costume had netting under it and it was over a ski jacket and sallopettes !
Talking of food, the buffet on Christmas eve was amazing with lobster, a whole tuna and lots of amazing dishes on offer! I tried Abalone for the first time -may as well – my summary: a strange texture and subtle taste. There was also a bbq outside in the daytime on Christmas day with oysters to try.
The hotel did put on lots of extra events for the guests so there was lots going on for the kids meaning extra set up and clean down duties etc for us. But its not all work for us – we did join a party which started at midnight in the common room after we returned to the dormitory for a few beers with our colleagues.
We also received a box of chocolates each left on our bed on Christmas night. Luckily we had our room key so could get in our room to enjoy our gift and sleep but three colleagues resulted in being locked out their room and had to sleep in the common room after the party finally wrapped up at 4.30am.
This is poor Suzanne the next day sleeping in her lunch break in the staff locker room!
All days off were cancelled for the ski team over the Christmas week but we finally got a day off, after 10 days of work. It was just lovely – very chilled – a lie in, an afternoon of skiing, a trip to the supermarket, an ofuro bath, and chilling. A chance to recharge again before the hotel refilled once more for New Year (170 new arrivals on New Year’s Eve).
And we were lucky enough to have our day off on a powder day! There was a lovely 15cm of fresh powder which was fab to ski in. Also we took out snowboards for a quick play. We still need snow to open a few of the steep black runs and the forecast for several days snow may mean all the pistes will finally open – fingers crossed
