Meet the Ski Rider Team

Dave

Dave started work at Ski Rider in 2008, skipped 2 seasons so this year will be his 10th season, officially a veteran! Currently Ski Hire Manager and working during the summer months maintaining the grounds and improving the hotels appearance. “I keep coming back because the office girls rock my world and I want to become the head bobcat driver in winter…it seems to be the best gig!”

“Ski Riders best aspect is snowboarding, its the reason we all go there to begin with. If you think Dave occasionally looks a bit tired it probably has everything to do with his three sons aged under 3 and his newborn baby due in May & absolutely nothing to do with his hard work at Ski Rider!   I also love a dress up night, always a fun night out at Ski Rider”.

Dave rides a Neversummer board and recently brought The Chairman which is the bomb for carving the hill.

Local knowledge for everyone staying at Ski Rider is to use the FREE guest shuttle service. “We love Mick and the boys, especially on a powder day on a weekend when the car park is full”.

Jodie

Jodie is a local, having lived in the Snowy Mountains for most of her life. She has worked at Ski Rider since 1996 as a receptionist in winter and office staff in summer. Jodie took a few years off when her two daughters were young and since returning in the early 2000’s has been in Reception and our Human Resources departments ever since.

“I love living in the Snowy Mountains and the change to our life the four seasons brings. I have chosen to call Jindabyne home as I’m passionate about skiing and I particularly love cross country skiing. Early mornings out there on the trails are just exhilarating and a great way to start the day. On my days off I enjoy skiing around Perisher, lunching at Guthega with my family or getting out on the main range with friends. Ski Rider is such a fun place to work with like-minded people and watching all the happy smiles on guest’s faces when they return from a day in the snow is very rewarding. There is no better place to live and work!”

Liz

Liz is the Office Manager at Ski Rider and has worked here for the past 20 years. She works here all year round and enjoys everything the Snowy Mountains has to offer.

“The best thing about working at Ski Rider is working with my best friends who make me laugh and laugh. We never get bored here. It so amazing being able to duck up the mountain for a quick board or ski, pretty much whenever you feel like it. Some advice I can give to new staff is to practice fitting chains before you get here, although a bonus of working at Ski Rider is our FREE staff and guest shuttle.”

Bonnie

Bonnie has worked at Ski Rider for the past 5 seasons and we hope to see her back for her 6th in 2019! Bonnie is keen to try anything on snow!   She initially started as a snowboarder, however these days she mixes it up with skiing and whenever she can, you will see Bonnie heading out to the back country with skis or a board strapped to her back. Bonnie is a bit of an all rounder having worked in the bar and the office as well as the housekeeping and wait departments. She has also worked in our equipment hire! Bonnie says the best thing about working at Ski Rider is that while all the guests are up the hill during the day you get the bulk of the day off to explore the area. She says everyone who works at Ski Rider is there for the same reason, “to work and have a good time on the hill, so the vibe is always positive and full of energy, I come back for the days when it dumps snow, there’s this electricity in the air that you don’t get anywhere else!”

Bonnie says there is so many things to do in the Snowy Mountains. “The best day off is catching the first bus to Perisher and the last bus back, a full day on the hill! But there is also walks in the National Park, dress up nights, kayaking on the lake on a calm day, barefoot bowls in Jindabyne, movie nights and BBQs on the river. My best day on the hill would have to be one day when it absolutely bucketed snow and everyone was super pumped working that morning, even the guests were stoked. Riding through knee deep powder stashes and getting buried in snow, so much happiness that day! Another day, the Ski Rider staff had a 80’s retro dress up day and rode the mountain as a group stopping at little cafes and pubs around Perisher. Such an awesome experience to ride with a massive group of friends as it rarely happened.” Bonnie says her favourite snow accessory is paw paw ointment. “I never leave home without it!”

Teena

Teena initially came to Ski Rider 20 years ago to work a winter season to avoid having to “get a real job”. She says Jindabyne and its winter playground is an incredible environment in which to work and live with her family. “I keep coming back because I honestly love my job. My main role in the office is to look after school group bookings. My job is so appealing because each year we get to welcome back our winter family plus meet new staff – everyone always comes with an interesting story! It is rewarding to be part of a great team. It keeps me young!”

Teena loves getting first tracks on Accelerator at Blue Cow on a blue bird day after fresh snow. She is a downhill skier but doesn’t mind mixing it up. She loves getting out on the cross country trails for a bit of solitude and has fun snowboarding in the spring time. She says it’s important to come with the right attitude, you don’t need to spend every spare minute on the hill. “Get out and enjoy everything the area has to offer, if you get the opportunity – drive to Guthega after a new snowfall. Don’t forget to load your seasons pass with some Perisher Money. If you find yourself stuck on the mountain without cash you will always have your season pass with some $$ on it!”

Teena says Ski Rider has such friendly staff. “Why wouldn’t you be friendly and happy when you are getting paid to work in such a beautiful environment where you get to live, work and play. The magic of snow falling whilst breakfast is being served, knowing that you will be out there on your skis or board as soon as your shift is over….”

Josh

Originally from the Sunshine Coast, last year was Josh’s first season at Ski Rider.  His first full winter living on snow was 2017/18 in Nozawa Onsen, Japan. That season got him hooked and he can’t wait to return to Ski Rider in 2019.  Between seasons if you look for Josh you will most likely find him outdoors, mountain biking, running bush trails or enjoying some salt & sand on the beach.

In Winter, look for Josh in the Equipment Hire Shop.  When not in there he will definitely be on snow, riding his Libtech Skate Banana.

In 2018, there were a number of positive comments from guests praising Josh for his work & attitude.  When asked about his best memories Josh said that these comments definitely gave him warm fuzzies!  That, and after work drinks on Fridays & Sundays & being part of an amazing team.

Josh loves everything about working at Ski Rider although at the top of his list are “I love working in a small team with a great crew”, “great management”, “I don’t have to cook or do the dishes”.

His tips for new staff are to listen, ask questions & learn quickly.

Lauren

Lauren has already completed 4 seasons at Ski Rider. In 2019 she will be back for her 5th year, and she can’t wait.

In the off season Lauren seeks adventure away from Ski Rider, for the past few years, travelling to New Zealand hiking & working across the ditch & sailing on a yacht in the Bahamas. The lure of her Ski Rider family and guests keeps bringing her back and the great vibe she experiences whenever she is here. She always looks forward to the highly anticipated first snowfall & the epic sunrises through the dining room windows during breakfast shift. “We live in such a unique and beautiful place” she says.

Lauren started out as a self proclaimed “less than mediocre” skier but now loves getting out on her 2019 DC Forever (with no rock carvings in the base – ask Loz about this & the need to wear a helmet)!  Her new DC is an absolute dream to cruise around the mountain on.

Some important advice for new staff from Lauren includes:
Work with enthusiasm, the shifts fly by (and so does the season). Enjoy whatever it is that you are doing in the moment.
Bring some ace dress up costumes, your positive/enthusiastic attitude and your love of post-mountain/pre-work power naps.  I guarantee that you’ll enjoy your season at Ski Rider so much you’ll want to come back for another one.
Be stoked, everyday and in all conditions. There is no such thing as a bad day on the mountain.

Josh

2019 will be Josh’s third season. He is an all round snow sports enthusiast, snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, back country hiking.  Josh is keen to try out more adventures his third season.

What Josh loves most about Ski Rider is the location and mix of different people.  “Working in the bar, for the last two years has given me a lot of time to enjoy the high country up here in the Kosciuszko National Park”.  Josh says he looks forward to the 2019 season because there is so much to do. “I look forward to winter at Ski Rider!, with all the activities, you never get bored”.

The most memorable experience Josh has from his time at Ski Rider in 2018 is when he had a stack off the side of Parachute while mackin’ it on a pair of blades.  “You should have seen us, we were absolutely caning, then one of my blades came off and I had no choice but to lay down and just slide.  I went off the run and into the bush …. Brendan thought I was dead … hahaha Sick!

Josh

2019 will be Josh’s third season. He is an all round snow sports enthusiast, snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, back country hiking.  Josh is keen to try out more adventures his third season.

What Josh loves most about Ski Rider is the location and mix of different people.  “Working in the bar, for the last two years has given me a lot of time to enjoy the high country up here in the Kosciuszko National Park”.  Josh says he looks forward to the 2019 season because there is so much to do. “I look forward to winter at Ski Rider!, with all the activities, you never get bored”.

The most memorable experience Josh has from his time at Ski Rider in 2018 is when he had a stack off the side of Parachute while mackin’ it on a pair of blades.  “You should have seen us, we were absolutely caning, then one of my blades came off and I had no choice but to lay down and just slide.  I went off the run and into the bush …. Brendan thought I was dead … hahaha Sick!

Josh

2019 will be Josh’s third season. He is an all round snow sports enthusiast, snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, back country hiking.  Josh is keen to try out more adventures his third season.

What Josh loves most about Ski Rider is the location and mix of different people.  “Working in the bar, for the last two years has given me a lot of time to enjoy the high country up here in the Kosciuszko National Park”.  Josh says he looks forward to the 2019 season because there is so much to do. “I look forward to winter at Ski Rider!, with all the activities, you never get bored”.

The most memorable experience Josh has from his time at Ski Rider in 2018 is when he had a stack off the side of Parachute while mackin’ it on a pair of blades.  “You should have seen us, we were absolutely caning, then one of my blades came off and I had no choice but to lay down and just slide.  I went off the run and into the bush …. Brendan thought I was dead … hahaha Sick!

Roxanne

Roxanne is the energy behind almost 50 staff. The overall running of the hotel falls on her shoulders, and without question, with the assistance of her Department Heads, Roxanne fulfills this role in an amazing capacity. From early each day until well into the evening, you will find her, radio in one hand & coffee in the other ensuring the smooth operation of everything Ski Rider. She thrives on the daily challenges. Her commitment to providing a memorable holiday to every guest every day and the genuine care & fairness she shows towards staff is what makes her shoes big ones to fill.

Roxanne has lived in the mountains all her life, making her home in Jindabyne with her husband and three children. A little time poor in Winter, Roxanne makes the most of Summer regularly getting out on her mountain bike or hiking. If you twist her arm in Winter you will convince her to leave the office for a quick ski (and a longer lunch), or her preference would be to really escape and spend a day snow shoeing in the back country or skating the cross country trails.

Roxanne has been the face of Ski Rider for many years although if you ask her she will say “I’m not the boss, we are a team”.

Tully

Tully’s first season at Ski Rider was in 2016 and he has been back every year since. Tully is a snowboarder at heart but is always keen to jump on a set of skis when there’s a big group giving it a go. During the off season, you will find Tully in Japan or Canada – he plans to keep chasing Winter around the world!

When you speak to Tully he will tell you that “a great thing about Ski Rider is that the staff become like a big family because you live and work together. We have a lot of fun! My favourite thing about working there are the split shifts, the harder you work, the quicker you can get on the mountain. I keep coming back to Ski Rider because the company has a really good system in place to make work efficient and purposeful. Since the season is only 3 months, I really make the most of being at Ski Rider because before you know it, it’s over. Most staff come back to working at Ski Rider which goes to show how great the company treats you”.

“My memorable experiences at Ski Rider would have to be the days when you wake up and there’s heaps of fresh snow, everything looks different and a big group of us go out together. When everyone goes out together, you progress so quickly because you’re pushing and encouraging each other to really send it, especially in the park and the trees”.

My tip to staff is to work hard to build rapport so that you can join us coming back year after year and to remember, the harder you work, the more you get to ride!

Dan

Dan has completed 5 Winters at Ski Rider and is about to put in a 6th Winter in 2019. Dan is lucky enough to have one of the most sort after positions, Night Cleaner. This gives him plenty of time on the mountain. Working primarily at night, his mornings are free to get out and ride fresh snow – every day if he wants! He usually boards, but says he will ride anything fast enough to do something silly on.

Dan thinks Ski Rider is the the best place to work and if you are spending a season on snow, you wouldn’t go anywhere else. He loves the annual fancy dress night where all staff & guests get to dress up, but his advise for all new staff (especially on these nights), is to drink loads of water. “It’s very dry in the mountains and the heaters in the hotel combined with (sometimes) too many drinks will dehydrate you very quickly”.

Jess

Originally from Victoria, Jess is back for her 2nd season at Ski Rider.  Her first was in 2017, before she took a break in 2018.  The lure of living and working the snow life simply proved too great!

In 2017, Jess was the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you made your booking but this year she’ll be part of the house/wait team ….. just another one of our multi skilled Ski Rider staff.

Jess is looking forward to progressing her boarding, and catching up with old staff – “the opportunity to meet friends who will be mates for life is one of the big draw cards when living in an environment like this”.

A few personal hygiene tips from Jess for the season …. Don’t bring a razor, let the hairy legs grow  …. Careful when colouring your hair blond – it might turn green ….

Seriously though ….. Enjoy & make the most of the months of having snow in your back yard.

Megan

Megan has worked at Ski Rider for 6 seasons. Megan originally started in the office as receptionist but as the seasons progressed added bar, waitress and housekeeping to her abilities. “I keep coming back to Ski Rider because of the amazing staff that work there all year round and how they continue to look after me. They all have become great friends, this with a great location and positive atmosphere makes it an awesome place to work”.

Megan has struggled for time on the hill over recent years with the arrival of twin boys in 2017.   With 3 under three now and a new baby due in May, her opportunies to “ride some freshies” are limited. When on the hill, her favourite riding area at Perisher is Guthega, “heading over that way on a powder day is supreme….. “one day I’ll get back there” 

Megan’s tips for a successful season at Ski Rider would most certainly be, work hard, board/ski hard, party occasionally, sleep often, eat healthy and enjoy the outdoors!

Gerard

2019 will be Gerard’s 5th season living the snow life – his 4th at Ski Rider.  To catch sight of Gerard at Ski Rider is a rare thing as he is usually hard at work in our kitchen.  The position of pot scrubbing technician is one of the most important here at Ski Rider.  It’s Gerard & the rest of the pot scrubbing team who ensure that your plates are ready for breakfast & your coffee cup is sparkling ready for your morning coffee!  When he isn’t head down in the kitchen, Gerard will be on the mountain loving his GNU Money Board & occasionally trying two planks on his feet … although his first and most definite love is snowboarding.

Gerard continues to return to Ski Rider because of the family we become throughout the season.  He particularly enjoys staff birthdays – there’s always someone to celebrate with, & there’s always cake!

When considering the best tips for new staff, Gerard’s advice is embrace everyone, love life, love play, work hard, play hard & be respectful.