Job Discussion Forums

[denise]

Hey, folks. I am in Japan right now, but I'm planning on heading to Chile once my contract here ends.

First, in case it matters (or in case I get flamed!!!), I am a serious teacher. Trained, certified, experienced, dedicated, etc. That said, though, I do like to enjoy myself outside of school as well, and I'd hate to give up my newest hobby.

Oh, and I am also doing my own research. I just thought I'd post here as well.

Japan is great for snowboarding. Salaries are high enough to allow for frequent trips, and there are three resorts within about 45 minutes of me. I've got a season pass, and I generally go two or three times a week. Sometimes more, if we get dumped on. I fear I've gotten spoiled here!

How feasible are frequent trips down there? Is it affordable on a standard salary to go, say, weekly? Would I have to make major sacrifices to go that often?

Also, are there any specific towns that have lots of resorts or easy access to resorts? I have heard mixed things about Santiago, but given my fondness for ciities, I may check it out anyway. How long does it take/cost to get from Santiago to the slopes?

Thanks!
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[matttheboy]

Right then...first things first:

Skiing etc ain't that great in south america (i didn;t actually go last season due to back-knack but a couple of mates came out specifically to ski after a winter in the alps and were very disappointed). The main problem is snow-the last 2 winters have been absoutely rubbish, hardly any snow, resorts staying shut, it's been a tough time for the industry. Also, winter is short, 2 months tops. The knock on effect of the lack of snow in winter is a lack of water in summer for white-water rafting. Instead of being grade 3-4, the rivers are 1-3, like a gentle row on a lake...

Secondly, on teaching wages you may well struggle to pay your way. Skiiing is not particularly cheap and tefl wages are rubbish.

The upside of being in santiago is that there are half decent (but nothing compared to the alps or the rockies) mountains within about 45minutes of the city. The downside of being in santiago is that you're in santiago and you're contemplating suicide (unless your lungs have collapsed first).

Your other option is Mendoza in Argentina, just the other side of the mountains. The decent resorts are a bit further afield (like 4 hours but there are regular buses and i have friends who go most weekends). You'll earn less money and the cost of ski passes are broadly similar to in chile where your money is worth double, but the cost of food and accomodation is a lot lot less than in chile. My advice would be to go to mendoza with savings from your job in japan, get enough work to cover your basic living costs and dip into your savings for snowboarding. Because you'll have to do the same in chile but you'll also have the stress of santiago and your living costs will be higher. Mendoza really nice. Santiago is not (even for city lovers).

[denise]

Thanks for the info. I figured I wouldn't have the luxury of going as often as I do now, but hey, a girl can dream... Sigh.

(We just got a few feet of fresh snow a couple of days ago.)

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[bzakka]

don't be discouraged!! I myself fell in love with snowboarding in Nagano during my time in Japan and am now set to go to Santiago. As God as my witness, I will find places to ride. I won't be bringing my board, but plan on getting it shipped once i'm situated and find a nice powedery mountain.