In this week's Off Piste, the Queenstown Times caught up with The Remarkables' "gentle giant" Frenchman Remi Kouadria, a former circus employee, turned professional basketball player, who is in his first season as a lifty in Queenstown.
I love riding and wanted to experience the snow business from the inside.
Is it your first season?
This is my first season. I plan to come back next year and the year after.
Where are you from?
I'm from France, a little town called Besancon.
What did you do before this job?
I was an educator for young kids back home. I have also worked in a circus and been a professional basketballer in France. I started travelling three years ago and I'm living the dream now.
How would you describe your job?
My job is very exciting - you are outside all day interacting with the guests, looking out for their safety - but also full of fun.
What challenges come with it?
It's a physical job. There are long days with lots of shovelling and sometimes assisting all the people can be stressful.
What skills or qualities do you need?
You need to be a happy and fit person every single morning. Safety, caution and good communication skills are also needed.
Who would your job appeal to?
It's a real sweet job so if you like to work hard and play hard, you will be fine.
How are you settling in to life in Queenstown?
Queenstown is an amazing place to live. Great fun, lots of parties. I'm lucky to have an awesome flatmate (Bree).
What's your best advice for people who come to Queenstown for seasonal work?
Guys, get some savings because here it costs a lot to live. Apply early and find a good place to live and good luck.
What has been the highlight of your season so far?
Driving around on the ski-doo in the morning, definitely boosts my day, but I would say all the lifty team is full of characters so it's been an awesome season so far. I will make sure to keep it that way for the rest of the season.
