Matching clients, gear all in a day's work

Coronet Peak rentals assistant Barney Robinson. Photo supplied.
Coronet Peak rentals assistant Barney Robinson. Photo supplied.
In this week's Off Piste, we talk to Coronet Peak rentals assistant Barney Robinson (29), originally from Nottingham, England, about the highs and lows of his job.


Q: What's involved in your job?

A: From the moment the guests walk in we greet them, find out what kind of gear they need and fit them with clothing, boots, boards, skis, poles, safety gear - anything they could want for a day on the mountain. We make sure they're safe, happy and well fitted.

Q: What skills or experience do you need?

A: You need to be a people person, have good communication skills and have a decent knowledge of the gear. Mostly you need to be switched on, calm and patient.

Q: What were you doing before you joined NZSki?

A: I was a mixologist at a bar back in the UK and since I've been in Queenstown, I've been head barman at Sasso on Church St and did door work for a security company.

Q: Highs of the job?

A: I work with a cool team, we get a good crowd of customers and ride breaks are pretty sweet. Q: Lows of the job?A: Working the day after payday ...

Q: Your most memorable skifield moment?

A: Last season a collision between Ross Thomas and a photographer was captured on the GoPro. Both of them were fine afterwards, by the way.

Q: Best part of living in Queenstown?

A: The friends and social life, the restaurants and the NZSki discount ... the whole package is pretty good!

Q: Best piece of advice for people who come here for the season?

A: Embrace, enjoy it and get stuck in.
 

Q: What's involved in your job?

A: From the moment the guests walk in we greet them, find out what kind of gear they need and fit them with clothing, boots, boards, skis, poles, safety gear - anything they could want for a day on the mountain. We make sure they're safe, happy and well fitted.

Q: What skills or experience do you need?

A: You need to be a people person, have good communication skills and have a decent knowledge of the gear. Mostly you need to be switched on, calm and patient.

Q: What were you doing before you joined NZSki?

A: I was a mixologist at a bar back in the UK and since I've been in Queenstown, I've been head barman at Sasso on Church St and did door work for a security company.

Q: Highs of the job?

A: I work with a cool team, we get a good crowd of customers and ride breaks are pretty sweet. Q: Lows of the job?A: Working the day after payday ...

Q: Your most memorable skifield moment?

A: Last season a collision between Ross Thomas and a photographer was captured on the GoPro. Both of them were fine afterwards, by the way.

Q: Best part of living in Queenstown?

A: The friends and social life, the restaurants and the NZSki discount ... the whole package is pretty good!

Q: Worst part of living in Queenstown?

A: Chinese whispers and the short season.

Q: Best piece of advice for people who come here for the season?

A: Embrace, enjoy it and get stuck in.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement

OUTSTREAM