In this week's Off Piste, the Queenstown Times caught up with Remarkables administration assistant Suzie White, a woman whose job is never boring.
Why did you choose this job?
I was lucky enough to work in this position in the summer at Coronet Peak and was offered the role at the Remarkables for the winter, so just couldn't pass it up.
How many seasons have you been here?
This is my second season (third if you count the summer). I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to work up the mountain for another winter season.
Where are you from?
I'm from the largest village in Britain - fact! Braunton, Devon.
What kind of education did you have before you took up this job?
I studied art and design - I bust this out for the H&S newsletters each fortnight.
How would you describe your job?
Every day there will be something that will surprise you. Working on the mountain in general is like no other job most people have experienced before.
What's the best thing about it?
Good times are always had in admin. One minute you could be dressed in your tighty brighties for retro day and the next you're being "skidooed" up to Lake Alta to check out some ice divers.
What challenges come with it?
The curve balls - you will always get the oddest situations. Questions happen on a daily basis so dealing with these can be tricky.
What skills or qualities do you need?
Fast hands, multitasking and have a good sense of humour.
Who would your job appeal to?
Anyone that loves a challenge and the heat as our office is at a constant 75 degrees [F, or 23.8degC].
How are you settling in to life in Queenstown?
I love QT - [there's], nowhere else can you snowboard/kayak/bungy etc on your days off.
What's the best advice you have for people who move to Queenstown for seasonal work?
Save, save, save, as Queenstown will not be kind to your bank balance, but also make the most out of it. There is so much to do and not all of it costs a fortune.
What's been your most amusing on-the-job experience so far this season?
After a long, busy day on the mountain I got slightly confused with my words and accidently asked for a black and brown four-legged dog to come to admin over the PA system which gets broadcasted to the whole base building ... Oops!!
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