British Columbia

B.C. ski resorts snap up North Shore employees

Ski instructors and lift operators laid off because of the lack of snow at the three resorts on Vancouver's North Shore Mountains are being snapped up by other B.C. ski resorts.

While the North Shore hills have suspended operations, it is full speed ahead at other resorts

Whistler Blackcomb says it recently hired 15 instructors laid off by North Shore ski hills. (Justa Juskova/Whistler Blackcomb)

Ski instructors and lift operators laid off because of the lack of snow at the three resorts on Vancouver's North Shore Mountains are being snapped up by other B.C. ski resorts.

While Cypress, Grouse and Mt. Seymour suspended operations because of the lack of snow, resorts at higher elevations have been having a busy season.

Whistler Blackcomb is still searching for more instructors to fill demand for lessons, according to Joel Chevalier, the resort's director of employee experience.

"We've been able to hire about 15 instructors from those three areas, which has been great, because we have been really busy up here and selling a lot of lessons," said Chevalier.

"We are still looking, and we may be too late for the rest of the next couple of weeks, but it was definitely very helpful for us."

The Sun Peaks resort near Kamloops has also been hiring instructors and lift operators from the North Shore resorts.

President of tourism Christopher Nicolson says many recent applicants found work immediately.

"We certainly have seen more resumes coming across and we definitely have spots for them, said Nicolson.