Olivia Cassidy

Photos

After Olivia's first experience on her ski season, she is just waiting for the next opportunity she can get to head out traveling again and meet new people.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because it allowed me to Ski a lot and improve my skiing massively whilst also meeting new people and having the time of my life. I knew I always wanted to do a ski season, and this just seemed like a MUCH better way of having one than being a chalet host - and I think everyone who was on the course would agree.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I organized mine through Oyster Worldwide (at very late notice). They were amazing and so helpful, especially seeing as I asked to book it literally 2 weeks before. All I had to do was give them my details and make the payment. It was all so smooth and easy. They then sent over all the information I needed and before I knew it I was on the plane to Austria.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Don't stress about the German side of the exam if you haven't done any before. By the time the exam comes, you are very familiar and you are given a lot of help.

The same goes with the skiing aspect too. We had people on my course who had only done one week of skiing who managed to pass with lots of practice and hard work.

Also, don't over pack!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The training weeks on my course were 6 day weeks. We would meet on the mountain at 8:30 (taking a short bus). Then we would ski all day until 3 with an hour for lunch in the middle. Then there was often some aprés after the day of skiing, except on days when we had a lecture regarding the theory side of the exam. Then nights would either be in your accommodation, having dinner out, or going out in Kaprun. Then on Sunday was a free day skiing!!!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Honestly, I was most worried about who would be there and whether I would make friends. But after as little as an hour I realized that there wasn't anything to worry about. Everyone is friendly and fun and all looking for the same experience. One week in and you feel like you have known them for months.