The longer that winter takes to arrive, the busier Pete Deuart is. In this week's Off Piste, Pete, Coronet Peak's head of snowmaking, explains why he reckons he has the best job in the world.
I have worked on lifts, F&B, rentals, grooming and I hate seeing people hurt, and think it's the best job on the hill. You're constantly making decisions for yourself and have to be self-motivated and work with a tight-knit team with easily visible results. Snow makes people feel good ... we make snow.
How many seasons have you done?
I started at Mt hutt in 1989 as a "lifty" and started snowmaking in '94 at Hutt and moved to Queenstown in '98. I started at Coronet Peak, moved to The Remarkables then became HOD of grooming and snowmaking at the Remarks then moved back to the Peak when the HOD of snowmaking became vacant.
Where are you from?
Ashburton.
What kind of education did you have before this?
I studied ski area management at Christchurch Polytechnic for two years.
How would you describe your job?
Best job in the world.
What's the best thing about it?
Every day there's something new, working with guys who are hard-working and industrious.
What challenges come with it?
The hardest thing once the snowmaking season winds down is having to move guys to other departments. They have been an integral part of the team and it's sad for us and them to see them move to another department.
Which skills or qualities are needed?
I think you need to love the snow, love working with people and love building a team and sharing knowledge.
Who would it appeal to?
Self-motivated people who love the outdoors and have a sense of adventure, and are lateral thinkers.
How are you settling in to life in Queenstown?
Love Queenstown, the best place in the world to live ... although Ashburton is pretty awesome.
What's the best advice you have for people who move to Queenstown for seasonal work?
Stay out of the bar! Take lessons and there is always someone leaving, so if you miss a leaving party it's no big deal, there will be another one in a few days. You will not miss anything by not going to the bar ... it's exactly the same every night. Get out and look around - there is more to Queenstown than the CBD. Even following the old power station pipe at the Fernhill roundabout is an adventure.
What's been your most interesting on-the-job experience this season?
While standing at the bottom of the road asking people to put chains on I am now very aware of how many seasons people have been skiing and riding at Coronet, because many of the locals loved to share it with me by shouting it out.
