Here’s how my ski instructor life started!

Fast forward from Poiana Brașov. After living in Los Angeles for ten years, I needed a change. Not a huge change, but something real. My translation business was still going strong in L.A. But I felt like I was stuck in a routine. I needed a gentle adventure. I wanted to explore what else was out there for me. I needed new energy, a new space.

I visited a bunch of places—San Diego, Ojai, Malibu, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs. Then I landed in Big Bear. Big Bear was the most different spot of all. Pine trees and horse manure in the air. The pine tree smell took me right back to my island summers. It smelled like home.

I found a cabin with Wi-Fi, surrounded by pine trees. I loved the simple life there. For a whole week, I didn’t wear shoes. I didn’t know anyone except my friends Paul and Raya, who had a weekend getaway on the other side of the lake.

On my second day in Big Bear, Paul picked me up. He gave me the full tour—one market, police station, post office, airport, and the two resort bases. That was my Big Bear orientation.

We parked at the Snow Summit base, one of the two resort bases. We wandered around. A guy handed us a flyer—a job fair in two days with tons of seasonal jobs: bartender, ticket counter, ski instructor.

I thought, “I love skiing. This could be fun.” So, I went to the job fair.

I took my ski resume—including my ski vacations—and my babysitting experience—yep, that too! I sat down with my future assistant manager at a white plastic table, and we chit-chatted.

The day after, I got the job offer. Later, I learned that ski schools really look for someone who’s coachable and personable. Just being a good skier doesn’t mean you’ll be a good ski teacher. After all, I was hired at a table on a warm fall day. A ski instructor needs empathy, patience, and a light touch with life. You have to make safe decisions, be on time, manage your time well, and communicate clearly. Skiing skills aren’t the most important part. A great skier doesn’t always make a great instructor. I’m grateful to have those skills—most of the time, anyway!

That winter in Big Bear, I caught the snow bug for teaching.

P.S. My friends, Paul and Raya, have a movie on Amazon. Our Happy Place. It shows great scenery of Big Bear. Just a heads-up—it’s kind of creepy! Get the movie here!

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