WEEK     JOB: SNOWSHOE GUIDE

LOCATION: NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

EMPLOYER: MOUNT SEYMOUR

WAGE: $10–$15 HOUR

INDUSTRY IQ:

• Traditional snowshoes were made with wood frames and rawhide lacings. Today, most use light metal or plastic.

• We burn 45 percent more calories snowshoeing than walking or running at the same speed.

• Snowshoeing originated in present-day central Asia between four thousand and six thousand years ago.

• The lowest recorded temperature on earth is –128.6 degrees F., in Antarctica (not ideal snowshoeing conditions).

APPLICATION PROCESS: My friend Erin replied to my initial email about the project. She said that I could work with her as a snowshoe guide giving daily tours to high school students. I didn’t want to take many jobs from people I knew, but with only a couple of days to line up my next position, I accepted the offer. As I drove up the mountain with the sun shining, seven inches of fresh snow on the ground, and the promise of unlimited hot chocolate, I was glad I did.

WHAT I LEARNED: I really enjoy working outdoors.

I never thought I’d be someone to work outdoors. But now that I’ve experienced it, I can understand why many who do never go back to an office environment.