Swiss Student's Journey: From the Alps to a Dream Life

Meet Norine: From Gruyère to Global Adventure

Hi! I’m Norine, a 22-year-old Swiss girl who traded fondue for powder days, zipline thrills, and camera-filled adventures in Canada. I grew up in Gruyère (yes, like the cheese!), a dreamy little spot nestled in the Pre-Alps of Switzerland. As beautiful as home was, I always knew there was more to explore beyond those scenic mountain landscapes.

After finishing a three-year apprenticeship at a travel agency, I was only 18 when I packed my bags and jumped into the unknown. My first stop? Canada. I came to improve my English, thinking it would be a quick adventure. But that trip turned into something much bigger.

When a Season Becomes a Lifestyle

I started with a language course in Vancouver, but before long, I was working at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in Blue River, BC (aka the middle of nowhere, but with some of the best snow on the planet). That season changed everything. Between powder days and tight-knit crew vibes, I was living a dream.

I wasn’t ready to leave, so I extended my trip. After finishing my season at MWHS, I hit the road to explore more of Canada, traveling through the Yukon, down to Vancouver Island, and across the country on a 7,000 km road trip to Quebec (yes, I drove through the prairies, so flat and wide that they say “you can watch your dog run away for three days”). I finally flew home at the end of June, but the Canadian lifestyle and spirit of adventure stuck with me. Sure enough by November, I was back for another winter. I had truly fallen in love with the country, the snow, the landscapes, the people, and the endless adventures.

Powder Turns & Career Pivots

That love led me to a second season with MWHS, and then on to Japan for a ski season in Niseko. It was hands down the lightest and deepest powder I’ve ever skied. I absolutely loved my time there: the places I explored, the people I met, and (of course!) the incredible food.

Funny enough, I met a girl on a chairlift in Niseko one day who told me about a job she had in Norway, and that’s how I picked my next destination! I spent last summer guiding to the stunning Trolltunga in Norway (yes, I was getting paid to hike and bring people to one of those famous rocks, pretty cool, eh?). I also lead via ferratas, adding a little extra thrill to the adventure. The experience taught me a lot about leadership, nature, and adapting to different customers’ needs, cultures, and comfort zones. Staying active all summer definitely kept me fit for the winter, which I was more than grateful for when the season kicked off. Despite that, my legs were still asking for a break…

Why Whistler Adventure School Was the Right Move

After my season in Norway, I realized how much I missed Canada, the mountains, the lifestyle, the people, and the energy. A year earlier, I had attended a presentation about WAS in Chamonix, and the idea had stayed in the back of my mind ever since. I know a lot of you will relate when I say that every time I packed for another ski season, my parents gently reminded me that maybe it was time to study something more. 

So I thought, why not do both? Study and keep living the mountain life I love. And here I am now!

With all my travels, I always enjoyed capturing the moment through photos and videos to share with friends and family on the other side of the world. So when I discovered the Marketing & Media Management program at WAS, it felt like the perfect fit. It’s a one-year course designed to build creative and professional skills through six hands-on classes: Videography, Video Editing, Photography, Photo Editing, Principles of Digital Marketing, and Event Planning. There’s also a 200-hour co-op internship, which gives you real-world experience. (Btw, as of May 2025, I’m still looking for a co-op. Hit me up if you’ve got any cool opportunities. I’d be happy to send my resume your way!)

This isn’t your typical school. You can ride powder in the morning, then head to class in the afternoon. (I’m not kidding, check out that reel we posted to prove it.)

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and literally your backyard. Beyond the lifts, I had a blast discovering the backcountry while ski touring in the Duffey and the Callaghan Valley. I  even got a Snow Shuttle drop from The Callaghan (what a cool experience!). As the seasons change, skis make way for bikes, hiking boots, climbing shoes, and paddle boards.

International Student Life in Whistler

Being an international student here means you’re allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during classes, and full-time during breaks (as of May 2025, rules can change!). I was lucky to land a job as a zipline guide with Ziptrek Ecotours. Every shift is packed with adrenaline, leading guests through the stunning coastal temperate rainforest and pushing them out of their comfort zones as they zip through the trees. It’s not just a job; it’s an adventure, and it gives me the chance to make an impact while staying active and engaged.

On top of guiding, I also help Ziptrek create content for their social media. That means shooting video, snapping photos, and putting my coursework into action. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to develop and practice these skills in a real-world setting, especially when the office view is this epic.