Michael Inman April 15, 2012
Perisher is offering the chance to be a ski bum for six weeks this winter season. Photo: Supplied
FANCY a free lift pass, a Playstation and a new car to drive for the ski season? Or maybe you'd prefer a job that included unlimited skiing and free beer.
In an effort to entice skiers back to their slopes, two Australian ski resorts are offering what they claim will be the best job in the country this winter.
NSW resort Perisher is hunting for the ''ultimate ski bum'' to live the life of a local and blog about the experience as part of an online campaign.
Are you the Ultimate Perisher Skibum?
In Victoria's Falls Creek, free beer awaits the winners of their snow ambassador positions.
The competitions are a new take on the 2009 global marketing sensation for the ''world's best job'', which offered a free stay on a Great Barrier Reef island.
Like the Queensland campaign, the Perisher competition asks for a 30-second film clip showcasing why the applicants should win.
The top five entries will be put to a online vote.
The winner will receive a six-week snow stay, season lift pass, accommodation, snow clothing, skis or a snowboard, PlayStation Vita and the use of a new Subaru XV. In return, they will make daily social media posts about a range of activities, including snow-shoeing, groomer tours, cross-country skiing and skidoo riding.
Falls Creek has opted for a traditional job application process, calling for candidates via online job site seek.com.au.
The two successful candidates must be advanced snowboarders and possess a driver's license. They will spend 11 weeks hosting groups at the Victoria resort and receive a remuneration package, lift pass, free accommodation, clothing and free beer in return.
Perisher public relations manager Neil Thew said the campaign aimed to entice Australians back to domestic ski resorts.
''Our experience tells us that being a ski bum is very high on the list of things to do for just about every skiing or snow-boarding enthusiast, so we're hoping it'll be a huge success,'' he said.
''Our goal is to branch out beyond traditional snow-travel platforms and show everyday Australians just how much fun awaits them at Perisher.''