Jun. 3, 2025
Canada Ski Season Jobs for Australians
Aussies: Work Canada’s ski season with guaranteed jobs & housing. Live the dream in Whistler & more on a working holiday. Start your journey today!
Thinking of trading your surfboard for a snowboard? Every year, thousands of Australians head off for the Canada ski season, and for a good reason! Canada’s world-class ski resorts, like the iconic Whistler Blackcomb, offer the perfect mix of adventure, work, and snow-covered fun.
From Thredbo to Perisher, Australians are no strangers to snow. But when it comes to a full-blown ski season, Canada offers a completely different level of experience. Longer seasons, heavier snowfalls, and massive international resort communities make it a dream destination for young Australians looking to combine travel and work.
Plus, with the Working Holiday Visa program open to Australians aged 18–35, it’s never been easier to spend your winter living and working abroad.
For starters, Canadian ski resorts are massive compared to those in Australia. Whistler Blackcomb the largest ski resort in North America, offers over 8,000 acres of terrain. In comparison, Thredbo has around 1,200 acres, and Perisher about 3,000 acres. It’s a big step up from what most Aussies are used to.
Add in consistent snowfall, top-tier grooming, and postcard-worthy alpine scenery, and it’s easy to see why Canada ski resorts are such a bucket-list destination for Australian snow lovers.
Beyond the slopes, the vibe at Canadian resorts is something special. There’s a strong sense of community among seasonal staff, with many people living, working, and adventuring together throughout the winter. It’s a social, welcoming environment where Australians are always well-represented and instantly feel at home.
Best of all, Australians are uniquely positioned to take advantage of ski season jobs in Canada thanks to the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa. If you’re between 18 and 35, hold an Australian passport, and can show proof of CAD $2,500 in funds, you’re likely eligible.
Even better, the visa lasts for up to two years (longer than for many other nationalities), which means you can enjoy more than one ski season if you fall in love with the lifestyle.
With a smooth application process and plenty of available spots for Australians, there’s never been a better time to take the leap and make your Canada snow dream a reality.
Did You Know? Whistler Blackcomb was recognized as the #1 Ski Resort in North America in the 2024 UK Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Choosing the right town can shape your entire experience. From vibrant nightlife to unbeatable scenery and great work opportunities, here are five ski towns Aussies can’t get enough of.
Whistler is Canada’s most iconic ski town, and a top pick for Australians heading overseas for a Canada ski season.
Home to Whistler Blackcomb (the largest ski resort in North America), it’s one of the best places to find ski season jobs in Canada, especially in hospitality, retail, and lift operations. Each year, over two million visitors come to experience its world-class skiing, snowboarding, and buzzing village atmosphere.
Set in a UNESCO World Heritage site, Banff offers stunning mountain views and easy access to three ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. This town has a relaxed yet social vibe, with plenty of pubs and a strong seasonal worker community.
Known for its dry, powdery snow and family-friendly feel, Big White is perfect for those looking for a smaller, tight-knit resort. Jobs are available in food service, lodging, rentals, and more. And it’s often seen as a more affordable alternative to Whistler.
Revelstoke is a dream for more experienced skiers and snowboarders, thanks to its epic vertical drops and backcountry terrain. It’s less touristy than Whistler or Banff but offers a laid-back, adventurous lifestyle. There are seasonal jobs here too, especially for those interested in mountain ops or guest services.
Canada’s second-largest ski area, Sun Peaks offers a great balance between resort size and small-town charm. It has a welcoming local community, fun seasonal events, and solid job opportunities, especially in hotels, restaurants, and ski schools.
Our Ski Resort Working Holiday Program is designed specifically for Aussies who want a stress-free start to their Canadian adventure.
You’ll receive a guaranteed job placement before you arrive, matched to your experience and preferences at top resorts across Canada.
Front desk, lift operations, rentals, or food & beverage roles? We’ve got you.
One of the biggest challenges during the ski season in Canada is finding secure, affordable accommodation. That’s why Stepwest also includes guaranteed staff housing, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute searches or expensive short-term rentals.
From helping you prepare for interviews to offering pre-departure guidance, our team is here to support you.
Dreaming of a working holiday in the Canadian Rockies? Whether you’re keen to hit the slopes, work in a ski resort, or experience a white winter like never before, we’re here to help you make it happen. Fill out the form below, and let’s start planning your unforgettable ski season adventure in Canada.
To join the Canada ski season, timing is everything, especially for Australians. If you’re applying through the Working Holiday Visa (IEC) program, make sure you meet the eligibility:
There are unlimited spots for Aussies, and you have two full years on the IEC visa, but applying early is still essential due to the need of having your work permit approved to secure your job!
Ski resorts in Canada typically begin hiring early summer (May-July). To give yourself the best shot at securing one of the top ski season jobs Canada has to offer, you must start the process as early as possible, ideally between January and June of the year you are planning to do a winter season!
Learn more about the IEC Work Permits: How Australians Can Work in Canada – A Complete 2025 Guide
What’s daily life like during a Canada ski season? it’s an exciting mix of work, and cultural discovery. If you’re living in Whistler, Banff, or Big White, most days start early and end with stunning snow-covered sunsets.
You’ll make the most of the mountains before or after shifts. Evenings are all about après-ski, cozy hangouts, and social events with fellow internationals.
Canadian winter culture might be a shift from beachy Aussie summers, but that’s part of the adventure! From layering up for -20°C days to learning to snowboard, adapting is part of the fun, and you’ll be surrounded by a welcoming community that loves the snow as much as you do.
This is all about being prepared for winter. Real winter.
Start with essentials: thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, snow boots, gloves, and a warm beanie. Many Aussies underestimate just how cold it gets, especially in places like Banff or during a Whistler Canada ski season.
You don’t need to bring everything from home. Renting or buying winter gear once you arrive in Canada is often cheaper and more practical. Plus, most ski resorts offer discounts to staff for rentals or purchases.
Other items Aussies often forget? Power adapters, lip balm, moisturizer for dry weather, and small comforts from home like Tim Tams or Vegemite. Trust us, those little things help with homesickness.
Read more: Travel Advice
Costs include your visa, flights, travel insurance, gear, and living expenses. We recommend having at least CAD $2,500 in savings to meet visa requirements and get settled.
Housing in Canada ski towns can be pricey, but most jobs include staff accommodation, which helps reduce costs significantly.
Wages for ski season jobs in Canada range from CAD $16 to $20 per hour, depending on the role and resort. Most Aussies break even or save a little by the end of the season, plus you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
We’ll make sure everything is in place for a smooth arrival at your resort. Your pre-departure orientation will cover all the key steps, including what to expect when you reach your accommodation. Every detail is planned to make your transition as seamless as possible.
For a deeper dive into budgeting and living expenses, read: How to Work the 2025 Ski Season In Canada
Many Australians head to Canada dreaming of a fun winter abroad, but end up staying longer than expected. And we totally get it. After your Canada ski season, you’ll find it hard to leave the mountain lifestyle, epic scenery, and welcoming community.
With a Working Holiday Visa valid for up to two years, Australians have the flexibility to stay beyond just the snow season. Once the winter snow melts, many resorts and nearby towns gear up for their busy summer season—which means more hospitality and tourism job opportunities.
Imagine working in a lakeside resort, exploring Canada’s national parks, or transferring to a summer role at your ski resort. The adventures don’t have to stop when the snow does.
We offer guidance on transitioning to summer jobs, help with paperwork, and tips on making the most of your time in Canada, whatever the season.
The easiest way to get started is through our Ski Resort Working Holiday Program, designed specifically to help Aussies find ski season jobs Canada wide.
We work with top resorts like Whistler, Banff, Big White, and more, helping you secure a role before you even land in Canada. Plus, we provide ongoing support before and after your arrival, so you’re never navigating things alone.
With guaranteed job placement, secured housing, and expert guidance from start to finish, Stepwest is your shortcut to an unforgettable winter in Canada. We’ve helped hundreds of Aussies, now it’s your turn.
Let us take care of the hard stuff, so you can focus on the fun part: planning your Whistler Canada ski season (or wherever your adventure takes you).
Aussies: Work Canada’s ski season with guaranteed jobs & housing. Live the dream in Whistler & more on a working holiday. Start your journey today!
Work a ski season in Canada from New Zealand! Discover how to land a Canada ski working holiday job and make the most of your snowy adventure.
If you are Working Holiday or Young Professional POE Holder, with valid immigration status in Canada, you might be eligible to activate an IEC work permit from within Canada until December 01st 2025. Learn how the process works!