Ever dreamed of swapping Queenstown for Whistler? If you’re a Kiwi looking to chase powder, earn money, and live the snow life abroad, a Canada ski working holiday might be exactly what you’re after. With some of the best winter jobs Canada has to offer, epic mountain views, and ski towns that buzz all season long, this is your guide to making the most of a ski season in Canada. Let’s break down how to get there, when to go, and what to expect—no fluff, just what you need to know.
September - November
6 - 23 Months
From $1,190
If you’ve wrapped up winter in Queenstown or Mt Hutt and want to keep chasing snow, Canada is where it’s at. With its epic powder, huge terrain, and long ski seasons, it’s easy to see why more and more Kiwis head north each year to work a ski season in Canada.
From Whistler Blackcomb to Banff, Lake Louise, Big White and Sun Peaks, Canada’s ski resorts are next level. They offer everything from beginner slopes to expert off-piste terrain, plus reliable snow all season long. During the Canada ski season dates—which usually run from November through April—you can roll straight from the New Zealand winter into the Canadian one.
But it’s not just about the mountains. Canadian ski towns have an international vibe that makes it super easy to make friends. You’ll be working and living with people from all over the world, including lots of other New Zealanders.
Thanks to the Canada ski working holiday visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, it’s also surprisingly easy for Kiwis to make the move. There are more visas than applicants for New Zealand citizens, so your chance of landing one is excellent! You can even check the current visa quota updates on the Government of Canada website—they’re refreshed every Friday during the IEC season (December to October approx.).
Ski resorts rely heavily on seasonal workers, and there are plenty of winter jobs in Canada for Kiwis. Some popular roles include lift operators, ski and snowboard instructors, hospitality staff like servers and bartenders, and retail or guest services. Plus, many resorts offer subsidized staff housing and perks like free lift passes. You’ll save money while living the dream, and have the freedom to travel around Canada—or hop over to the US, México, Costa Rica, Belize… you name it! —after your season wraps up.
If you’re aged 18 to 35, hold a valid New Zealand passport, and can show proof of at least CAD $2,500 in savings, you’re already on the right track. You’ll also need to show you’ve got enough to cover a return flight (or hold a ticket home), and secure health insurance that covers the full length of your stay.
Important: Your insurance must match your intended stay. Bring 23 months of coverage to get the full 23-month visa—otherwise, your permit will match your insurance length, and you can’t extend it later.
Once you arrive in Canada, a CBSA border officer will issue your working holiday work permit at the airport. The final decision on the length of your stay is made there, so make sure all your documents are in order, so you can get your 23 months work visa.
Kiwis are lucky—many other nationalities only get a 12-month stay, but New Zealanders can work for nearly two full years! That’s two winters, back-to-back, filled with powder, friends, and adventure.
Start by filling out the IEC eligibility questionnaire online. When asked, choose the Working Holiday category. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation letter saying you’ve been added to the New Zealand pool.
After entering the pool, you’ll need to wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once you get it, you’ll have 10 days to accept, then 20 days to submit your full application. So, keep an eye on your emails!
Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA), upload your documents and pay the fees. You’ll also need to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). If you’re in New Zealand, the only place to do this is at the VFS Visa Application Centre in Auckland.
Processing usually takes up to 8 weeks. If everything’s good, you’ll get a Port of Entry (POE) letter—your official working holiday visa for Canada. You are ready for your work and travel adventure!
Even though New Zealand has a quota of 2,500 spots under International Experience Canada (IEC), applying early gives you peace of mind—and a head start on finding winter jobs in Canada. Canadian employers prefer hiring applicants who already hold a valid permit, especially for ski resort jobs for foreigners.
Kiwis, if you want to land a job before arriving in Canada, timing is everything. Resorts hire early—often months in advance—so it’s best to start looking as soon as you’ve applied for your Canada ski working holiday visa.
Canadian ski resorts start hiring as early as March and continue through June or July, depending on demand. The ski season in Canada typically runs from November to April, depending on location. Each resort’s hiring needs follow these Canada ski season dates, so keep them in mind when planning your move.
Having worked at NZ ski fields like Queenstown or Cardrona? That’s a big plus. Canadian employers value hands-on experience, especially from resorts with similar terrain and guest flow. Even past seasons in Japan count—anything that shows you’re comfortable in snowy conditions and already understand the vibe of a mountain job.
But don’t worry if you’ve never worked at a ski resort before! Employers love enthusiastic applicants with good customer service skills—and the fact that you speak English fluently gives you an edge.
Thinking of making the leap from New Zealand to Canada with Stepwest’s Working Holiday Programs? It’s a fantastic way to experience Canada affordably. Reach out to us today, and our team will gladly answer all your questions!
Most jobs pay between CAD $15–$22 per hour, and if you’re in hospitality, you can also earn tips. Perks often include subsidized staff housing, free or discounted ski passes, gear discounts and end-of-season bonuses. Here are some of the most common winter jobs in Canada that New Zealanders land:
Ski Resorts offer on-mountain staff housing—places like Whistler, Sun Peaks, and Banff’s Sunshine Village. These options are popular, affordable, and usually come with roommates.
If staff housing isn’t included, you can rent in nearby towns like Canmore (for Banff) or Squamish (for Whistler). The earlier you land your job, the easier it is to secure a good spot to live.
➡️ Our host employers will always guarantee staff housing for our participants.
Before you head off for your epic ski season Canada adventure, there are a few important things you need to know — starting with your insurance and travel prep.
To receive the full length of your Canada Working Holiday permit (up to 23 months for New Zealanders), you must show proof of health insurance that covers your entire intended stay. Without it, your work permit will be shortened—and you won’t be able to extend it later. Choose a policy that covers 23 months from the start to enjoy the full experience! Your Insurance must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation. Learn more about the insurance you need here!
There are several good flight options when you’re planning your move for the Canada ski season dates (September–November arrival is ideal!).
Make sure to check your eligibility first, do not book a flight landing in the United States, unless you have a valid ESTA for the United States. If you’ve received a new passport since getting your Working Holiday approval, you’ll need a new eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). You can apply for your new eTA for Canada here. Important, never apply for an eTA or ESTA last minute, as it could take more than juts a few hours!
Before moving to Staff Housing and you can hit the slopes, you’ll need to do a few very important things, so you can start working in Canada as a New Zealand citizen:
Starting your journey in Canada is a lot smoother when you arrive early and organized. Our team will support you every step of the way to make sure you’re ready for an amazing Canada ski working holiday adventure.
If you are between 18 to 35 years old, you have a valid passport from New Zealand and funds to support your trip, you will be ready to work and travel in Canada!
Normally processing times under International Experience Canada and its working holiday permit is up to 8 weeks, no matter the nationality. This processing time starts from the moment you complete Biometrics!
Once in a lifetime, the working holiday is a unique work permit that you can request once under regular IEC and the agreement between Canada and New Zealand.
New Zealand citizens can get a chance to work or travel in Canada for a maximum of 23 months under the working holiday visa.
It is very unique, but it is the duration that both countries signed when the IEC agreement took effect. This means that is the same way for Canadians traveling to New Zealand. A very good chance to work and travel in Canada! Other countries only get 12 months, so if you are from New Zealand you are very lucky!
Normally the application process for IEC starts in December of the year before you are planning to travel. Good news is that for New Zealand citizens have visas available pretty much all the IEC season (December to October approximately).
You will go through immigration, to receive your working holiday visa, in the first Canadian city that you land in.
For example, let’s say if you are flying from Auckland, New Zealand, and heading to Calgary and you have a layover in Vancouver – you would need to go through immigration in Vancouver first to get your work permit.
A Stepwest Travel Coordinator will be ready to review your flight route with you to make sure you have enough time and to arrive in the smoothest way!
Yes, while New Zealand citizens can travel to Canada with a simple eTA, a work permit is required if you plan to work.
If you’re aged 18 to 35 and hold a valid New Zealand passport, you can apply for a working holiday visa under International Experience Canada, allowing you to work in Canada for up to 23 months.
Up to 23 months, as long as you bring insurance for 23 months at the time upon arrival in Canada. Remember your insurance will mark how long you can work in Canada.
Yes, you can enter Canada multiple times with a valid eTA, as New Zealand passport holders do not required anything extra, only a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Not at all! You don’t need to be a registered student in New Zealand to be eligible for a working holiday visa in Canada!
Yes, New Zealand does not impose any limitations or restrictions on citizens living outside of their country. No residence requirements in this case.
This means that as long as you hold a valid New Zealand passport, you are eligible to apply for a working holiday in Canada.
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