Ski Resort Working Holiday Program

Imagine spending your winter days experiencing mind-blowing mountain adventures in Canada’s best ski resorts. On our Ski Resort Working Holiday program, we secure you ski season jobs in Canada, accommodation, visa, and tons more! Ski jobs are not just a way to earn a living; they’re a ticket to an unforgettable experience. Spend your days carving through fresh powder and your evenings cozied up by the fireplace. It’s not just a job; it’s a lifestyle for the Ski season in Canada!

Start Dates

September — November

Duration

5 — 24 months

Cost

From C$1,190

Program Overview

Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced skier or snowboarder, there are ski season jobs in a wide range of fields. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to combine work and play in the most breathtaking natural landscapes. Join our Ski Resort Working Holiday program today and kickstart your journey towards an unforgettable winter adventure in Canada’s top ski resorts!

Are you dreaming of knee-deep powder, incredible terrain (both piste and off-piste), and spectacular mountain scenery? Finding the ideal ski season job in Canada can make those dreams come true. Ski season jobs offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of skiing, and Canada’s pristine slopes await your adventure. Want champagne powder throughout the season? If iconic mountain views are your passion, consider working in a ski resort nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. For the ultimate Canada ski season experience, Whistler Blackcomb stands as one of the top ski mountains in the world. Here, the thrill of ski jobs meets breathtaking beauty.

Ski jobs Canada

We specialize in connecting passionate individuals with highly-rated ski jobs. Additionally, we offer jobs in Whistler, Revelstoke, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Sun Peaks, among other coveted destinations. Are you eager to improve your skiing skills? Seeking a blend of adventure and work experience? Perhaps simply ready to embark on a thrilling journey in the Canada ski season? Either way, we’re here to find you the perfect opportunity. With Stepwest, you can dive into the world of ski jobs, and let Canada’s stunning landscapes become your backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.

POPULAR SKI JOBS – Choose Your Job Path

Those looking with little experience on the slopes will be pleased to know that ski jobs are not limited to the slopes. In addition to ski-related employment, there are a number of Canadian ski jobs in other departments. One could work in hospitality or even gain experience baking! Moreover, the slopes are an industry in themselves, with a host or roles to be filled. Consequently, there is truly diverse range of employment opportunities. Additionally, Canada allows foreigners to take on mountain-related tasks, such as operating the ski lift. This is particularly rare, as most countries reserve these roles for locals.

Work A Ski Season In Canada On A Working Holiday With Stepwest!

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Join us as we explore working a ski season in Canada with Stepwest! Learn about Stepwest's Working Holiday Program, the benefits of spending a season in the Canada and hear from our participants.

What’s Included

Pre-Departure

  • Step-by-step guidance on applying for your Working Holiday Visa
  • Interview & resume preparation
  • Interview with Canadian employers
  • Guaranteed ski job offer before travelling
  • Subsidized shared staff accommodation
  • Assistance with travel insurance
  • Pre-departure orientation to help you prepare for your arrival in Canada

In Canada

  • Guidance on getting your work permit upon arrival
  • Welcome orientation
  • Assistance in setting you up for life in Canada: bank account, SIN, Canadian phone number and more!
  • Transport organization to the resort
  • You’ll have our Vancouver-based team to answer any questions throughout your time here

The Fun Stuff!

  • Live and work at a world-famous ski resort
  • Make friends from all over the world
  • Spend time off skiing and snowboarding at Canada’s top ski mountains
  • Try new winter activities, from ice skating on frozen lakes to tobogganing and dog sledding
  • Stick around for the summer season and experience a whole new roster of adventures

What’s Not Included

Flights, medical insurance, IEC visa and/or work permit application fees, local transportation, food and shared staff housing rent.

SKI SEASON JOBS – Finding You The Perfect Fit

With Canada being such a big country, there is a huge choice of ski resorts to choose from. We’ll hook you up with a guaranteed ski season job at some of the top hotels and resorts at ski destinations. Stepwest’s ski working holiday program is all you need to make your way to the enchanting slopes of Canada. Perhaps you want to gain experience as a pastry chef, or work in guest services at a five-star hotel. Maybe you’d prefer to spend your days on the slopes! We’ll set you up to make the most of your ski season in Canada in a job you truly enjoy!

CANADA SKI SEASON

The Canada ski season is a magical time for snow enthusiasts. Adventurers from around the world come to ski its stunning slopes. Stretching from November to April, this extended winter wonderland offers an unparalleled experience. Canada’s ski season boasts a diverse range of resorts, each with its own unique charm. The ski season in Canada also showcases breathtaking natural beauty, with towering mountain peaks, frozen lakes, and dense evergreen forests.

What sets the Canada ski season apart is not only its exceptional skiing and snowboarding conditions but also the local hospitality. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding downhill runs or cozy evenings by the fire, Canada’s ski season season is bound to impress. So, bundle up and prepare to make lasting memories in one of the world’s premier ski destinations.

Want To Learn More?

If securing a ski season job at one of Canada’s most famous resorts is something you’re interested in, then fill out this form and one of our expert travel co-ordinators will get back to you to start planning your adventure today!

Ski Season Jobs May Include:

  • Server
  • Host
  • Busser
  • Bartender
  • Banquet Server
  • Rental Shop Clerk
  • Cashier
  • Cafe and Quick Service Attendant
  • Kitchen Steward
  • Dishwasher
  • Prep Cook
  • Line Cook
  • Cook/Commis 1
  • Cook/Commis 2
  • Sous Chef
  • Chef de Partie
  • Pastry Chef
  • Pastry Cook
  • Room Attendant
  • Housekeeping Leadership
  • Laundry Attendant
  • Front Desk Agent
  • Guest Services Agent
  • Reservation Agent
  • Bell Desk Attendant or Valet
  • Concierge
  • Maintenance Technician
  • …and many more!

Why Choose Ski Jobs With Stepwest – Top 5 Reasons

 

1. GUARANTEED SKI SEASON JOB BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

With a Stepwest ski working holiday, you can rest assured that everything will go as planned. You will be interviewing for ski resort jobs with Canadian employers from the comfort of your home. Steepest works with ski resorts all over Canada, and there are a wide range of employment options. Once you are ready to travel to Canada, you will already have a ski season job with accommodation secured! This eliminates the need to find ski season jobs when you arrive, giving you peace of mind on your adventures. Canada ski season is an experience you don’t want to miss… so what are you waiting for?

2. EARN MONEY TO FUND YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURES

There are many factors that make Canada ski resort jobs so appealing. For starters, you will be staying and working at a Canadian ski resort. Employee accommodation is generally discounted or included, putting you in a good position to save. Additionally, you can spend your free time exploring the amazing landscapes and learning to ski instead of shopping and dining out. Additionally, you can earn from C$15 per hour upwards on a full-time ski season job in Canada. You can then use this money to travel during your time off! Want to stay longer? Stay and work for your employer for the summer!

3. GUARANTEED STAFF ACCOMMODATION AT A DISCOUNTED RATE

At Stepwest, we understand that embarking on a ski season job in Canada isn’t just about the job itself; it’s about the entire experience. That includes securing comfortable and affordable accommodation. That’s why we take pride in our commitment to ensuring that all our participants have a stress-free and seamless transition into their new adventure.

One of the key benefits of our program is our exclusive partnership with ski resort employers across Canada. When you receive a job offer through Stepwest, you can rest assured that your accommodation needs are already taken care of. Our partner employers guarantee staff housing at a discounted rate for our program participants. This means that from the moment you receive your job offer, your shared accommodation for the ski season will already be secured.

4. HAVE TRUE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE

Canada is famous for its winters, so naturally, the Canadian ski season is a booming! Snow-sport enthusiasts from around the world flock to its powdery slopes each season, embracing the icy landscapes. When it comes to finding ski resort jobs, Canada is a truly sought after location with a lot to offer. The slopes, however, are not all that make up this phenomenal country. It is a well accepted fact that Canadian people are very welcoming and hospitable. This is always a welcome quality when embarking on an adventure abroad. There is no denying that connecting with locals is the best way to get to know an area. Fully immerse yourself in Canadian culture. Play ice hockey on frozen lakes. Go sledding with huskies, Get toasty in Narnia-style hot springs and become addicted to poutine… what more could you need?

5. BECOME A PRO SKIER OR SNOWBOARDER

With our program, you’ll have unrestricted access to Canada’s premier ski hills. This is not just a job, but a world of extraordinary opportunities. Nestled amid a cluster of ski resorts, you’ll discover a skier’s haven, with option to suit varying levels of skill and experience. The wealth of terrain at your doorstep accelerates your learning curve. It allows you to master challenging slopes and gain confidence on even the most thrilling runs. Embrace this winter wonderland where each day presents an opportunity to refine your technique and immerse yourself in the thrill of the slopes. Join us, and let Canada’s top ski hills serve as your playground for skill development, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Let’s Get Started!

You can apply at any time of the year, however, the earlier you start planning, the better. Ski season jobs in Canada typically begin in September, October and November each year, but the recruitment process starts months before!

Please check out our Eligibility page to see if you can apply for a working holiday visa.

When To Apply for a Ski Season Jobs In Canada

When it comes to Canadian ski resort jobs, getting ahead of the program is definitely beneficial. Popular ski resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise have 2 main hiring periods for each season, Summer and Winter 2024. So that means here at Stepwest, the earlier you apply the better chance you have of securing your dream job in your dream resort! The latest we typically accept applications for these programs are as follows:

Summer 2024: Until February 2024.
Winter 2024: Until May 2024.

It pays off to be organized, the sooner you are ready for interviews, the more ski resort job positions you could be a candidate for. If you are a last-minute planner, then start to consider planning for the next upcoming Season. Too late for Winter? check our Summer Resort Working Holiday program. You could start out with a summer job and opt to stay for the next winter season!

Safety First – Insurance For Winter Sports

You are required to get travel insurance in order to receive your working holiday permit for Canada. Make sure that you include winter sports coverage with your insurance plan, as you want to make the most of the winter sports Canada has to offer!

As an international traveller, medical care in Canada can very expensive. While it can be tempting, we do not advise getting the cheapest insurance. This is because, if you really need it (which we hope you don’t) it can turn into a huge headache. It can become a very expensive problem as well! Find out what insurance  our participants use.

Want More?

Summer Working Holiday

On our Summer Working Holiday program, land a summer resort job in Canada’s most beautiful destinations; spending time off exploring turquoise lakes, mountains, surfer beaches and tons more!

Vancouver Working Holiday

Combine cosmopolitan city life with some of Canada’s best wilderness on our Vancouver Working Holiday program. With the help of our Vancouver-based team, you'll be living like a local in no time!

Optional Services

We want you to arrive in Canada stress-free and fully prepared. We offer things like tax returns, English study and medical insurance, so that you can arrive in Canada ready to hit the ground running.

FAQs

What visa do you need to work a ski season in Canada?

Travelling to Canada is a fantastic idea for an adventure. You will need a Working Holiday (IEC) visa. For more information and to see whether you are eligible to apply, check the Canada Working Holiday visa requirements.

When is the ski season in Canada?

The Canadian ski season typically starts in late November and runs until late April. However, this will depend on the weather conditions and where you are.

For instance, the ski season in Banff is typically longer, usually ending in mid-May. Because the ski resorts have a higher base and top elevation, they tend to be much colder, for example, than Whistler.

See our 2023 guide on how to work a ski season in Canada for a full breakdown of what to expect.

Do I need to ski to work at a ski resort in Canada?

Not at all! Remember that you can work on the slopes or in a hotel in a resort area, so you don’t need to be a pro-skier. We 100% recommend you to try to learn during this experience because it will make such a difference.

Trust us, once you start, it’s a challenge not to take it up professionally! If you would like to learn how to ski and snowboard, this program will be your winter paradise!

What is the staff accommodation like at a ski resort in Canada?

Each resort and hotel has different staff housing, from dormitory buildings to shared units with several bedrooms. Shared units usually include a kitchen, a bathroom and a common area. The common denominator is that you will be able to share accommodation with your colleagues from work! Most employers ask you to answer a questionnaire in order to match you with housemates that have similar hobbies and interests! Staff housing is the best way to get to know people, as you will be living with co-workers from other departments of the resort.

Will Stepwest guarantee me a ski resort job with staff housing?

Yes, 100%! All of our host employers know that our participants are travelling from outside of Canada and therefore guaranteed accommodation is a must. Winter is the busiest time at any ski resort in Canada. When you want to do a winter season we strongly recommend participants secure their jobs before October for the upcoming season. Once you are hired, the resorts will be able to secure your staff accommodation. But don’t worry, we will be there to help you with the whole onboarding process.

Where is the best place to work during the ski season?

Canada is called the Great White North for a reason! There are so many incredible resorts to work at during Canada’s ski season. From Whistler to Banff, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks, and so much more. We work with employers in locations across Canada, so that we can help to hook you up with a job in your dream winter wonderland.

How far are the ski resorts and hotels from the cities in Canada?

It really depends on your workplace. Generally, the resorts we work with are situated in areas that are quite close to nature. Therefore, it may take around 60-90 minutes to travel to big cities like Vancouver (from Whistler) and Calgary (from Banff). If you work at a resort like Sun Peaks, Kamloops is only around 45 minutes away. Ultimately, you get the best of both worlds. You get to reside in a national park or a location recognized for its natural landscapes. Additionally, when you need to go to the city, you’ll have easy access!

When should I start planning for my ski season in Canada?

When it comes to Canadian ski resort jobs, getting ahead of the program is definitely beneficial. Popular ski resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise have 2 main hiring periods for each season, Summer and Winter 2024. So that means here at Stepwest, the earlier you apply the better chance you have of securing your dream job in your dream resort! The latest we typically accept applications for these programs are as follows:

Summer 2024: Until February 2024.
Winter 2024: Until May 2024.

It pays off to be organized, the sooner you are ready for interviews, the more ski resort job positions you could be a candidate for. If you are a last-minute planner, then start to consider planning for the next upcoming Season. Too late for Winter? check our Summer Resort Working Holiday program. You could start out with a summer job and opt to stay for the next winter season!

What jobs are there during the ski season? How much can you make working at a ski resort in Canada?

Most of our jobs are available all year round, but we also have some season-specific ski season jobs. Some of these include such as a ski and snowboarding rental attendant, ski rental equipment clerk and so on. During your consultation, we will check your preferences, experience, English level and more. That way, we can find the best job position for you.

When it comes to how much you’ll earn during your ski season, this really depends on your role! However, the base wage in British Columbia is CAD $15.65 per hour, and CAD $15 per hour in Alberta.

We will make sure that you have everything organized to arrive at the resort as planned. During your pre-departure orientation, we will go through everything that happens until you get to your accommodation at the resort. We have thought about every single detail to make your arrival as smooth and easy as possible!

How do I get to the resort when I arrive in Canada?

There are so many options! We have many participants that decide to stay for the summer because six months pass by so quickly! The good thing is, as long as your employer knows that you plan to stay longer, you will be able to do so! Some participants (not that many!) decide to leave behind the resort life and move to a city for the summer. Remember that options are endless and your work permit is an open work permit, so you can live and work anywhere in Canada!

What are my options after the winter season?

There are so many options! We have many participants that decide to stay for the summer, because, trust us, six months pass by so quickly! The good thing is that as long as your employer knows that you are planning to stay longer, you will be able to do so! Some participants (not that many!) decide to leave behind the resort life and move to a city for the summer. Remember that options are endless and your work permit is an open work permit, so you can live and work anywhere in Canada!

Can I work a three-month ski season in Canada?

Canada’s ski season lasts six months, and most employers require ski season workers to stay for the entire season. Plus, the Working Holiday visa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so utilize it to its full potential! Starting with experiencing the Great White North in all it’s glory!