Getting ski resort jobs in Canada is what the working holiday program is all about!
Up early to catch the fresh powder before work, apres-ski drinks in the afternoon sunshine, crazy parties in the clubs and bars that only the locals know about – if this is sounding “gnarly” to you keep reading…
Working in Whistler is what most people only dream of!
Working in Banff is what others only see on their holiday…
Ski resort jobs in Canada are what it’s all about!
To help you find that job… why not register for our Working Holiday Canada Jobs Kit? This has lists of the top employers of working holidaymakers from 2021 as well as a job search tool specifically for people like you, a Canadian resume guide, and much, much more!!
If you are thinking about hitting the slopes for your time in Canada, you are most definitely not after the money or the progression of your professional career – unless, of course, you are a pro-boarder back home.
You are after the life experience and a year full of stories that you will be boring people with for years to come!
The trick is not to worry about the money or anything else too much. You will find ways to get by and quickly adapt to the “ski bum” lifestyle that others around you are deeply involved in.
If you end up working for the mountain directly (i.e Whistler Blackcomb) they often provide staff housing at a subsidized rate, as well as food and gear in some cases. Many employers will also cover a portion of the entire cost of your season’s ski pass, so although the wages aren’t sky-high, there are many perks to working in ski resorts. Working in a restaurant also has great benefits if meals are included when you’re working so keep all of this in mind.
The vast majority of jobs available in the ski resorts will be casual and seasonal in nature. The mountains will generally start hiring in October so get there early. That said, you may not start work until late November or early December – start dates will depend on when the snow starts falling and tourists start arriving.
Register for your WHC Jobs Kit for lists of the top ski resort employers in BC and Alberta, our working holiday jobs search tool and much more!
Typical jobs could include working as a:
- Lift operator (“liftie”)
- Ski instructor
- Server
- Bar person
- Retail assistant
- Barista in a café
- Ski/Board technician in a rental shop
- Local guide
The season generally begins to wind down in April or May – June if you are really lucky. Again, the weather and how soon the sun arrives can dictate the closing dates in some cases. Many mountains will begin to let the bulk of seasonal staff go in April as the snow melts and tourists dry up.
In fact, some resorts close entirely for the summer months so look into this first. Many people who do a winter season will then head down to Vancouver or one of the other cities in search of work for the summer – getting there before everyone else is a good idea as if you leave it too long, you and 2,000 other ski bums will all be applying for the same jobs in the cities.
Others get their surfboards and go to Costa Rica or Mexico for the summer before coming back in October to work another season in the ski resorts. That will depend on how much savings you have if any.
In terms of pay this will all depend on the ski resort and job type but in general minimum wage rates are between $10.30 CAD per hour to $12.50 CAD an hour.
Read Also:
SKI RESORTS ACCOMMODATION IN CANADA
British Columbia jobs
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort is located 56km southeast of Kelowna in Okanagan Valley. The resort is the second-largest resort in British Columbia. Similar to other resorts its village comprises of accommodation, eateries, bars and shops.
Big White has a longer Ski Season than average, running from mid-November to mid-April. Big White is currently seeking to fill job roles for the 2020/21 season.
These roles include a Patroller, Retail Assistant Manager, Administrative Assistant, Mountain Bike Instructor, Bike Park Patrol, Bike Mechanic and more. Further information on these job opportunities can be found here.
The easiest way to secure an interview and find jobs in these amazing locations is by registering for our Working Holiday in Canada Jobs Kit which means you will have access to the top employers for working holidaymakers.
Whistler jobs
Whistler is a friendly ski village located in the heart of the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia.
It is home to almost 10,000 people and offers some unforgettable skiing and winter activities.
It is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the world, which hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Whistler Village offers a wide range of community services, shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and hotels.
Whistler has a range of jobs on offer for the 2020/21 season. Some of these jobs on offer include Mountain Bike Guide, Advanced Lift Mechanic, Head Chef, Lift Mechanic and more which can be found here.
Register for your WHC Jobs Kit for lists of the top ski resort employers in BC and Alberta, our working holiday jobs search tool and much more!
Alberta
Banff jobs
Within Banff National Park you have 3 excellent ski resorts to choose from, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay.
The Banff town offers access to all 3 ski areas and is a friendly up and coming town.
It offers a great mix of shops, cafes and visitor attractions including the world-renowned Banff Hot Springs.
The ski resorts have a number of vacancies on offer for the 2020/21 season. For all the information on the jobs on offer in Banff check out their website.
This is just an example of some of the Canadian Ski Resorts to choose from although there are much more also on offer.
If you end up working for the mountain directly (i.e. WhistlerBlackcomb) they often provide staff housing at a subsidized rate, as well as food and gear in some cases.
Many employers will also cover a portion of the entire cost of your season’s ski pass, so although the wages aren’t sky-high, there are many perks to working in ski resorts.
Working in a restaurant also has great benefits if meals are included when you’re working so keep all of this in mind.
The vast majority of jobs available in the ski resorts will be casual and seasonal in nature. The mountains will generally start hiring in October so get there early.
That said, you may not start work until late November or early December – start dates will depend on when the snow starts falling and tourists start arriving.
Register for your WHC Jobs Kit for lists of the top ski resort employers in BC and Alberta, our working holiday jobs search tool and much more!
