How To Find A Winter Working Holiday in Canada

Your Guide to Scoring Amazing Ski Resort Jobs

 

By Rik Dyson. | 5 min read | 22nd July 2023

 

Looking For a working holiday Canada? Dreaming of spending next winter shredding pow in the Canadian Rockies? Well strap in, because I’m about to drop some knowledge to help you land an epic seasonal job at a ski resort or winter wonderland business.

Research Instructor Internships & Winter Jobs in Canada

Sure, you could just wing it and job hunt on the ground once you get to Canada. But securing a gig ahead of time means you can:

• Skip the stress of last-minute interviews and rejections
• Have more time to scope out housing
• Actually confirm you’ll have a job before blowing money on flights

So get Googling and see what options you have:

 

Going Through A Specialist Visa Company

One option is to pay a working holiday visa company like BUNAC or Stepwest to set up a job and maybe even housing for you. They are great for organising and giving out working holiday visas that might otherwise be unobtainable. Expect to drop some serious coin for this convenience though:

We’re talking the cost of a couple months rent or flight expenses.

Here’s the basic process these companies use:

• You pay upfront and register
• They help you get your Canada working holiday visa
• You interview for resort jobs remotely
• They assist with any onboarding once you arrive

Is it worth the investment? That depends on your budget and how Type A you are. The structured support can be nice for some. But if you’re a go-with-the-flow backpacker, it may not be necessary. If you are particularly interested in the hospitality, house keeping, front desk, maintenance jobs then these companies can be really helpful for those that want the convenience and comfort knowing your plans are in place.

 

If you want an Canadian ski or snowboard instructor job you are better using Ski & Snowboard Internship providers. Just type in Instructor Internships Canada and see what pops up. Then work down the list. Check their reviews, call them up, do your due diligence.

Applying Directly to The Ski Resort

The budget-friendly option is to apply directly to resorts and local businesses. But landing a gig pre-arrival can be hit or miss:

• Some resorts only do in-person interviews
• Others hire certain roles like instructors remotely
• Timing matters – check the resorts websites starting in spring/summer

Stalk those resort career sites and local job boards. And pitch yourself via email and video calls. Sell your reliability and commitment to the full season.

Just be aware the Internship providers have normally scooped up all the entry level instructor positions in resort, so either get qualified prior to arriving and aim higher or go for something different around resort. If you have medical training or interested in training in that department you could also consider Ski Patrolling jobs. If money isn’t necessary and you have enough savings maybe consider on the job training and volunteer.

 

Pro Tip: Also look into nearby hotels, restaurants, and tour companies for backup options. Expanding your search radius increases your odds.

Don’t forget to secure your IEC working holiday visa to legally work in Canada. Find a useful visa guide here.

 

Going Through A Specialist Internship Provider

They tend to be more expensive at first glance than the visa companies, however you are getting a lot more bang for your buck and often look after every aspect of your trip with airport transfers, season lift passes, instructor training, guaranteed accommodation, meal plans, exams and of course that important paying winter position in the coolest jobs available.

If you prefer to be more prepared and have a secured outcome and an incredible ski season experience, consider Winter Sports Company Ski and Snowboard Instructor Internships. 

For some really detailed information browse the excellent 53 page Ultimate Guide to Ski & Snowboard Internships

You may also want to speak to a Canadian immigration consultant to work out which visa/immigration program is right for you!

Securing Work After Arriving in Canada

Don’t freak if you don’t lock down a job beforehand. Many resorts actually prefer to meet candidates face-to-face. Here are your main options once boots hit the ground in Canada:

 

Hit the Slopes for Interviews

Being physically present at the resort shows you’re serious about working there. Priorities go to locals who have likely sorted housing too.

• Check resort sites for individual department postings
• Attend any job fairs – register ASAP as they book up
• Follow up continuously as openings pop up

Aim to arrive in your target ski town 1-2 months before the season starts. The earlier the better to beat other eager applicants!

Attend Local Job Fairs

Some towns like Banff host big job fairs where you can meet multiple employers at once.

• These usually happen in early October
• All the major resorts, hotels, tour companies, etc attend
• Dress to impress and bring tons of resumes!

Know Your Resume/CV Must Haves

You’ll need a solid Canadian-style resume to get through screening. Some tips:

• Lead with a skills/qualifications summary
• Keep it concise – 1 page is ideal. Photo optional but gives it a distinguishable feature!
• Put a Canadian address at the top if you have one
• Include a short objective statement. Avoid waffling
• Don’t be lazy-Tailor it to each specific role and employer!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Most decent jobs will expect a cover letter too. This is your chance to highlight:

• Your relevant experience and skills
• Why you’re interested in the role/resort. Do some homework on the resort/position
• Your authorisation to work in Canada
• How you’ll provide amazing customer service

 

Land Your Dream Winter Gig

 

With this advice in your quiver, you’re ready to start the hunt for an incredible winter working holiday  in Canada. Just be flexible, persistent, and play up your people skills. Before you know it, you’ll be getting paid to play in fresh powder while making lifelong friends and memories. The mountains are calling…so go answer them then! Time to shred your way to an unforgettable winter working holiday.