Where to Work a Ski Season in Canada

With over 250 ski areas across the country, there are plenty of places to work during a ski season in Canada. This guide will break down the main differences between Canadian ski areas and resorts.

While reading, consider what kind of ski season experience you are looking for.

• Do you want to be able to ski-out of your accommodation directly onto the slopes?
• Are you an advanced skier or snowboarder looking for some gnarly terrain to shred?
• Would you prefer to be in an isolated location close to one ski resort or in a busier area with choice of resorts?
• Do you want to live in a ski village or town with lots of restaurants, nightlife and other services?
• Or would you prefer a quieter resort that has more distinctive Canadian character?
• What kind of climate are you comfortable with? Super cold and dry or wet and mildly cold…or somewhere in the middle?

Asking yourself these questions is the easiest way to narrow down where you may be looking to work.

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British Columbia’s coastal mountains

Located: Vancouver Island and the coast of mainland British Columbia.

What to expect: The West Coast resorts are home to powder. It’s not the crisp, dry stuff seen further east but there is the potential to receive more than 10 metres of the white stuff over the season.

Whistler Blackcomb is the granddaddy of all Canadian resorts while Grouse, Seymour and Cypress offer a part-time ski resort experience for those who don’t want to travel too far from city comforts.

Typical ski season length: December to early April, with the exception of Whistler (November to May)

Ski resorts: Whistler Blackcomb, Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, Cypress Mountain, Mount Washington, Mt Cain

Interior British Columbia

Located: Everywhere east of the coastal mountains (above) but west of the Kootenays. Southern interior resorts are within 4-6 hours of Vancouver.

What to expect: Light, champagne powder is the hallmark of this region. Temperatures are cold, but not usually extreme. Resorts range from huge, super family-friendly resorts like Big White to tiny two lift operations like Baldy Resort and Manning Park.

Typical ski season length: December to early April with the exception of Big White and Sun Peaks (late November to mid April)

Ski resorts: Sun Peaks, Big White, Silver Star, Apex, Baldy Mountain Resort, Manning Park, Powder King, Hudson Bay Mountain

British Columbia Kootenays

Located: All mountains within British Columbia to the south and east of Revelstoke

What to expect: Home of the ‘Powder Highway,’ the Kootenays hosts half a dozen small and mid-sized characterful ski resorts. If you’re looking to work at a ski resort that is a bit off the beaten path, this is the place. These resorts are favoured by BC locals, especially those looking for a challenge. Powder is plentiful and wonderfully light.

Typical ski season length: December to April

Ski resorts: Revelstoke, Red Mountain, Kimberley, Fernie, Panorama, Kicking Horse, Whitewater

Rocky Mountains

Located: Along the famous Rocky Mountain range in Alberta.

What to expect: If you don’t like to be limited to just one ski resort, head to the town of Banff in Alberta. There are three resorts in the local vicinity – it would be difficult to get bored here! Snow is less abundant than further west but the powder is dry. The ski season in this area is the longest in Canada. The downside is extremely cold winter temperatures; be sure to pack your layers. Note that minimum wage is higher in Alberta than BC and taxes also lower.

Typical ski season length: November to May

Ski resorts: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Nakiska, Marmot Basin, Castle Mountain

Central and Eastern Canada

Located: Ontario, Quebec, East Coast

What to expect: Found at lower elevations than their western cousins, ski resorts in Eastern Canada are worth a look. Though typically smaller in size, Eastern resorts are still incredibly popular and draw thousands of visitors every winter. Snow is usually good quality, however, it can be thin on the ground some years. The largest ski resorts on the East Coast are in Ontario and Quebec.

Typical ski season length: December to April

Ski resorts: Mont Tremblant, Blue Mountain, Le Massif, Marble Mountain, Asessippi Ski Resort

Rest of Canada

There are dozens of smaller ski hills dotted around the rest of Canada all the way from Northern BC to the Prairies, Maritimes and Newfoundland. They have not been included here as these small ski hills do not usually hire many international staff. This is often due to isolation, limited opening hours and/or few job opportunities.

If you find yourself located near one, there is no harm in applying for work but be aware it is likely to be part-time work with no staff accommodation or transport available.

Typical ski season length: December to March/early April

Whistler vs. Banff

For many people heading to Canada for a ski season, the main question is whether to head to Whistler or Banff.

It is a personal decision and there is no wrong answer but here is a quick comparisons to help.

Alternatives to Whistler and Banff

Whistler and Banff are undoubtedly popular but this also means that costs are higher as well as competition for jobs and accommodation.

Consider these ski resort alternatives:

Large ski-in, ski-out villages: Big White, Silver Star, Sun Peaks, Mont Tremblant, Blue Mountain

Challenging terrain: Revelstoke, Kicking Horse

Classic small town ski resorts: Fernie, Red Mountain, Panorama, Apex, Mount Washington, Revelstoke, Kimberly

Located in a National/Provincial Park: Manning Park, Marmot Basin

Small but mighty: Baldy Mountain Resort, Powder King

Planning a ski season in Canada? Here are some helpful resources

Secure your working holiday visa – your first step to an amazing ski season in Canada is to apply for the IEC program

Research Canadian ski resorts and apply for work – Get the low down on Canada’s huge range of ski resorts and learn tips and tricks for finding a job

Book arrival accommodation – It’s a smart idea to spend at least a few days in whichever Canadian city you land in. Booking.com usually offers the best rates for hostels and hotels

Don’t forget travel insurance – A mandatory part of the IEC working holiday program in Canada, travel insurance also protects you against serious medical care costs in case of illness or injury. I have personally used True Traveller

Get prepared for arrival in Canada – This moving guide includes everything you need to know about immigration, getting a local Canadian number, opening a bank account and more

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