5 Best Snow Working Holiday Jobs in Canada

Picture this: you finish your shift at a cosy mountain café, swap your work boots for ski boots, and hit the slopes as the sun sets over the Rockies. That’s the magic of landing one of the best snow working holiday jobs in Canada. It’s the perfect blend of earning, exploring, and experiencing the great outdoors.

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for seasonal workers, offering world-class ski resorts, a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a ski lift operator, serving hot chocolate in a buzzing après-ski bar, or guiding snowshoe tours through silent pine forests, there’s a role to suit every kind of traveller.

Read as we explore the most popular winter jobs for working holidaymakers. Learn what life is really like on the slopes and how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, all while staying safe and covered with the right travel insurance.

1. Ski Resort Hospitality Roles

Hospitality jobs are the heartbeat of any ski resort town. They’re a fantastic option if you love meeting new people and want a lively, social working holiday. Ski resort hospitality roles can range from barista shifts in a buzzing café to waiting tables in a cosy chalet restaurant, or working reception at a ski lodge.

Why It’s a Great Choice:

• Built-in Community: You’ll be surrounded by fellow travellers and seasonal workers, making it easy to build a social circle.
• Perks: Many resorts offer staff housing or discounted accommodation, free or discounted lift passes, and even staff meals — helping you save money.
• Flexible Hours: Hospitality roles often have shifts that allow you to ski or snowboard during the day and work in the evenings, so you can make the most of the powder.

Your day-to-day might involve serving breakfast to hungry skiers before they hit the slopes, mixing cocktails in a lively après-ski bar, or checking in guests at a lodge while sharing your insider tips about the best runs.
Whatever you end up doing, you’re guaranteed to have a few laughs, make great friends, and get plenty of time on the slopes yourself.

Top Tip:
Hospitality roles can be competitive in popular resorts like Whistler or Banff. Apply early (many places recruit staff in late summer or early autumn) and don’t be afraid to consider smaller resorts, where the vibe is often friendlier and less crowded.

2. Lift Operator (“Liftie”)

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, becoming a lift operator — affectionately known as a “liftie” — could be the perfect job. You’ll spend your days outdoors, keeping the ski lifts running smoothly and helping guests get safely on and off.

Why It’s a Great Choice:

• Front Row Seat to the Slopes: Your “office” view is unbeatable: mountains, fresh snow, and blue skies (on a good day!).
• Free Lift Pass: Most resorts include a free season pass as part of the job, so your days off are spent skiing or snowboarding without spending a penny.
• Great for Fitness: You’ll be on your feet, shovelling snow, and working outside, so it’s ideal if you love staying active.
• Social Role: You’ll meet everyone (from first-timers to seasoned skiers) and often get to work with a tight-knit team of other lifties.

Daily tasks might include brushing off chairs after a fresh snowfall, helping kids and beginners load safely, and chatting with guests while they wait in line. The job can be physically demanding, especially in extreme weather, but the camaraderie and unbeatable access to the mountain make it worthwhile.

Top Tip:
This role is perfect for those who love the outdoors and don’t mind early mornings or braving the cold. Layer up, invest in good gloves, and you’ll thrive.

3. Ski & Snowboard Instructor

If you’re passionate about skiing or snowboarding and love sharing that passion with others, working as an instructor might be your dream winter job. You’ll spend your days helping people improve their skills, whether that’s guiding nervous beginners down their very first green run or fine-tuning the technique of more advanced riders.

Why It’s a Great Choice:

• Get Paid to Be on the Slopes: You’ll literally be skiing or boarding for work every day.
• Skill Development: Teaching sharpens your own technique, so you’ll leave the season better than ever.
• Rewarding Work: Watching someone go from terrified to confident on the snow is a real buzz.
• International Crew: Ski schools attract people from all over the world — you’ll make friends from every corner of the globe.

Most resorts require at least a Level 1 instructor qualification (from organisations like BASI or CASI) before you can start teaching. If you’re not qualified yet, don’t worry. Some companies like The Working Holiday Club and Jenza run training programs that get you certified before the season begins.

Top Tip:
Apply early. Instructor roles are extremely competitive. Consider training during the off-season to boost your chances. Even if you can’t land a teaching job right away, you might find work as a “snow school assistant,” helping out and gaining valuable experience for the next season.

Please note, we are not able to provide insurance for people working as ski or snowboard instructors.

4. Retail & Rental Shop Roles

If you’d rather stay warm and work indoors, a job in a ski shop or rental centre might be right up your alley. These roles involve helping guests rent, buy, or maintain their ski and snowboard gear, and they’re a perfect fit if you’re friendly, organised, and love solving problems.

Why It’s a Great Choice:

• Indoor Work: Stay toasty while everyone else is braving the elements.
• Hands-On Skills: Learn how to tune skis, fit boots properly, and adjust bindings, skills you can take with you wherever you go.
• Customer Interaction: Help beginners get set up for their first ever day on the mountain. You might just be the person who sparks a lifelong love of skiing!
• Perks: Many shops offer staff discounts on gear, which is a great way to upgrade your kit for less.

Your daily routine might include setting up equipment in the morning, adjusting rentals to fit a variety of guests, and making sure everything is returned in good condition at the end of the day. It’s a busy, fast-paced environment, especially on powder days! But there’s a lot of satisfaction in keeping everything running smoothly.

Top Tip:
Retail and rental jobs often have more regular hours than hospitality or liftie roles, which can make it easier to plan your ski days. They also look great on a CV if you want to work in customer service or sports retail in the future.

5. Beyond the Slopes: Alternative Winter Jobs

Not every job is directly tied to skiing or snowboarding. Some of the most interesting opportunities are behind the scenes. 

Here are a few options if you want something a little different:

Practical Tips for Success

Before you pack your thermals and head for the mountains, a little planning can make your working holiday smooth and stress-free:

Plan Your Dream Working Holiday in Canada

Canada’s winter isn’t just a season; it’s an experience. Whether you’re brewing morning coffee for skiers, operating a chairlift with a mountain view, or teaching your first snowboarding class, your working holiday can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

With early planning, a solid support network, and Go Walkabout’s comprehensive working holiday insurance, you can focus on carving fresh tracks, making lifelong friends, and turning your Canadian winter into a story worth telling.