Whether you’re already in the process of taking the leap to Canada or have merely considered exploring the land of maple syrup, hockey and poutine, it’s certainly an exciting prospect. From the incredible Canadian outdoors to vibrant cities and scenery, a working holiday in Canada has something for everyone.
Work Canada Winter Jobs includes a guaranteed pre-arranged job at a world-class Canadian resort. IEP assist with your working holiday visa and support you for your entire (up to 2 year) adventure! Once signed up, you will receive a handbook with a comprehensive breakdown on everything about each resort from jobs and perks to lifestyle. From here – it’s your choice to select where you’d like to work! The employers will be flying over from Canada to look for next seasons go-getters. You will interview with two employers of your choice and secure one or two job offers by the end of the day. Sweet! The next step is to get to your Canadian paradise and start shredding in some champagne powder. Here are 5 things to consider when picking a winter employer:
Location
One of the most difficult aspects of your working holiday will likely be choosing which location you’d like to work! Canada has an unbelievable number of world class resorts… each offering their own unique experience. Most of these resorts are located on the west coast (British Columbia and Alberta). Some resorts are so big you won’t manage to do every run by the end of the season! Whistler and Banff are hotspots for working holiday goers. These lively mountain towns offer an incredible mountain experience combined with a great party atmosphere – be prepared to meet as many Aussies as Canadians! (It’s called Whistralia for a reason). Panorama boasts over 2800acres of terrain, whilst Big White offers epic night skiing! Maybe you’re after a quieter scene in the Canadian Mountains – Marmot Basin, Asessipi and Vista Ridge offer world class ski conditions away from crowded slopes with epic local communities. Can’t decide whether you’d like to live in a city or work at a resort? Why not do both?! Grouse Mountain and Cyprus Mountain are local mountain paradises situated within Vancouver, giving you the best of both worlds.
Roles
Any job you can think of at a resort, our employers hire for! Hospitality, customer service, outdoor mountain jobs, guest services, you name it. Whether you’d like to be a bartender, ski instructor or front desk agent, there are a variety of roles that you can interview for. No previous experience working at a resort is necessary – resort employers are mostly looking for a positive attitude and enthusiasm to work.
Perks
What’s one of the best parts of working at a world class ski resort? Access to the mountain and local perks of course! All staff receive a FREE or discounted ski pass, not to mention subsidized staff housing options, cheap access to resort facilities, discounts to neighbouring attractions and loads more. Whistler is one of the most expensive resorts to access – if you are after cheaper living and free mountain access, a smaller resort may be the way to go.
Weather
Of course, diving straight into the Canadian Winter means some slightly chillier temperatures than you might be used to. It is wise to pack warm, but of course there are plenty of opportunities to purchase that new ski jacket cheaply to combat potential -30 degree wind chill in Banff. With the cold comes some of the best snow you have ever experienced. Some area’s such as Whistler can average up to 370 inches of snowfall over the season! If you are after a milder climate, a Vancouver based resort will be your best option.
Things to do
So what can you do when you’re not working? Not only do you have the opportunity to carve snow like a donair carver at 2am on a Sunday, but there are loads of incredible activities to explore. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, skating… there’s no shortage of outdoor activities. The local restaurants and bars are the perfect place to warm up after a day on the mountain, or even natural hot springs if you’re lucky enough to work at Panorama.
When picking a winter employer, it’s best to discern what experience you are looking for. Consider whether you are after a specific location or a specific role and prioritise your choices from this… at the end of the day you can’t go wrong! It’s a big decision to work overseas, but certainly one of the most rewarding and life changing experiences one can have. Life is short and the world is wide, get out there and have a blast!