How to get a winter or ski season job in Canada this year

Winter '23 hiring for Canada is now closed, but read this to get ahead of the game for winter '24 hiring. Our ski season employers usually start recruiting in Jun/Jul, so make sure you've got your IEC working holiday visa ready to go.

We heard on the vine that we’re confusing the beavers out of you with our Canada job fairs. (TBF, the whole ‘fair’ thing is confusing – there’s no Big Dipper for a start). Here’s where we clear things up and help you get hired in Canada for winter.

What’s this winter hiring fair all about and how does it help me get a job in Canada?

Every Jun-Aug, our Canada seasonal employers start recruiting for winter and ski positions. The majority of jobs have Oct-Dec start dates, are 4-6 month contracts, and are working in some of Canada’s top ski resorts – doing everything from working as a server to a ski instructor. (We also have some construction jobs in Vancouver).

We call it a fair, because fairs make people happy. As does working in the Canadian mountains with all the hot cheese food. But essentially, it’s three exclusive hiring weeks (12-16 Jun, 10-14 Jul, 14-18 Aug) where our Canada employers interview via video for their winter staff.

How do I apply for interviews?

Leading up to those three hiring weeks, you’ll be able to log into your JENZA account, upload your CV, search for positions and set up video interviews. If you’re not told during the interview, you’ll usually be notified a few days later if you got the job.

Do I need my Canada working holiday visa to get hired?

Yes. You need to be booked onto JENZA Work Canada and have your ‘Invitation to Apply’ (ITA) for your visa in order to interview. Because of the visa pool system for Canada working holiday visas, we recommend booking ASAP to get your ITA in time to interview during our hiring fairs.

What’s an ITA and how do I get one?

To work in Canada, you must have a working holiday visa (or Canada IEC visa). There are only a limited number of these working holiday visas released each year, and so applications work via a pool system. Your name goes into the pool and if drawn out, you’ll be sent an ‘Invitation to Apply’ for your work permit.

When do I need to enter the pool to apply for my visa?

Now! Even though names are being drawn out of the visa pool quickly this year, you still need to get your skates on to get your ITA and get hired for the winter ’23 season.

Understandably, working on the mountain is incredibly popular – so these interview slots will shift faster than a hungry bear during salmon season. When you book onto JENZA Work Canada, our team will guide you through the visa pool and job process. For more intel, click here or give us a call and we’ll happily talk you through it.

What jobs are up for grabs?

We have hundreds of jobs to fill with our tried-and-trusted Canadian employers. These include Marmot Basin in Jasper, Four Seasons Whistler, Panorama Mountain Resort in Invermere, Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Banff Lodging Company, the Westin Whistler, and more.

Positions include lift operators, guest services, servers, snowmaking, terrain park attendants, rental attendants, ski instructors, drivers, housekeepers, kitchen assistants and chefs – to name a few. It’s an amazing way to earn money, live in epic locations, and guarantee a sofa in multiple places around the world at the end of the season.

How much is the pay and is accommodation included?

All our Canada employers are vetted to ensure they meet the minimum wage or above. Your hourly rate depends on the province and the position, but is usually between CAD $15-21 an hour – with tips included where applicable.

Most of our employers include subsidised staff housing – this can vary in price but is often around CAD $20 a day. Plus, great perks such as free or discounted lift passes, lessons, gear rental and meals on shift.

Is previous job experience required?

In the main, no. Although chef positions, ski instructor positions and some customer facing positions will require previous experience. This will all be stipulated in the job descriptions that you can access in your online account. For all other positions, you’ll be given all the training you need when you arrive.

Do I need to be able to ski or board?

Likewise, no downhill skills are required. Many of our working holidaymakers are non-skiers and go for the job experience, bluebird skies and après ski alone. (Although it’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill if you’re up for it).

What happens after the winter?

Spring, hopefully. (Joking). Canada working holiday visas allow you to work for two years (23 months for New Zealand passport holders). Many Canada resorts are four season resorts, meaning they become playgrounds for hikers, bikers and twitchers once the snow melts.

Many of our travellers get invited to stay and work for the summer, or head to the towns and cities to work. Our Canada partners, SWAP, have hubs in Vancouver and Toronto where you can go and hang out with the team, search their job database, and work on your CV or applications.

You’ll also have access to the JENZA Job Hub for the whole two years of your working holiday visa to apply for hospitality, tourism and construction jobs.