Big mountains, ample snow, and nearly free healthcare? Sign us up. Canada has long been a coveted destination for skiers and riders who want to test their mettle on some of the most extreme terrain around. There are hundreds of ski resorts nestled amongst the country’s seemingly endless mountain ranges. And they all need employees to transport guests, sell lift tickets, groom runs, and do all of the other tasks that help create an amazing experience for guests. If your job search is leading you north, take a look at our list of eight of the best ski resorts in Canada to work at — because, when it comes to coworkers, you could do a lot worse than a group of people who are literally famous for their politeness.
One of the most revered ski resorts in the world, Whistler Blackcomb is legendary for its size, epic snowfall accumulation, and festive atmosphere. That means they need a lot of people to help keep operations running smoothly. The resort’s job portal lists over 60 available winter jobs, including everything from ski instructor to travel consultant to fine dining supervisor. The perks and benefits of working at Whistler (which is a Vail property now) include a retirement savings plan, access to mental health professionals, and discounts on food and retail — not to mention a free ski pass for Whistler and several other Epic Pass mountains.
For those looking to find gainful employment in the east, Mont-Tremblant — a popular ski area just outside of Montreal — is a great option. Tremblant has an impressive track record with its employees, who’ve given it a 4.2-star rating on Glassdoor (with 95% reporting that they would recommend employment with the company). There are 70 opportunities currently available on the resort’s site, so you’ve got plenty of options. The resort even has a useful widget to help narrow down potential roles that fit with your skills, education, and career aspirations. With vibrant Montreal just down the road, this one is great for those who want a bit of culture during their off time.
Note: Given that French is predominantly used in Quebec, it will be helpful, if not a requirement, to have a working knowledge of the language.
On the far western edge of the Rockies, “Canada’s Favourite Family Resort” is a great place to land a seasonal job or start a lifelong career. The resort’s employment portal lists jobs in IT, food service, ski school, and a variety of other departments. Plus, if you’re lucky you could end up living in the resort’s employee housing.
A ski resort with over 160 runs, spread across 4,000 acres, is going to need a lot of help to keep its lifts spinning. Lake Louise is a tourist hotspot in western Alberta, just a couple hours from Calgary. On Glassdoor, employees mention the great team atmosphere, solid employee housing, and (of course) the ability to hit the slopes every day as pros to employment with the resort. According to Lake Louise’s employment portal, benefits include access to other resorts, free group lessons, and, most importantly, ride breaks.
Note: This area can get particularly cold in the winter, so be sure you’re ready for extreme temps before heading north.
If you want to work at a resort that has the huge terrain of Whistler, but with a smaller town feel, Fernie is a great option. Fernie currently lists jobs with the snowmaking team, ski school, and road crew, amongst several other departments. Employee perks include retail and food/beverage discounts, discounted accommodations, and a season pass that gives you access to sister resorts.
Note: Fernie recommends sending in a video application, so you’ll have a chance to stand out if you know your way around a camera and can come up with a unique submission.
A couple hours north of Toronto, Blue Mountain is a hidden gem situated on the shores of Lake Huron. The resort bills itself as Ontario’s only year-round mountain resort, so you’ll have employment opportunities no matter the season. Current openings include seasonal roles, such as patroller or lifty, and more long-term roles, including financial analyst and hotel manager positions. The company has a solid four-star rating on Indeed, with employees mentioning the amazing company culture and environment, excellent support from management, and competitive pay.
Perfectly situated in Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is a favorite of Albertan skiers and riders. With a very respectable 4-star rating on Glassdoor, the resort has a reputation for being a fun, inclusive workplace. At the moment, Marmot has a variety of needs, including accounting-related roles (Revenue & Receivables Administrator), on-mountain positions (Terrain Park Attendant, Groomer), and maintenance jobs (Life & Building Millwright). This is the perfect option for those who want a solid après-ski scene since Jasper — where most employees live — is a classic mountain town with a ridiculous number of options for restaurants and bars.
Tip: If you don’t see a position that feels like a good fit, submit a resume through Marmot’s statement of interest link, and they’ll contact you if a job opens up that matches with your skills.
This Quebecoise gem is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, with tons of terrain for every type of skier and rider and a bustling town. According to Bromont’s jobs page, the resort is hiring for full- or part-time seasonal and year-round roles. For the budget-conscious, Bromont’s under-the-radar status means that you likely won’t be spending as much on food and lodging as you would in bigger towns like Lake Louise. Plus, it’s only an hour from the US border, so access couldn’t be easier for potential employees from the Northeast.
Tips for Working in Canada
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a job in the Great White North. First, you’ll likely need a work permit if you’re not a Canadian citizen. You can take a look at the jobs that are exempted from this requirement here, but the vast majority of resort roles will not qualify. You’ll also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) prior to starting work. And, depending on where you want to live in the country, if you plan on working in a resort’s bar, restaurant, or café, you may need to obtain a food/beverage service certification; so do some research on province-specific requirements.
Make sure you’re applying early enough (as soon as March or April for the winter season) and taking care of your work permit, SIN, etc., well in advance of your prospective start time. Most resorts will have information for international applicants that will help provide some guidance during your search. And it’s a good idea to contact human resources at individual resorts to ensure you’ll be eligible for employment.
Clocking in after a morning spent skiing amazing powder in a beautiful country sounds like an appealing prospect to us. Whether you’re there for a season-long job or you want to build a career, working at a ski resort in Canada can be an extremely rewarding experience. Apply at one of these resorts and stick to our tips, and you could find yourself stacking some serious loonies.