Fees & Costs

Winter Work Canada is designed for applicants aged 18–35 who are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa and want a seasonal job in a hotel, resort, restaurant, or tourism business in one of Canada’s leading winter tourism regions.

Typical roles include: 

Guest services, retail, food & beverage, kitchen, mountain operations, snow operations, golf operations, pool operations, instruction, cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, and more.

Your job offer will depend on your experience and attitude. F&B roles are highly competitive due to tips, making them harder to secure than in many other countries.

We partner with a wide range of employers, including winter resorts, hotels, golf clubs, restaurants, tourism activity providers, and retailers.

· Hotels are typically located in towns or resort communities and are surrounded by other businesses.

· Resorts focus heavily on seasonal sports—such as skiing and snowboarding and often run their own amenities. They tend to be more remote and offer a wider variety of job roles.

We seek individuals who are: Positive, friendly, hardworking, flexible, good communicators, and able to commit to an entire season.

November/December to April/May (varies by employer)

Apply for positions where you have the required experience (usually 1–3 years). If you have limited experience, consider roles that do not typically require it—such as housekeeping.

Typical roles include: Guest services, retail, food & beverage, kitchen, mountain operations, snow operations, golf operations, pool operations, instruction, cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, and more.

Your job offer will depend on your experience and attitude. F&B roles are highly competitive due to tips, making them harder to secure than in many other countries.

You will earn at least minimum wage, which varies by province. See: https://www.retailcouncil.org/quickfacts/minimum-wage-by-province

You will be a seasonal full-time employee, but hours are not guaranteed. 

Typical hours range from 20–40 per week, averaging 32–35 over a season. 

You will receive a roster 1–2 weeks ahead, and must be available during weekends, public holidays, and busy periods.

We assist in securing staff accommodation or private housing near your workplace. Rooms are often shared to reduce costs.

· Shared room: $650–$850 per person/month

· Private room: $850–$1200 Costs may be deducted from wages or requested in advance. A damage deposit (up to one month’s rent) may be required and is refundable if the room is left in good condition.

Yes. We often successfully place friends or partners at the same resort or within the same resort town.

This varies by employer:

· Remote resorts typically offer more staff access, including ski or mountain passes.

· Hotels in resort towns generally offer fewer facilities.

Yes, you will receive days off to explore the area and enjoy local activities. However, your availability is required during busy periods, meaning some weeks you may work more, and others you may have additional free time.

You are expected to be available for the entire season. 

Any personal travel should be arranged before or after peak season. 

If family or friends visit, expect to be working.

Winter temperatures in most resort locations average around –5°C, but can reach –30°C.

Once you receive a job offer, you’ll receive detailed instructions on transportation options and costs.

Yes. All international applicants must have full travel insurance covering their entire employment period. Your visa will only be issued for the length of your insurance coverage, and you cannot extend your visa later by adding more insurance.

If you decline a placement offer, no refund is provided.

You will receive a refund, in accordance with the program’s refund policy.

Replacements are not offered for Winter Work Canada. We ask that you give the employer at least two weeks’ notice if you intend to leave.

Being dismissed means you have breached your employment agreement, and your participation on Winter Work Canada will be terminated.

· Hair must be neat.

· Women: tie hair back when required for safety.

· Men: hair should be above the collar and mid-ear length on the sides.

· Jewellery in moderation:

o Women: one earring per ear

o Men: one small stud or ring

· No facial piercings while working.

· Maintain good personal hygiene; limit perfume/aftershave.

All prices in CAD and subject to change.

· Bus pass to resort: $100–$200

· Staff accommodation deposit: Up to one month’s rent

· Accommodation: $650–$850 (shared) / $850–$1200 (private)

· Uniform: Up to $300

· Groceries: From $100 per week

· Club entry: $15

· Beer at pub/club: $10–$12

· Big Mac: $4.49

· Starbucks Tall Latte: $5.49

· Ski/snowboard equipment:

o Skis/Snowboard: $750

o Boots: $750

o Jacket & pants: $450

o Gloves: $150

o Goggles: $200

o Helmet: $200

o Thermals: $100

· Restaurant tipping: Add 15%

· Season ski pass: $800–$1800 (usually included for resort employees)

As early as possible. We normally closed applications mid year although please note that large winter resorts begin recruiting 30+ weeks before the winter season.