Winter Work Canada
Fees & Costs
Program Length
November - April
Age Requirement
Aged 18-35
Registration Deadline
Apply by May 1st
Remuneration
Earn $18-22 AUD per hour
Accommodation
Staff housing
A winter with no surprises
Throughout your application and placement with Winter Work Canada there will be various fees and costs you will need to pay to AIFS and to other third parties. To help make our fees more manageable, we’ve broken them down into instalments that you’ll pay at different stages of your application.
This is the total fee payable to AIFS for a 2025-2026 Winter Work Canada placement. Please view the 'How to Apply' section for more details of when in the application process each instalment is required.
Winter Work Canada
What’s included:
Job offer at a winter resort between November and April (dates vary)
Assistance applying for your visa and other important pre-departure information and orientation
Arrival orientation
3 nights’ hostel accommodation upon arrival
On-the-ground 24/7 emergency assistance throughout your entire stay
Staff housing for the duration of your contract - please speak with your employer about your housing costs (not included in your program fee)
Assistance setting up your mobile phone including optional sim cards
Fun social events to meet other travellers including pub nights, hockey games, winter activities and trips
Conveniently located centres in Vancouver and Toronto to support you during your stay
Third Party Costs:
Flights
You need to book your own flights to Canada. Our partner, Flight Centre, can help you find the best flights and deals, or you can source your own.
Visa & Permit Fees
Australia passport holders will need to pay a visa fee of approximately $205 AUD, as well an open work permit fee of approximately $112 AUD.
Biometrics
In order to enter Canada, you will have to consent to submit biometric data that carries a fee of approximately $95 AUD.
Have Questions?
Take a look at our frequently asked questions below or if you've still not found the answers you need, get in touch. We're always happy to chat to you.
Need help with something?
Frequently Asked Questions
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01Where are Winter Work Canada jobs located?
We work with partners and employers in Eastern and Western Canada, including Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, Victoria, Banff, Jasper and Toronto.
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02What type of Winter Work Canada jobs are there?
There’s a wide range of jobs available at Canadian winter resorts – these include:
Hotels & Resorts
- Housekeeping
- Maintenance
- Food & Beverage
- Guest Services
- Front of House
- Reception
- In Room Dining Server
- Host/Barista
- Laundry Attendant
- Busperson
Restaurants
- Servers
- Chefs/Cooks
- Dishwashers
- Hosts/Cashiers
On the Slopes:
- Lift operators (highly competitive)
- Assistant ski/snowboard instructor (highly competitive)
We also offer positions in retail and customer service.
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03How much will I get paid?
Depending on your position and experience, you can expect an hourly rate of pay of $18-22 CAD.
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04How much time will I have off?
Most Winter Work Canada jobs are full time, and many will require work on weekends and/or evenings, so your days of may be midweek. Any longer time off for extended travel should be scheduled for before or after your work placement.
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05Will accommodation be included with my job?
Staff housing will be included for the duration of your contract. You will be required to pay the costs of your housing.
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06What’s included in Winter Work Canada?
Winter Work Canada offers the following benefits:
- 3 nights’ hostel accommodation upon arrival
- Job offer at a winter resort between November and April (dates vary)
- Arrival orientation
- Assistance applying for your visa and other important predeparture information
- Staff housing for the duration of your contract - please speak with your employer about your housing costs (not included in your program fee)
- On-the-ground 24/7 emergency assistance throughout your entire stay
- Assistance setting up your mobile phone including optional sim cards
- Fun social events to meet other travellers including pub nights, hockey games, winter activities and other trips
- Conveniently located centres in Vancouver and Toronto to support you during your stay
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07Can I do Camp America before or after Winter Work Canada?
What a great idea! Many people are interested in applying for both Winter Work Canada and Camp America – if you are planning to do both, let us know as soon as you apply. The good news is that you will receive a $100 AUD discount on your Winter Work Canada program.
If you want to do your Winter Work Canada placement first, you will need to be placed with an approved J1 Visa for Camp America before arriving in Canada.
If you are thinking about doing Winter Work Canada after Camp America, then just make sure you apply well in advance. You will also need to check that you can access email and make calls to speak with prospective employers while you are at camp.
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08What happens if I don’t like my job?
When you interview for your Winter Work Canada job, it's important that you ask as many questions as you need to make sure it's the right one for you. There is no guarantee of satisfaction or compatibility with any job, but if you do encounter issues, you are welcome to contact one of the support centres in Canada for assistance.
AIFS Australia
Our Mission & Values
Our Values
Committed to care, respect and honesty
Our mission can only be achieved through exceptional support and care for our program participants to ensure their safety and wellbeing. We always provide honest, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of program participants, our partners and employees, safeguarding teamwork and collaboration both within our organisation and with our partners.
Our Mission
Leading cultural exchange opportunities since 1964
The American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS) provides the highest quality educational and cultural exchange programs to enrich the lives of young people throughout the world. Since 1964 we have been the leading provider of such opportunities, helping more than 1.8 million young people increase their global understanding in our diverse world.
Our Support
24/7 emergency support for all participants
Our support starts from the moment you apply. Our experienced Australian team will help you through the application process and work with you and our Canadian partner to help you find the right job at the right resort. Once you start your adventure, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing there’s onshore support there for you if you need it.
