Winter Work Canada
What to Expect
Program Length
November - April
Age Requirement
Aged 18-35
Registration Deadline
Apply by May 1st
Remuneration
Earn $18-22 CAD per hour
Accommodation
Staff housing
What is Winter Work Canada?
An unforgettable winter
Winter Work Canada is the ultimate adventure of work, travel and fun. You’ll gain international work experience while exploring some of the best snow and winter landscapes on the planet, meeting fellow travellers from Canada, Australia, and beyond along the way.
With world-class resorts and snow that’s second to none, it’s no surprise many Australians return to Canada year after year. Winter Work Canada is designed to lets you live, work, and play in Canada’s most iconic winter destinations.
The Experience
Work, Earn and Belong
We’ll help secure your job and accommodation before you even leave Australia, giving you peace of mind and a smooth start to your adventure. You can expect to earn around $18–$22 CAD per hour in roles across hotels, restaurants, resorts, and even on the mountain.
You’ll work alongside Canadians and fellow travellers in buzzing resort towns like Whistler and Banff. Surrounded by a vibrant community of people just as adventurous as you, friendships will last well beyond the winter. From sunrise to après-ski, resort life is buzzing with activity. Your days off could mean skiing, snowboarding, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
New Horizons
Why Choose Canada?
Canada is a traveller’s paradise, filled with stunning scenery, friendly locals, and endless activities. From skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling, hockey games, and even brushing up on your French, every day brings something new. Your days off are a chance to explore, whether you’re trying poutine for the first time or chasing bucket-list adventures in the Rockies.
Since you're already in North America, why not make it the ultimate year of work and play by combining this with a summer at Camp America? Whatever you decide and wherever you end up, you're certain to enjoy a winter experience that can't be found anywhere else in the world. What are you waiting for?
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
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.