Canada Winter

Live, work & play in Canada’s top ski resorts

Our Winter program offers an authentic and life-changing adventure for youths worldwide. Whether you stay for one season or two years, TWHC has got you covered!

Our 'Powder Team' of well-travelled consultants with years of experience placing travellers in ski resort jobs will guide you through the visa application process, job interview, and all your departure and arrival processes.

We offer Canadian working holiday packages that include hints, tips, and everything you need to know about visa costs, ski resorts, and job availabilities. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Our Winter package Inclusions

Our Employers

Whistler Blackcomb

The largest ski resort in Nth America and is consistently rated in the top 3 resorts in the world. Huge terrain, consistant snowfall and great nightlife!

Season: Late Nov- April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Lift operations, tube park, various food, & beverage, retail, rentals, ski school sales, guest services, tickets

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Aus, NZ

Last Frontier Heliskiing

Situated in Northern British Columbia, 360km North of Terrace, Last Frontier Heliskiing operates the largest single heliski area in the world.

Season: Mid-Dec to Mid-April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 22

Jobs: Admin assistant, transfer co-ordinators, ski tech, servers, front desk staff, café attendant, head chef, sous chef, line chef, kitchen support

Eligible Nations: Global

Interview locations: Online & Vernon

Nakiska Mt Resort

Due to Nakiska’s close proximity of only 45 mins to Calgary they are known as ‘Calgary’s learning mountain’. Built specifically for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games it consists of long runs and meticulous grooming.

Season: November to April

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Staff accom provided

Min age: 20

Jobs: Snowmaking, lift operations, retail, rental, guest services, food & beverage

Eligible Nations: Australia, NZ

Interview locations: Australia

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise is consistently acclaimed the most scenic ski area on the planet and legendary for light, dry, champagne powder, bright blue skies and an astounding 4,200 acres. Glacier Skywalk.

Season: Late Nov - April

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Snowmaking, lift ops, retail, rental, guest services, snowmaking, food & beverage.

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Australia

Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing

We ski over 1.5 million acres of some of the most picturesque and breath- taking mountain terrain in the world, and we want to share it. A day of heli-skiing is only as good as your guide. Ours know no boundaries

Season: Early Nov – late May

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Most jobs come with staff housing

Min age: 19

Jobs: Lift operations, food & bev, support roles, guest services

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Australia

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers an incredible opportunity to gain valuable and credible work experience while enjoying all the exciting benefits that life in Whistler offers.

Season: Winter: Nov-April

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 20

Jobs: Room Attendant, Housekeeping Att Steward, Cook, Bellperson, Server, Banquet Server, Golf Operations, Golf Maintenance, Gardener, Health Club and much more…

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Online

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an iconic Canadian hotel located in the heart of Banff National Park. It is an adventure lover’s dream. In winter, staff spend their days snow-boarding, and skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Season: Winter - Nov to end April Summer - May - Oct

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Room Attendant, Housekeeping Attendant, Steward (Dishwasher), Cook, Bellperson, Server, Banquet Server

Eligible Nations: Canada Work Visa Holders

Interview locations: Online or Aus & NZ

Fairmont Banff Springs

Located in Canada’s first National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs is surrounded by pristine Canadian wilderness and offers unmatched adventure in every season of the year. Norquay, Sunshine Village & Lake Louise Resorts within an hour drive.

Season: Winter - Nov to end April

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Room Attendant, Housekeeping Attendant, Steward (Dishwasher), Cook, Bellperson, Server, Banquet Server

Eligible Nations: Canada Work Visa Holders

Interview locations: Online or Aus & NZ

Fairmont Jasper Lodge

Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a quintessential Canadian experience. The town of Jasper is cited as “Canada’s Cabin Capital” and Jasper Park Lodge leans into this nickname with their luxury cabin-style rooms.

Season: Winter - Nov to end April

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Room Attendant, Housekeeping Attendant, Steward (Dishwasher), Cook, Bellperson, Server, Banquet Server

Eligible Nations: Canada Work Visa Holders

Interview locations: Online or Aus & NZ

Sunpeaks Resort

4,270 acres are spread across three skiable peaks, each with its unique personality. The resort contains a ski-through, European-style village that is filled with restaurants, cafés, shops, and more!

Season: Oct/ Nov - April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Resort and hotelemployees.

Min age: 19

Jobs: With over 700 employees in the Winter across the resort andhotel, there are many opportunities across all our departments.

Eligible Nations: Australia & NZ

Interview locations: Australia

Silverstar Mt Resort

Silverstar Mountain Resort has small-town charm and is a welcoming place for international seasonal workers.

Season: Early Dec to start of April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 21

Jobs: Outdoor roles, F&B, rental, retail, ltd finance, ski school sales, support roles

Eligible Nations: Australia, NZ, Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Norway

Interview locations: Aus, NZ

Cypress Mountain

Only 20 mins from downtown Vancouver - you get the best of both worlds. Work a ski season while having all the luxuries of big city life at your doorstep. this is the place for you.

Season: Dec 5th – Early April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Cooks, dishwasher, floorsupervisors, server, cashier, busser, barista, ski & snowboard tech, rental cashier, repair tech, lift attendant, snow school attendant and more

Eligible Nations: Australia & NZ

Interview locations: Australia

Kicking Horse

Kicking Horse has advanced terrain, Backcountry powder skiing, big open bowls and double blacks

Season: Late Nov-April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Lift operations, tube park, various food & beverage, rentals, retail, finance, ski school sales, guest services, tickets

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Aus, NZ

Grouse Mt Resort

Grouse Mountain offers a challenging and enjoyable work environment with a world of career opportunity. Vancouver’s favourite Mountain 15 mins from the city, unbelievable night skiing.

Season: Late Nov-April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: No

Min age: 19

Jobs: Lift operator, ice rink attendants, sleigh drivers, rental technicians, call centre operators, baristas, guest services and cooks

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Aus, NZ

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village is one of 3 resorts in the locality of Banff. The Banff region attracts thousands of tourists, making it one of the best places to work a season for those who like to be amongst the action.

Season: Early Nov– late May

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Most jobs come with staff housing

Min age: 19

Jobs: Lift operations, food & beverage, support roles, guest services

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Australia

Westin Resort Whistler

The year-round beauty of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is the background for our warm and welcoming resort, found in the stylish pedestrian village of Whistler.

Season: Late Nov-April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Limited to front desk and housekeeping

Eligible Nations: Aus, NZ

Interview locations: Aus, NZ

Marmot Basin

Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Marmot Basin and the Jasper SkyTram are two of the most popular destinations in the Rocky Mountains, attracting 380,000 visitors each year.

Season: October to Early May

Jasper Sky-Tram Season: March – November

Province: Alberta

Accommodation: Yes – Partial (Some available but not guaranteed)

Min age: 19

Jobs: Central Reservations Agent, Guest Services Agent, Guest Services Coordinator, Lift Operator, Rentals Department Attendant, Retail Associate, Sales and Event Representative, Office Admin Coverage, Snowmaking, Terrain Park Attendant, Transportation

Eligible Nations: Anybody who is eligible to obtain a Canadian Working Holiday Visa

Interview locations: Online

Four Seasons, Whistler

Four Seasons operates year round and is the only Forbes Five Star Resort in all of Canada. Nestled near the base of Blackcomb mountain, working at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler is an unforgettable way to spend your working holiday in Canada!

Season: November – April

Province: British Columbia

Accommodation: Yes

Min age: 19

Jobs: Guestroom Attendant, House attendant, Overnight Cleaner, Server Assistant, IRD Server, Banquet Server, Host/ess, Steward, Overnight Steward & more!

Eligible Nations: Anyone eligible for a Canadian Working Holiday Visa

Interview locations: Online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Our Job Opportunities

Canadian Visa Eligibility

Hold Australian/NZ passport

With at least 2 years remaining on application. If your passport has expired, or expires within 2 years, renew it now

Aged 18 -35 years

Inclusive (However must be 19 by the time you would start work for our programs)

No criminal convictions

Including serious traffic convictions. Minor offenses may be admissible

Have Travel Insurance

For the ENTIRE duration of your stay in Canada

Proof of Funds

Provide documentary evidence on arrival in Canada of access to minimum $2,500 CAD

Submit Biometrics

Submit your information at a biometrics office in your country and pay $85 CAD Fee

What country are you in?

We have dedicated support teams for each country. Please select the country you are applying from.

AUS

$1499

Paid in AUD
Apply Now

NZ

$1499

Paid in AUD
Apply Now

UK

£785

 
Apply Now

Our Application Process

Learn more about Canada Winter

Watch

Canada winter explainer videos

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Faq's

About Canada Winter Jobs

9 out of 10 positions at this hotel are back of house, namely housekeeping or cleaning. If you're not willing to consider these roles, don't apply for a hotel position. Without hotel experience, you'll likely be offered a back of house job. If you're not willing to do a housekeeping role, the employer probably won't want you. The competition for front of house roles is very high, so selecting a back of house role increases your chances of being hired. Work hard and you'll be promoted.

  • Hard working
  • Physically fit
  • Able to work unsupervised
  • Able to take direction from both males and females
  • Flexible with working hours as some roles may start early and or late in the day
  • Happy to give any role a crack with a positive attitude
  • Those looking for career moves in the hotel industry
  • Recognise that working back of house gives applicants a better perspective for when they get promoted to front of house roles. They understand how the back of house operations affects the front of house and vice -versa. Way more effective leaders and managers because of their back of house experience.

A combination of both indoor and outdoor roles. Some departments require applicants to have prerequisites like ski/board tech experience or the ability to ski or ride to an intermediate level. Rentals and or Lift operations are usually the most popular roles and the competition for these roles is high. The largest department at ski resorts is usually the Food & Beverage Department - those being bussers, dishwashers, cooks & cashiers.

  • Hard working
  • Physically fit
  • Able to work unsupervised
  • Able to take direction from both males and females
  • Happy to give any role a crack with a positive attitude
  • Not looking for a career experience more of a working holiday
  • Willing to work both indoor and outdoors
  • Able to work in sub 0 temperatures with a positive attitude

The majority of our Winter interviews are usually held every year in between June – August. Applications for winter typically open in Oct/Nov the year prior to allow enough time to obtain visas. The earlier you apply, the great the chance of your desired employer being available.

We fly the HR Managers to your home country to interview you face-to-face, so you will 100% have a full-time job contract in your hand before you even book your flights to Canada! (virtual interviews are also available but we highly recommend attending in person)

  • Our resort & hotel partners provide us with an exact number of positions to fill each season.
  • Our partners will interview you before you leave your home country.
  • Employers will send successful applicants - job contract, start date, rate of pay & the specific position – months before your departure date.

Canadian employment interviews are similar to those you may have had & typically focus on questions about yourself, your skills & your work experience. The interviews are formal, and you should act professionally throughout. Interviews are usually between 15-30mins in length. Applicants will not be advised if they were successful at the time of their interview. Recruiters prefer to interview all applicants before determining the best people for the various roles they have to fill. Keep in mind recruiters know their workplace better than anyone else – so they may suggest other roles at the time of the interview – so its important to be open to opportunities that you initially never thought of.

Job offers are usually emailed directly to successful applicants within 3-4 weeks of your resort/hotel interview. This email contains specific information regarding the specific role/department you have been offered a role, rate of pay and start date. Information regarding travel, arrival i+ various other details will be made available to you shortly after your job offer so you can begin organising your mission to Canada!

We have over a 98% success rate due to our recruitment process. We only take the number of applicants for jobs that we have, and we give you all the tools you need to pass the interview.

In the unlikely event you are not offered a role, we request specific feedback from your interviewer as to why they chose not to offer you a role. We will continue to set you up with another interview with another interview with a Canadian employer. We won’t give up until all options are exhausted. Should you not be offered a role after multiple attempts we will refund your program fee less deposit.

Once your location is approved, you will be able to access your resort-specific application form. Once completed, this form will eventually be sent to the resort/hotel for consideration prior to your interview. The resort-specific application form allows applicants to upload their personal information and explain why they should be hired. This form requires applicants to upload their resume, letters of reference, a smiling photo and other written information about themselves and their experiences.

An interview with a Canadian ski resort or hotel representative will be set up on a one-on-one scenario and usually lasts 15-30mins. This can be either a virtual and or face-to-face interview. This date is usually set up months in advance, allowing applicants to fully prepare themselves by researching the location they plan to spend the next 6-8 months. Applicants will not be advised at the time of their interview if they were successful or not. Recruiters prefer to interview all applicants so they can determine the best applicants for the roles on offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re the first interview or the very last interview, all applicants are considered based on their skills and abilities and not the format or timing of their interview.

Obviously if you are applying for a hotel role, you will not need to know how to ski or ride – this will not be a requirement of your job. For those applicants applying for a resort role – some roles require an intermediate skiing/riding skill level. In some instances, prior to starting your job, some employers may conduct a ‘ski test’ to ensure you have made an accurate assessment of your skill level. If you’re considering a role where skiing and or riding is required – please be honest for your own safety and job security. Any roles requiring skiing/riding ability will be outlined in the job description. For the majority of roles, no previous skiing/riding ability is needed.

Resorts typically depend on snow to determine their length of contract where hotels traditionally have a longer contract as they are not dependant on the weather. Resorts typically offer contracts from Nov - April. All of our positions are full time (30-40 hours) seasonal roles. At the beginning of the season while waiting on the snow to fall…you will not have full time hours as managers like to spread what work they have across the entire department, so we recommend having some back up savings to get through this lean time. Hotels typically combat shoulder season lulls in seasonal traffic by booking conferences so hours in hotels are usually consistent in comparison to resort work. Being asked to help other departments and areas is typical across all employers at the beginning and end of seasonal contracts.

You sure can! Resort locations are filled on a first-in best-dressed basis so the earlier you apply with us, the more locations you will have to choose from. For job roles you will put in your preferred job roles you would like to do at that resort. The recruiter ultimately determines the best fit for you in their team. This will be based on your interview performance, personality, skills & experience. As far as placement – this also depends on the needs of the employer and should they determine that you would be better suited to another role altogether – they will discuss these opportunities with you.

Certain positions are very popular, so you may want to consider listing some different preferences. Remember, flexibility is an attractive trait for all employers! The job you applied for might have many others applying for it as well, so consider the role and your suitability carefully. For example, many people apply for lift operator roles… Those people who have worked outside or in physically demanding roles will have a distinct advantage over those who have never had a physical job. Reading and understanding job descriptions and how they will apply to you is incredibly important when considering jobs for six months or more. Again, read and research the roles you are interested in. All roles have pluses and minuses.

You will put in your preferred job roles on the employer specific application form. The role you are ultimately offered will come down to the recruiter & where they feel you would best fit in their team and the needs of the employer. This will be based on your interview performance, personality, skills & experience. The onus is on you to bring up any and all questions you have regarding the roles the recruiter has suggested at the time of the interview.

The biggest requirement to work for any employer resort or hotel, is you must be able to commit to the entire season. It is not worth an employer’s time employing someone who can only be there half of the time as they cannot hold a space in staff housing for you and they will have to re-train and re-hire twice as many staff members to find someone to replace your spot for the remainder of the season.

None of our employment partners will consider any applicants unless they can commit to the entire season. They can be a little more flexible on the start date, however, the minimum commitment would be 6 months. The later in the season you can start, the more limited the job roles available to you.

For this reason, University Students are only able to apply if you defer the first semester of the following year.

Exceptional & consistent work performance is the biggest factor for applicants having their seasonal contracts extended through the following season. While your employment contract might be extended it is recommended that you clarify and confirm with management that staff housing is also included.

Given you will have months of in-country experience, the ability to track down ongoing employment is not a hard task for individuals. Applicants should request letters of reference from current employers before changing employers as these references can open doors quicker than those applying from overseas locations. TWHC is happy to assist with tips and directions regarding ongoing employment, but the ball is very much in the applicant’s court to track down ongoing employment.

Most ski resorts do all their own recruiting for instructors directly, so we don't have roles to offer for instructors. You can while working at a ski resort sign up to complete an instructors course and information is available at the resort when these are being held throughout the season.

Childcare roles are protected by the Canadian government. Internationals wanting to work in this field have to complete a medical exam for the visa to work with children’s which costs $650 on top of the visa price. Even if applicants pay the exorbitant medical cost on top of the visa, it doesn’t guarantee a role in childcare. You can mention this to your recruiter, but we don’t recommend applying for this role given the very few roles available.

Once you accept your job, you’ll be informed of any special uniform requirements by your employer. In general, it is a good idea to make sure you can bring black shoes, pants and a white shirt for indoor positions as a base for the uniform. For outdoor positions you will be provided with the outer layers – like shell pants, jacket and a fleece. You will need to supply your own gloves, boots and under layers + skiing/riding equipment. Each resort is a little bit different, but they all expect tidy and consistent grooming. You may need to cut off dreads or dye your hair a natural colour if you have a more alternative style. Visible tattoos on hands, fingers face or neck are a no-go for most resorts and certainly high-end hotels.

Piercings may or may not be suitable for their policies depending on how visible they are. At the interview they will let you know if there are any special requirements that you need to know about. If you have concerns about your personal appearance and if it meets the grooming policies of Canadian employers, please ask for clarification prior to signing up to our winter program.

Ski Resorts in general are insanely expensive places to holiday, let alone live in. Most people find that getting a place to live is the most challenging part of relocating to a ski town for the winter. Most of the resorts we recruit for offer shared staff accommodation for a subsidised price. This allows staff to live in ski resort on a budget with other staff members. Some resorts do not have enough housing for the number of roles on offer and others simply don’t offer any staff housing. Please read all the information on our website as to what have staff housing and those that don’t.

Costs involved

  • Canada Powder program $1499 (AUS & NZ) £785 (UK & EU)
  • Must also have minimum $2,500 CAD savings (Or availability on credit card) upon entry to Canada
  • Visa cost is $346 CAD ($261 application fee + $85 biometrics fee)
  • Funds for Flights & Insurance
  • Transport from Vancouver/Calgary to your resort. This cost differs depending on your location, as resorts/hotels can range from 2-14 hours from the closest airport. Its best to allow approx $60 - $200CAD for your transport to your resort which we will assist you to book.

  • The security of knowing that you have every facet of your working holiday experience organized pre-departure.
  • Employment Contract pre-departure
  • Interview preparation to ensure you nail your first opportunity
  • Visa Specialists to guide and guarantee your visa application
  • We answer all your questions, big and small, from your first enquiry to your first day of work.
  • Staff Housing or Housing Assistance
  • Orientation on Arrival to Canada with a TWHC specialist who knows the land, processes and protocols
  • Secondary Job Opportunities After Completion Of The First Season
  • Access To Resort Specific Closed Facebook Group
  • In-country Support Throughout The Entire Length Of Your Stay
  • Discounted rates on flights, insurance and hostel accommodation

If you are not offered a position after your initial resort interview, we will arrange a second resort interview. If after two unsuccessful attempts to place you with one of our ski resort or hotel partners, we will refund you in full less your deposit.

We understand that circumstances can change, and sometimes the unexpected can occur. Per our terms & conditions, there are no refunds for changing your mind and dropping out of the program. However, we can offer to change your departure date as long as you have yet to accept a job offer. Once you get a job offer, we cannot offer refunds or date changes.

The interviews for the Winter season will be held between June – August 2023. Applications opened in Oct 2022, meaning you have until June 2023 to start an application. However, locations are filled on a first-in-first-served basis, so the earlier you apply, the more locations you choose. If you leave it until May or June to use, you may only have a few spots remaining with positions.

Visa Fee –
$346 CAD (including Biometrics Fee)

Flights –
You can choose to book either one way or return

Travel Insurance –
It is a condition of your working visa for Canada that you must have travel insurance for your entire stay in Canada. We get really great discounts that we pass onto applications once they have a job contract and are ready to book.

Savings –
It is also a condition of the working visa that you must have a minimum of $2,500 CAD savings (Or availability on credit card) upon entry to Canada. We suggest aiming to take at least $5,000 savings with you, however this comes down to you and how you want to spend your season. The more you take with you the more you will be able to do during your working holiday

Hostel Stay on Arrival –
As a TWHC member you will receive a 10% discount on your entire stay at the Samesun Hostel Vancouver (TWHC Headquarters) as well as 25% off food & drinks (breakfast is provided free daily). It is up to you how long you want to spend in Vancouver, however most people choose to stay 3-5 days to attend TWHC orientation and set up your mandatory tasks as well as explore Vancouver city before heading to your hotel/resort.

Transport to your Ski Resort/Hotel –
Transport from Vancouver to your Ski Resort is not included as this cost differs for every location which can be anywhere from 2 to 14 hours from Vancouver. (Approx. cost is $60-$200CAD). TWHC will assist in arranging this for you, however the cost is not included.

Once you are keen to get things rolling and we are happy you fit the requirements, an invoice will be sent to you from TWHC to arrange the $499 deposit. The final amount can then be paid off before your resort interview.

We are unable to offer refunds, as the recruitment process starts straight away. However, you can change your departure date and push it back at any time before you accept a job contract.

30 days after making the deposit payment, your $1,100 program fee (Winter) or $600 (Summer) will be due. Don't stress. We have payment plans available if you need a little help ' Ask!

This really comes down to you and how you want to spend your season. You need to have a minimum $2,500 savings in your account as a condition of the visa when you enter Canada. We usually recommend aiming to have at least $4,000 - $5,000 however this is up to you. The more you take with you the more you can do over there.

$2,500 – Minimum savings – the more you have the more you can do
$6,000 - $8,000 generally all up

About the Canada work visa

To be eligible for the Working Holiday category, you must:

  • Be an Australian/NZ citizen.
  • Have a valid Aus/NZ passport for the duration of your stay in Canada' your work permit in Canada must not be longer than the validity of your passport.
  • Be between 18 and 35 (inclusive) at the time of application.
  • Have the equivalent of $2,500 (Canadian) to help cover your expenses
  • Have travel insurance for the duration of your stay. You need to show evidence of this insurance when you enter Canada.
  • Not be accompanied by dependents
  • From December 31st 2018, it is required to submit your Biometrics information at a Biometrics office in your Country and pay the fee of CAD 85
  • Cannot have any criminal records or DUIs. (Minor offences may be accepted, speak to our team about your situation if need be)

12-18 Weeks. This can fluctuate depending on the time of year you're applying. The more time you give yourself for the visa, the better. Once it's approved, you have 12 months to enter the Country. When you enter, Canada is when the visa time will start.

Information for Australian/NZ applicants:

  • Visa offices close every year between October and January
  • Currently, Australians and New Zealanders can only have one two-year working visa.

12-18 Weeks. This can fluctuate depending on the time year you re applying. The more time you give yourself for the visa the better. Once it’s approved you have 12 months to enter the Country. When you enter Canada is when the visa time will start.

  • Visa offices close every year between October and January
  • Currently, Australians and New Zealanders are only permitted to have one two-year working visa.

It can take up to 8 weeks to receive your approval from the date of your biometrics appointment.

Don't worry about the expiry date on the Biometrics Instruction Letter. The goal is to submit it within 30 days but you can still attend a biometrics appointment with an expired letter.

It does mean that your visa will take longer to be approved as it's roughly around 8 weeks from your biometrics appointment to get your approval letter but this can get longer so the sooner you attend the better.

So with any kind of criminal record it's a bit of a grey area. There is no 100% yes or not answer. All the visa office will say is that you need to submit the application and one of their officers will assess the outcome

Sadly if you are over .08 it's unlikely your visa will be approved. The ones who ultimately make the decision are the visa office but from past experience, anyone who has a DUI over .08 within the last 5 years has not been approved.

As you have to upload the traffic history report they will see the DUI. Usually what we get anyone in your situation to do is apply for the visa first. This way if you are approved, we can continue with the rest of the programme and you know you are good to go.

If you are declined then you know you may need to wait another couple of years.

General Questions

1. Consultation Call
First of all we want to get to know you and what type of working holiday experience is going to be best for you! We will then ensure you meet the basic requirements of the Canadian Working Holiday Visa & that you are a good fit for our Canadian ski resort and hotel partners. Basically we want to make sure it's a solid fit for you and for the resorts / hotels. We don't make the final employment decision...the resorts / hotels do...we just make sure we prepare you as best as we can so employers have no other choice but to hire you!! We're not backward in coming forward...so if this program isn't right for you...we'll let you know, so we don't waste your time, the resort/hotel's time, our time and most importantly...your money!!!

2. Deposit Payment
Once you are keen to get things rolling and we are happy you fit the requirements an invoice will be sent to you to from TWHC arrange the of $499 deposit (Aus/ NZ) or £50 for UK/EU. The final amount can then be paid off before your resort interview.

3. TWHC Online App Registration
Once your deposit payment has been received we will then send the registration link to create your log in to our TWHC online App. This online portal is where you are going to complete and receive everything you need throughout your entire application with THWC from the moment you pay, right up until you depart for Canada. This will clearly outline your progress and what steps you need to complete next. The first step includes the Terms & Conditions which are there for you to READ not just tick off...so make sure you read everything prior to jumping in with two feet!!! In these first steps is also where you will select your resort/hotel location and job preferences.

4. Pre-Screen Interview
Within the TWHC online app you will have the opportunity to submit your pre screening interview. This is like a practice run for you and is help online. You will be given some practice interview questions to prepare you for what will come with your resort interview. These are held online to be complete in your own time and are designed to simulate a real interview where you will not know what questions they are going to ask. Our recruitment manager as spent more than 14 years in a Canadian ski resort, she's 'been there and done that...the information she's imparting is super helpful!!!

5. Interview Placement
Your location preference will be approved by our Recruitment Manager in your online application which confirms who you are going to be having your interview with. Applicants will be advised by the recruitment manager if they are a fit or non-fit for specific resorts or hotels to ensure expectations are managed.

6. Resort Specific Application
Once your location is approved, you will get access in your online TWHC application to submit your resort specific application form. This form, once completed, will eventually be sent to the resort/hotel for their consideration prior to face to face interview. The resort specific application form allows the applicant to upload their personal information and make statements on why they should be hired. This form requires applicants to upload their resume, letters of reference and a passport sized smiling photo plus other written information about themselves and their experiences.

7. Full Payment
30 days after making deposit payment your $1,000 program fee (Winter) or $600 (Summer) will be due or in the UK/EU £649. Don't stress we do have payment plans available if you need a little help - Just Ask!

8. Resort/Hotel Interview
A face to face or Zoom interview with a Canadian ski resort or hotel representative will then be set up on a one on one scenario. This date is usually set up months in advance allowing applicants to research and practice their interviewing skills. Once applicants have had their interviews with Canadian resort or hotel reps, applicants will not be advised if they have been successful until all applicants for that particular resort or hotel have been interviewed and considered. This can be at last 3-4 weeks. We are proud of our 98% Success rate with our interviewees.

9. Job Contract
Job offers are usually confirmed within 3-4 weeks of your resort/hotel interview. The moment we have the confirmation you will be emailed and have access to your confirmation of job and start date within your TWHC online application. You will then also receive confirmation from your resort in writing. Then we begin the fun part or assisting you book your flights, insurance and arrival to Canada.

10. Unsuccessful Candidates
For those who failed their interview, secondary interviews will be set up and the recruitment manager will be in touch to advise specifics of the next interview date and time. Secondary interview opportunities are based on resort availability and applicant suitability. No refunds will be considered until ALL avenues of employment are exhausted. At this point, if there are no remaining locations for potential employment, then a program refund will then be issued. Our role is to locate employment in Canada for applicants and we do not stop until we have tracked all opportunities down!!!

You can. However, it's hazardous and no doubt costly. The resorts & hotels have staffing needs of hundreds of employees and can only leave it at the last minute to do their hiring in case they fall short. Subsequently, they use the working holiday club' to handle their candidate flow for international hires (overall hiring numbers for Canadian employees are carefully monitored and tracked by the Canadian gov 'there's not a bottomless pit for internationals to work in Canada).

You might be able to score yourself a job at one of the local grocery stores, bakeries or restaurants, but without guaranteed hours, at $10.00 per hour, if you are only getting 15 hours per week, that's not even going to pay for your rent if you are not living in staff housing.

Here are some factors to consider if you have decided to do it yourself.

You will need to secure your work visa fast as their quotas are reached earlier each year.

  • You will need to secure your work visa fast as their quotas are reached earlier each year.
  • Manage to secure employment with a local grocery or retail outlet on the mountain. Your accommodation will be costly if any is available for you to rent on min wage.
  • You will need to fork out as much as $1800 for a season ski lift pass' local shops very rarely can offer you an annual pass for free.
  • You must budget for at least three weeks in a hostel while your jobs hunt.
  • You must travel to the resorts for your interviews and pay for accommodation and flights. Very costly.

In a nutshell, those that do face accommodation issues, ski lift pass costs, a lack of consistent and reliable work, and expensive interview travel expenses! The working holiday club' offers you the security of having everything pre-arranged so you have peace of mind when arriving in Canada.

You're also guaranteed the following:

  • Instant income
  • Free season lift pass
  • A roof over your head
  • Legal visa
  • Safe arrival into your new home
  • All you need to consider is what drink you will order at the meet-and-greet party on arrival!

Our office is in the central Vancouver hostel, and your arrival orientation will also take place there. During orientations, we will assist you in getting your Canadian SIN (tax file number), bank account and phone number. After exposure, we have to meet in greet drinks in the bar every night!

Ski Resorts, in general, are very expensive places to holiday, let alone live. Most people agree the most challenging part of relocating to a ski town for the winter is finding accommodation. Most of our resort/hotel employers provide shared staff accommodation for their employees at a subsidized rate. It's a huge priority and benefit to have this arranged prior to travelling across the world, making us the top agency to work with us.

Yes… We have a desk within the Samesun Hostel, so we will meet you on arrival. We also host orientations to help you set up your social insurance number (sin), bank account and sim card, and much more, which will assist the transition into your new home country a breeze.
The Working Holiday Club' representative will also host the meet and greet drinks with the other staff heading to the exact location as yourself, so you get to make some new mates before heading up to your resort/hotel.

We have partnered with TWHC for 10 years now. We have worked with a few agencies over the years and now use TWHC exclusively. With honest two-way communication, the team really understands our business & consistently delivers top candidates for us to meet. Extremely organized & efficient, our time is always well spent & this has proven to be the most effective way to recruit great people. The team are true professionals & I recommend them to anyone.

Silverstar has been working with The Working Holiday Club for many years to assist us with hiring. It is a challenge for any company to recruit large numbers of employees season after season; however, with the assistance of the working holiday club, we can fill these positions with a professional, reliable, engaged employee team. The working holiday club are an industry leader in recruiting employees within the ski industry. The team at the working holiday club understand the needs of each resort that they partner with, offering an honest service to both employer and employee. I would have no hesitation in recommending the working holiday club as a friendly, welcoming and trustworthy company to work with.
Flight Centre reference
Resort & travel agent references

This email is to acknowledge that Flight Centre Travel Group and The Working Holiday Club have been working together for over 5 years. During this time, we've found TWHC to be a solid, ethical, and completely above-board organization, and furthermore have a strong business relationship with. We strongly value the partnership between our two organizations and rely heavily on them to provide our customers with an honest and seamless customer experience. Our relationship extends across all retail brands within the Flight Centre Travel Group, including but not limited to Flight Centre, Student Flights, Escape Travel, and my adventure store.

  • We have the best ski resorts.
  • We have the best ski resort jobs.
  • We have the best interview process.
  • We are the preferred working holiday agency for large companies like flight centres, student flights (Australia and new zealand) and Kilroy International (Europe). We are also the most significant areas likewhsiter Blackcomb; failure to deliver what we say we will do is not an option. Having these partnerships for ten years indicates we are the best because we do what we say we will do.
  • For 10 years, significant resorts trusted us with international hiring.

Our office is located in the central Vancouver hostel and your arrival orientation will take place there also. During orientations we will assist you in getting Canadian SIN (tax file number), bank account and phone number. After orientations we have meet in greet drinks in the bar every night!

We do offer full 24 month support during your working holiday in Canada. It is very common that most travellers will stay on at their existing resort/hotel for the next season (or sometimes up to the full 2 years at one resort!). Repeat seasons with an employer are all based on past performance. As long as you have a good relationship with your employer, they will always want to keep on their existing staff. You don’t need to pay again, as you only ever pay for your first program. If you decide you want to change locations if best to reach out towards the end of your first season and we can let you know what online interviews we have coming up at different resorts/hotels.

Canadian Ski Resorts run 2 x 6 months seasons. The Summer Season runs from May – October and the Winter is the other 6 months of the year from the start of Nov until the end of April. The biggest requirement to work for any ski resort is you must be able to commit to the entire season. It is not worth a resort taking someone who can only be there half of the time as they cannot hold a space in staff housing for you and they will have to re-train and re-hire twice as many staff members to find someone to replace your spot for the remainder of the season.

None of the ski resorts we recruit for will interview any applicants from us unless they can commit to the entire season. They are a little more flexible on the start date, however the VERY minimum would be 5 months. However, the later in the season you are able to start, the more limited the job roles available to you become.

For this reason University Students are only able to apply if you defer the first semester of the following year.

Yes, you can. We understand moving to the other side of the world can be a little daunting, and we strive to ensue we give you and your friends/partners the best possible opportunity of working together. That is why, in your application, you can note who you will be travelling with. Ultimately the decision is the interviewers’, and we cannot guarantee you will both receive a job offer. As we mentioned earlier, be flexible with your job options, and we are confident we will be able to place you and your friends together.

Be aware the larger the group of travellers, the greater the chance of someone not being offered a role. This was also applied to couples ‘ one is stronger than the other. There is always ‘one person’ in the group that isn’t as sharp or as focused. The resort or hotel interviewers have no qualms deciding who they offer roles to, and who they don’t. This is a brutal reality… The info here is to help prepare you.

It’s different across the country. British Columbia is 19, Alberta is 18. Should you travel to the United States while working in Canada, you will need to obtain an ESTA Visa to enter, and be aware that their drinking age is 21. There can be severe consequences should you be caught underage drinking!

Yes, you must be 19 by the time you start work.

It's best to wait until you have your job offer and start date before you book any flights or insurance. All these details will come with your after you have your interview with the resorts in February. Your start date will all depend on the job role you are offered.

You can enter Canada on a one way ticket as long as you have the equivalent funds of a return ticket in your account.

I would suggest showing you have at least $3,000CAD on entry instead of $2,500CAD.

From here you need to book the next earliest appointment you are able to and let me know the date you book.

Please also keep an eye on the messages section of your GCKey account and let me know if you get any updates or requests.

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