FAQs & Resources

This program offers year round departures.  You should apply to the program at least 10 weeks prior to your anticipated start date in Canada.  Also bear in mind that you need to apply for the Canadian Work Permit/Visa before you depart Australia.  Many participants choose to work in Canada for the Winter Season, but if this isnt for you, dont worry, as this program runs year round. 

These are held on Friday mornings.  Most participants will stay at the hostel the night before their orientation session. 

The Vancouver Orientations are pre-set for: March 9th & 23rd, April 13th, 20th & 27th, May 11th & 25th, June 8th & 22nd, July 6th & 20th, August 10th & 24th, September 7th & 21st, October 5th & 19th, November 2nd, 16th & 30th, December 14th. 

The Toronto Orientations are pre-set for: April 13th, May 11th, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd.  

On this program you can find employment through our Program Partners Hot Jobs listings (which you get full access to upon arrival into Canada), through your own research or with advice from our Program Partners advisors in Canada. 

You can start looking for work now! The more research you do on the Canadian job market and the more prepared you are the better.  The internet will be your best friend when it comes to you job search.  CCUSA will give you plenty of advise and assistance once you have applied to the program. 

CCUSA’s preferred travel agent, STA Travel, has negotiated special Working Holiday airfares for people on our programs that are not available to the general public. This will save you lots of money. Contact your local CCUSA Office for details.

No, you don't need to have your visa to make an application with CCUSA. Please register as soon as possible with CCUSA and we will then send you information telling you how to apply for your Working Holiday or Work Permit Visa.  If however for some reason you are concerned that you may not be eligible for the Work Permit Visa, we suggest you check out the criteria and what's involved in obtaining this directly with the Canadian Consulate before you apply to the program.  

Complete the online application form.  Download and carefully review the Program Agreement.  Pay your Program Fee online or via our office.  Send in your signed Program Agreement and one smiling headshot profile photo.  We will then contact you to arrange your interview.

Because CCUSA will provide you with plenty of support and information from the time you apply to the program right up until you go.  When in Canada you will have the support of a internationally regonised company on the ground in Canada to assist you with your job hunt and to help get you off on the right foot.

We are looking for people who are outgoing, hard working, able to work the full season and who really have a desire to experience what Canada has to offer. Some jobs require a certain skill set but many do not. Customer service experience is always a plus.

Of course, you can apply to go with a friend or partner! We recommend that you be flexible with the location, job and employer type when looking for work.  Also be aware that the larger the group, the tougher it may be to work at the same Resort. 

For most positions you will not need previous experience. We have many participants who have never seen snow! There is no better way to become experienced, than to spend a season working at a ski resort. Working as an instructor or a lift operator for example would be the exception.

Shop around – Canada can be cheaper if you are going to work in a Ski Resort as some employers give employee discounts BUT in your home country they also do end of the season deals – so just shop around.

During the winter season, in one word – cold! The temperature can get down to minus 30 degrees Celsius. As long as you wear lots of layers you won’t be too cold! The longer you are there, the more you get used to it. Canadian summers are typically rather mild. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees Celsius but on average, it is generally about 25 degrees Celsius in most of our resort locations.

You should have sufficient funds to pay for an accommodation deposit, rent, food and entertainment until you receive your first pay cheque. With this in mind the Canadian government stipulates that in order to be eligible for your Working Holiday visa you must have certain funds available to you. For Australian/New Zealand passport holders you must have access to a minimum of $4000 AUD/NZ and be able to prove this with a bank statement when you first enter Canada.  Obviously you don't want to be worrying about money when you arrive so please make sure you have access at least the minimum required funds.  If you are planning on working a Winter Season you must make sure you have enough funds to tide you over if the snowfall is late and there is a slow start to the season.  Working at a ski resort you are at the mercy of the weather as the snow conditions will very much determine how much work is available!  Be prepared for fluctuating hours.   

Staff housing is a very popular option for travelers on a budget that are looking for a fun, easy and relatively cheap housing option. Staff accommodation is normally located in close proximity to work and is usually in shared dorms, flats or apartments. You can expect to be sharing kitchen facilities/lounge room and possibly a bedroom with other employees. You need to be aware that this is a very social option and you may not have much time to yourself. If you are worried about this you might want to consider looking for other forms of housing.

Many Resorts will have employee housing, however this is not guaranteed.  As soon as you have secured a position with an Employer, you will need to sign up for their staff housing (if available) as it often runs on a first-in, first-served basis.  Your employer will provide you information regarding this once you have secured your job.

Depending on the job. If working inside generally, you will need to bring black pants and work shoes. The rest of the uniform will be provided. Some resorts will ask for a deposit to ensure the uniform is returned in good condition. If you are in a job that requires you to work outside you will be provided with the appropriate uniform.

Yes, you will definitely get free time. It is important to remember that you are there to work and you will work hard. However, there will be lots of time to play hard too!  Resort work will often require you to work on the weekends (as this is their peak time) and on Public Holidays (ie Christmas Day and New Years).  If working in a Winter Resort be prepared to do hours and shifts as per the business flow.  You will have very busy periods and then quiet periods, often pending on the snow conditions.  

Absolutely! Depending upon the resort, you could be enjoying the pool, tennis courts, resort spa, golf course and more!

The majority of jobs offered by Winter Resorts/Employers will include a free or discounted ski pass!

Hair must be neat. For females, hair must be tied back when it is a safety issue. For males, hair must be above the collar and cut to mid-ear length at the sides. Jewelry should be worn in moderation. Women may wear one earring of the same size in each ear. Men may wear one small stud or ring. Other facial jewelry or exposed body piercing must be removed while at work, such as tongue rings or studs. Personal hygiene is important and aftershave and perfume should be kept to a minimum.

No. Some staff may chip in and buy a car together, but in most instances you will not need one. . If you do end up buying a car, please make sure to get insurance for the car too. Your travel insurance will not cover driving a car.