Work a season at a ski resort in Canada or the US and not only will you spend a five months waist-deep in pow-pow, riding the kind of terrain the Snowy Mountains has wet dreams about, but you’ll also immerse yourself in Canadian or US life. Here’s how.
How? Go through an Australian-based work placement program like IEP, which will help smooth visa and job application processes. You don’t need to a job lined up before you leave, but it’ll help your chances of securing a visa.
Costs? You’ll have to play for flights, which will set you back a good $1500. Then there’s insurance – you’re going skiing, remember – and, you’ll want to invest in your own ski gear.
Visas? A “Work USA” visa will get students or recent graduates into the US for 12 months for $1285, including insurance. Those without a Che Guevara T-shirt can go to Canada, where a “Work & Ski Canada” visa ($545) is good for anyone between 18 and 30.
What jobs can I do? You can work on the snow as a lift operator, snow maker, or, if you’re good enough, an instructor. But if you’re slope-shy, try your hand at cheffing, bartending, or retail.
Where? Whistler in Canada is eternally popular, not just for its guaranteed snow, but for Canada’s relaxed visa laws. In the US, California’s Mammoth Mountain is great, or any of the big Colorado resorts (Aspen, Steamboat, Vail) will stand you in good stead.
Worth it? The pay’s not great. You can expect about $8 an hour as a bartender, or up to $15 for qualified chefs. But the cost of living is quite reasonable in North America, and some resorts can provide cheap accommodation. And of course, you’ll either get a free or heavily discounted season pass for the resort.
Any tips? Try to get a job where you’ll be working at night, or at least something that leaves part of your days free, like bartending or waiting. That way you’ll have plenty of time to do what you came out there for: ski or snowboard.
Want more? iep.org.au
Have you worked in North America? What was your experience like? Were the servings of food even bigger than you imagined? Tell us below!