Work in Canada, Winter - FAQs
Program Fees
- from $645 AUD
- from $750 NZD
Information
Winter Kickstarts
FAQs
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone able to work legally in Canada
VISAS
Do I need a visa?Yes, you need a Working Holiday Visa. You must be aged between 18 and 30 inclusive to apply for a visa and be an Australian or New Zealand passport holder with a min 36 month validity.
Visa Changes from 2 Jan 2008:
- work permits will be issued for 24 months
- there will be no limit to the number of places available
- participants can participate more than once, as long as they continue to meet the age criteria and all other admissibility and eligibility requirements.
Upon Arrival:
- The expiry date of the Letter of Introduction will be clearly indicated and it must be presented at a Port of Entry on or before its expiry. This date cannot be altered, extended or changed under any circumstances. You cannot transfer your Letter of Introduction to any other person or name.
- Present your Letter of Introduction and passport to the Port of Entry Officer.
- Present evidence of AU$4000 (or the foreign currency equivalent) in available funds. This may be in the form of travellers' cheques, cash, or a bank or credit card statement in your name showing a balance of at least $4000. You must carry this evidence with you or you may forfeit your chance to be issued a 24 month stay in Canada.
- If the Port of Entry Officer is satisfied that your entry is not contrary to the Immigration and Refuge Protection Act and Regulations, a work permit will be issued.
- Check your Work Permit carefully. Make sure you understand all the information on it. Check the date of expiry on the Work Permit - if you think there is a mistake, immediately ask the officer who issued it to you. It is your responsibility to check your Work Permit thoroughly at the time it is printed.
BEFORE YOU GO
When are interviews with the Canadian resorts held?
The recruiters come to Australia to conduct interviews in May - August 2008 depending upon the resort. You will need to be in Australia for these interviews. If you happen to be in the UK we will be able to arrange a phone interview with Lake Louise or Big White. Ask us for more information.
What resorts do you work with?
- Lake Louise
- Whistler
- Big White
- Silver Star
- Banff
- Nakiska
- Crystal Holidays (Chalet hosts, Resort rep and Hotel host in different locations)
I am a student, can I apply?
If you are a graduating student, then absolutely. Also, should you just have finished school and are interested in having a GAP year, then this is for you! Students returning to university are not able to make the minimum 6 month commitment and therefore, are generally not employed.
Where do I apply for a visa?
You can apply and get all the details from www.whpcanada.org.au. You must be aged between 18 and 30 inclusive to apply for a visa and be an Australian passport holder. The visas are released each year in January and when they run out they're gone until the following January so planning is important. We cannot accept your application unless you are intending to apply immediately or have received your working holiday visa or if you have a Canadian passport.
Can I specify a particular position that I want to apply for?
Yes you can certainly tell the interviewer that you want to apply for a particular position. However, bear in mind that some positions are very popular and you may be limiting your chances of being offered a job. We recommend that you list a preference, however, flexibility is an attractive trait for employers!
Can I get interview advice and assistance?
Yes, we have a dedicated Program Co-ordinator who will conduct a brief pre-screening interview with you and provide you with advice on the interview process and how best to prepare for your interview with the resort. The co-ordinator is dedicated to you right up until you interview and after!
What kind of people are we looking for?
We are looking for people who are outgoing, hard working, able to work the full season and who really want to be in Canada. Some jobs require a certain skill set but most do not. Customer service experience is a plus.
Can I go with a friend or partner?
Yes of course you can go with a friend or partner. We have a lot of success with friends/partners getting jobs at the same resort. Please do be prepared, though, that you may not both receive a job offer as it is subject to the interview process and can.t guarantee you will both be accepted. However, our success rate with friends and couples is outstanding, so you should not have too many worries!
What happens if I am not offered a job?
Should you not be offered a position by one of our resorts, you will receive a full refund of the program fee.
What if I am offered a position I don.t want?
Unfortunately, if you are offered a position and do not wish to accept it, then you will forfeit your program fee.
Do I need to have experience at skiing / boarding if I.m working in a ski resort?
For most positions you will not. 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 though, if that's what you are looking for. Working as an instructor or a liftie would be the exception.
ON THE JOB
What positions are available?
There is a wide variety of positions for those who love the snow and those who just want to be there. The more flexible you are with your choice the more likelihood of getting offered a job.
Jobs include:
- Lift Operator
- Rental Technician
- Greeter Rental Host
- RR Sales Associate
- RR Cashier
- Group Sales Ticketing Hosts
- Reservation Host
- Guest Relations Host
- Host
- Retail Technicians
- Rental Cashiers
- Retail Sales Associates
- Repair/Tuning Technicians
- Retail Merchandiser
- Retail Boot fitters
- Ticket Seller
- Rental and Retail Shop Clerk
- Storeman Attendant
- Lift Operator
- General Snowmaker
- OGS Parking
- Admin Assistant
- Indoor Attendant
- Outdoor Attendant
- Snow school - Admin
- Night Security Officer
- Food and Beverage Lodge Supervisor
- Line Cook
- Houseperson
- Server
- Dishwasher
How long are you expected to work?
The ski season runs from early November to mid May but obviously depends upon the amount of snowfall. You are expected to work the entire season and there are rewards for this. If you are not available to work the entire season then unfortunately you will not be considered for this program.
What is the average wage?
Wages vary according to job type and resort. In general, pay rates average between $5.50CAD per hour to $14.00CAD an hour.
How many hours a week will I work?
This will depend upon the time of season, as some periods are very busy and you will work more, whilst the start and end of the season is quieter and the hours may be reduced. Generally you will work 32-40 hours per week during high season.
What uniform is required?
As a general rule, 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.
What is the policy of the resorts towards piercings, dyed hair, dreadlocks, etc?
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. Jewellery 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 piercings 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.
What temperatures can I expect during the season?
Winter Season: In a word - cold. The temperature can get down to minus 30. As long as you wear lots of layers you won.t be too cold and the longer you are there the more you get used to it. Summers are mild. The temperature can get to 30 degrees, although mainly it is about 25 degrees.
Will I need to buy a car?
No. Some staff will chip in and buy a car together, but in most instances you will not need one.
What about accommodation?
Some resorts provide staff accommodation whereas others will provide you with assistance in finding somewhere to live. Each resorts provides different options. Your first nights accommodation is free as part of the program so that is a great start! We also have a great Flexi-pass which can be purchased in advance and entitles you to 5 or 10 overnights at various locations throughout Canada.
If I live in staff housing, what is provided and what will I need to bring?
What is provided?
- Single bed with mattress cover
- Pillow
- Chair
- Dresser
You will need to bring:
- Bedding
- Alarm Clock
- Bath Towel
- Toothpaste, razor - the usual toiletries
Will I get free-time?
Yes, you will definitely get free-time. You will have a normal 32-40 hour working week, which leaves plenty of time to hit the piste to perfect your skiing or snowboarding!
Will I get a free ski pass?
Almost all of the jobs offered by the resorts include a free or discounted ski pass!
Will I have an opportunity to visit resorts other than the one I am working at?
Yes you will. The resorts often organize trips for staff to ski / board at partner resorts.
Should I buy ski or boarding equipment in Australia or Canada?
Definitely in Canada. There is a far greater range and it is often cheaper. You may also be able to get staff discounts off equipment if purchased at your resort.
GETTING STARTED
When should I apply for the program if I am traveling in 2008?
Now! Space on the program is already filling fast so the earlier the better. Visas for Canada are limited and so is interview space and we wouldn't want you to miss out.
What is the orientation night and the orientation handbook?
The orientation night is a great opportunity to get those last minute questions about Canada answered, hear more details about what happens upon arrival, and meet others who are off to Canada as well. Your handbook will give you all the information you need to know about taxes, Social Insurance Numbers, bank account, directions to your resorts and other very useful information. It is a very informative and social evening that is always lots of fun.
Will I need to take out travel insurance?
It is compulsory for all foreign applicants to purchase travel insurance covering them for the duration of their employment with the ski resorts, regardless of whether or not you think you may be eligible for Company Benefits. OWH has very affordable and comprehensive travel insurance available.
Should I book my flights with Overseas Working Holidays?
Absolutely! We have negotiated special working holiday airfares for people on our programs that are not available to the general public. This will save you heaps of money. We are also part of Flight Centre Limited, so we have access to all of their airfares as well.
How about tours and accommodation?
Absolutely again! We have great deals on tour packages and accommodation options - just let us know what we can do for you.
How do I get started?
Complete an application form and send it along with your $200 registration fee to Overseas Working Holidays, or contact us for more detailed information.
