How to Work a Ski Season in Australia – The Ultimate Guide

When you think of Australia, snow might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But each winter, from June to September, the country’s alpine regions transform into buzzing ski towns packed with energy, jobs, and fresh adventure. With gum trees dusted in white, kangaroos in the foothills, and slopes just a few hours from major cities, working an Aussie ski season is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Getting a job at a ski resort here isn’t just about strapping on skis — it’s about being part of a uniquely Australian winter. Resorts rely heavily on seasonal staff to keep lifts running, lodges humming, and guests flowing through rental shops and cafés. The pace is fast, the season short, and the social scene legendary. Unlike Canada’s sprawling mountains, Australia’s resorts are compact and lively, meaning your workplace, accommodation, and après spot are often all within walking distance.

What makes the Aussie Alps so appealing is the balance: you can spend mornings on the mountain, finish a shift, and still make it to the pub for live music or trivia night with your crew. And because the resorts are so close to Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, weekends bring an influx of visitors, which means work is busy, tips can be good, and the atmosphere electric.

Of course, this lifestyle comes with its challenges: accommodation fills quickly, the weather can be unpredictable, and employers expect you to work hard through the busiest weeks of the season. But with the right visa, solid preparation, and a flexible attitude, you can lock in a role that opens the door to a winter like no other — one where the gum trees and granite peaks of the Aussie Alps are your backyard.

The Best Visa Options for Working in a Ski Resort in Australia

If you’re Australian, you’re already set. For international travellers, the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) is your golden ticket. These visas are available to young people aged 18–30 (or up to 35 for some countries), letting you work and travel in Australia for up to a year. Many seasonal workers use the ski season as a launchpad before exploring the rest of the country.

This visa suits you if you:

• Plan to work casual or short-term seasonal roles
• Want to explore different parts of Australia after your season
• Are happy to work in hospitality, retail, or service roles

Resorts do not sponsor visas, so having this sorted before applying is essential. Apply early and check out our Australia's Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide article for a comprehensive overview of the visa process and application. 

How to Get a Job at an Australian Ski Resort

Scoring a job in the Australian Alps is one of the best ways to make your working holiday unforgettable, and at Global Work & Travel, we’ve streamlined the process to make it simple. With years of experience helping travellers work, live, and explore in Australia, we know exactly what it takes to turn your winter plans into reality. Whether you’re chasing the buzz of a packed alpine village, the thrill of riding Australia’s longest runs, or the camaraderie of a tight-knit seasonal crew, we’ve got the insider knowledge, guidance, and connections to get you there.

SuperLite: Your Job Finder Built for Adventure

Finding the right job for your Australian ski season doesn’t need to be stressful. That’s why we built SuperLite, an all-in-one platform made just for working holiday travellers. It’s not another generic job board. SuperLite is designed to connect you with roles that actually match the lifestyle you want, whether that’s pulling beers in a busy alpine pub, running chairlifts on the mountain, or joining a smaller resort with a community vibe.

But jobs are just the start. SuperLite gives you everything you need to plan your trip with confidence and meet your crew before you even pack your bags:

✔️ AI-powered job board built for travellers✔️ Exclusive social network to meet friends before you go✔️ Step-by-step visa guidance so you don’t miss a thing✔️ Resumé builder that highlights your best skills✔️ Expert travel & job guides from seasoned working holiday coaches✔️ Member-only travel deals to save cash on the move✔️ Video courses to boost your skills (from barista basics to new languages

Working Holiday in Australia Packages 

If you’re serious about working a winter in the Australian Alps, our Working Holiday in Australia packages are designed to take the stress out of the process. Think of it as arriving on the mountain with a job already locked in, a bed waiting for you, and a crew of travellers to share the season with.

We take care of the essentials before you even step into your snow boots, so you can focus on what matters most: carving turns, making friends, and soaking up the alpine lifestyle.

What’s Included

• Guaranteed ski resort job match pre-arrival so there’s no stressful job hunt in a new country
• Staff accommodation support so you’ve got a roof over your head from day one
• Step-by-step visa help to make the paperwork simple
• A dedicated Trip Coordinator to guide you before and during your stay
• Access to our exclusive social app so you can meet other Global Travellers heading to the same mountains
• Perks like discounted lift passes, staff meals, and local activities depending on your role

Whether you’re serving coffee at a slope-side café, helping guests in rentals, or working as a lift attendant, the goal is the same: making your season smooth, fun, and unforgettable.

Why Book a Package?

Because the Australian winter is short and intense, the best jobs fill quickly. Going it alone means risking weeks of job hunting while the season slips by. With our package, you’ll step off the plane ready to work, earn, and ride from the very first week.

It’s not just about finding a job. It’s about arriving prepared, confident, and connected to a community of people chasing the same snow-fuelled adventure.

You've Only Got One Shot – Let’s Make it Count

Working at an Australian ski resort is more than just a way to earn money. It is a chance to dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience where your workplace and your playground are the same mountain. Resorts receive a flood of applications each year, so landing the job you want comes down to making a strong first impression. Employers want people who bring energy, reliability, and a willingness to throw themselves into the season.

To get noticed, keep these tips in mind:

• Apply early: Resorts often open applications in late summer, and the best roles are gone quickly.
• Polish your resumé: Highlight customer service, teamwork, or outdoor experience to show you can handle the pace.
• Stay open-minded: Flexibility with roles and locations will give you a much better chance of getting hired.
• Commit for the season: Resorts favour applicants who can stay until closing week.

Arrive prepared, show enthusiasm, and you will not only land the role but set yourself up for an incredible winter on the slopes.

Top Tips and Tricks to Land the Job

Securing a job in the Australian Alps takes more than luck. Resorts look for people who can thrive in fast-paced, social environments and who bring the right mix of skills and attitude. Over the years, we’ve seen what really sets successful applicants apart — and it usually comes down to preparation and mindset.

What Employers Value Most

• Customer service counts: Any experience in hospitality, retail, or tourism shows you know how to work with people under pressure. Even a café job back home proves you can stay positive when it gets busy.
• Bring team spirit: Ski resorts operate like small villages. Those who are adaptable, reliable, and genuinely friendly quickly become invaluable to their crew.
• Stay prepared with SuperLite: From keeping visa paperwork on track to helping you build a standout resumé, our platform takes the guesswork out of getting ready.
• Build your network early: Use the SuperLite social community to connect with other travellers before you arrive. That way, you already have a support system, and new friends, waiting in the mountains.
• Sharpen your skills: Take advantage of online training or language basics before you go. Even small boosts in confidence, like learning barista skills or brushing up on customer service, can make you stand out.

Types of Jobs at Australian Ski Resorts

There’s more to working a ski season than lift passes and hot chocolates. Resorts are like mini towns, and they need staff in almost every area to keep things running smoothly. Whether you want to spend your days outdoors on the mountain or prefer the comfort of an indoor role, there’s a job to suit almost every personality and skillset.

Lift Operations: Often called the “lifeblood” of the mountain, lift operators keep skiers and boarders moving. It’s hands-on and outdoors, which means long days in the elements, but also unbeatable mountain views and plenty of fresh air. Many resorts throw in a free lift pass, making it a popular choice for those who want maximum riding time on their days off.

Ski & Snowboard Instructors: For confident riders, teaching is one of the most rewarding roles. You’ll help beginners link their first turns or guide intermediates to the next level, all while spending plenty of time on the snow yourself. Most resorts require certifications, but many run training programs for enthusiastic candidates who want to earn while they learn.

Food & Beverage: From early-morning coffees to après-ski cocktails, hospitality roles are at the heart of resort life. Bars, cafés, and restaurants are busy from open to close, offering a fun and social environment. Tips can boost your income, and you’ll quickly become part of a close-knit crew who keep the good vibes flowing off the mountain.

Guest Services & Ticketing: The hub of resort operations, guest services staff handle everything from lift passes to answering visitor questions. It’s a great option for organised, outgoing people who enjoy problem-solving and providing excellent service. Plus, most of the work is indoors, with reliable hours.

Events & Entertainment: Resorts are more than just skiing and boarding — they’re also hubs of social activity. Seasonal staff are often needed to help organise races, festivals, live music, trivia nights, and themed parties. If you’ve got energy, creativity, or event experience, this is one of the most dynamic roles on the mountain.

Administration & Support: Behind every smooth-running resort is a team handling the paperwork. Admin and support roles cover HR, finance, payroll, and general office work. These jobs may be less visible, but they’re ideal for people who like structure, consistency, and a professional environment while still enjoying a season in the snow.

Best Places to Live and Work – Ski Resort Edition

Australia’s ski resorts might not have the towering peaks of Europe or North America, but what they lack in size they make up for in character. Picture snow-dusted gum trees, live music drifting out of mountain pubs, and a mix of locals and internationals filling villages that come alive for just a few short months each winter. The resort you choose will shape your season, from the energy of big, bustling mountains to the charm of smaller slopes where everyone quickly becomes part of the same crew.

Perisher, New South Wales

The biggest resort in the Southern Hemisphere, Perisher is a magnet for seasonal workers. Its size means plenty of jobs, a huge staff community, and a lively social scene. With terrain spread across four interconnected areas, there’s always somewhere new to explore, making it a favourite for those who want variety both on and off the clock.

Thredbo, New South Wales

Thredbo has a European-style village, Australia’s longest runs, and an après-ski culture that’s legendary. It’s especially popular with internationals thanks to its buzzing nightlife and vibrant staff community. If you want a season that balances big days on the slopes with big nights out, Thredbo is the place to be.

Falls Creek, Victoria

Falls Creek is picture-perfect, with a true ski-in, ski-out village that feels like living inside a snow globe. The atmosphere is welcoming and community-driven, and many staff say it feels like a second home by the end of the season. Great terrain parks, plenty of hospitality jobs, and a relaxed après scene make it ideal for travellers who want work-life balance.

Mt Hotham, Victoria

Known as the “powder capital” of Australia, Hotham is all about steeper runs and serious riding. The resort is smaller and more remote than Perisher or Thredbo, which means fewer crowds and a close-knit staff culture. It’s the perfect spot for adventurous skiers and snowboarders who want quality terrain and a strong sense of community.

Mt Buller, Victoria

Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Buller is buzzing every weekend with visitors from the city. This makes it one of the busiest resorts for hospitality work, with a vibrant après scene to match. Staff here enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle and the convenience of easy city access when the season wraps up.

Final Thoughts

Working a ski season in Australia is about more than earning a wage. It is a fast-paced, social experience where you live and work in the mountains for a few months that feel like a lifetime. From early mornings on the lifts to busy shifts in cafés or ticket offices, the season will test your reliability and adaptability while giving you plenty of time to enjoy the slopes and make new connections.

The season is short, but that intensity is part of the appeal. You will build friendships quickly, develop practical skills, and get a taste of the unique alpine lifestyle that only exists for a few months each year. Whether your goal is adventure, professional experience, or just something different, a winter in the Australian Alps delivers a season you will not forget.