Australia might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of skiing but believe me, there is snow! It might not be the endless powder you find in European ski resorts, but Australia has its charm!
I worked at Mount Hotham Ski Resort, Victoria, in 2019 and 2020, and I would go back in a heartbeat! It truly was one of the best experiences of my life!
If you’re looking for some seasonal work whilst you travel around Australia, then an Aussie ski season could be the place for you! Working an Australian ski season could be the best time of your life!
In this article, I give you complete insights into working a ski season in Australia from my own experience!
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Why Work In An Australian Ski Resort
Australia has the most unique ski resorts in the world.
During the winter months, the resorts transform into snowy wonderlands. With beautiful snow gums and an array of flora and fauna. Ski resorts down under are like no other!
I have skied in many places across the world, and whilst Australia might not have the biggest resorts, there is something so magical and different about Aussie ski resorts.
Where Are The Ski Resorts In Australia
Australia has cutting-edge ski resorts located across New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC) and Tasmania (TAS).
Biggest Australian Ski Resorts
| Ski Resort | Location | Height (m) | Number Of Lifts | Skiable Terrain (Km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thredbo | NSW | 672 | 15 | 52 |
| Perisher | NSW | 429 | 48 | 65 |
| Mount Buller | VIC | 400 | 21 | 47.5 |
| Mount Hotham | VIC | 395 | 13 | 30 |
| Falls Creek | VIC | 280 | 15 | 49 |
Smaller Australian Ski Resorts
| Ski Resort | Location | Height (m) | Number Of Lifts | Skiable Terrain (Km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Pass | NSW | 189 | 4 | 10 |
| Selwyn Snowfields | NSW | 122 | 8 | 10 |
| Mount Baw Baw | VIC | 110 | 6 | 10 |
| Ben Lomond | TAS | 110 | 7 | 6 |
| Mount Mawson | TAS | 72 | 3 | 4 |
| Dinner Plain | VIC | 20 | 1 | 0.3 |
Ski Season Duration
Ski seasons in Australia typically run from June to October. The season is short and sweet!
The best snow usually falls around the beginning of the season and quickly dries up towards October. Often, there is a big dump of snow right in the middle, leaving plenty of powder for everyone!
Temperatures can fluctuate so much during Australian winters and a good snow season is never guaranteed.
If you end up working a ski season in Australia, you’ll typically start work a week before the resort opens, to give you enough time to do basic training.
Best Month To Ski In Australia
Peak snow snowfall is usually from mid-July to mid-August. Temperatures normally sit at a crisp 0-5 Celsius during the day and drop to around -5–10 Celsius overnight.
Is Skiing Better In Australia or New Zealand
Comparing Australia and New Zealand skiing is like comparing apples and oranges. It completely depends on personal preference!
Both countries have great ski terrain for all levels.
New Zealand does have the advantage of higher peaks and usually receives more snowfall.
The cost of skiing is higher in Australia compared to New Zealand.
However, as a worker, you will make more money working the winter season in Australia, as the average wage is higher.
Working a ski season in Australia is very different to working one in New Zealand! It’s so hard to compare the two, both are awesome fun!
Which Resort Should You Work At
I would recommend trying to work for the three biggest resorts in Australia; Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, and Perisher.
All three offer some of the most epic skiing terrain in the country.
If you’re looking for an awesome time on the slopes and the chance to connect with amazing people, then these resorts are for you! Since these resorts are so big, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a ton of cool and diverse people! You’ll have no problem finding your crowd!
What You Need To Set Up Before Starting Work
Visa
You must have a valid work visa to work in an Australian ski resort.
The most common one is the Working Holiday Visa, AKA the ‘backpacker visa’.
You can obtain this visa from the Home Affairs website.
Tax
You must obtain a tax file number (TFN) before commencing work. Your employer will need this information before you can start.
You can get your TFN from the Australian Tax Office.
Superannuation
Employers must take a portion of your salary for superannuation payments.
Superannuation is set aside for your retirement. The payments are made into a superannuation account of your choosing. You can just choose to go with your employer’s recommenced superannuation.
You can withdraw the money from your superannuation account when you leave the country.
Qualifications
Unless you want to work as a ski instructor, then you don’t need any qualifications to work an Australian ski season. Unlike ski schools in Europe, Aussie ski resorts will hire level-one instructors.
Most resorts are happy to take on people who have no experience, but it’s a bonus if you do!
Apply for jobs that interest you. If you have a shining personality then you’re likely to be picked.
Finding A Job
Finding work at a ski season isn’t hard, thousands of roles need filling. My advice is to make sure you apply early and don’t leave it to the last minute! Positions can fill up quickly!
The best places to look are the resort websites. This is where I found my job at Mount Hotham.
Facebook groups and online hiring websites, such as Jora or Indeed, are also great places to find work. Many private companies, such as bars and restaurants, advertise here.
When to Apply For a Job
Hiring begins as early as February!
Don’t miss out! Keep checking for updates.
Types Of Jobs
There are hundreds of jobs at an Australian ski resort! Just to name a few:
- Ticket sales (I worked in tickets at Mount Hotham!)
- Lift operators
- Ski and snowboard instructors
- Retail Assistant
- Rental ski technician
- Housekeeping
- Porter
- Food and beverage
What is the Wage
It will depend on what ski resort you end up in but the average wage is between $25 AUD and $28 AUD.
I was paid around $26 AUD when I worked at Mount Hotham in 2019.
“My advice is to make sure you apply early and don’t leave it to the last minute!”
Staff Accommodation
Most ski resorts provide staff housing. Don’t expect too much though, it is not exactly 5-star accommodation.
You’re bound to end up sharing with a couple of extra people in one room. Conditions can be snug but if you’re used to staying in hostels, then this won’t faze you.
Some resorts provide couples accommodation. For the 2020 Mount Hotham ski season, my boyfriend and I, were able to secure a couples room.
I don’t recommend trying to sort your own accommodation. Houses are limited and rent can be insane! If you decide to try your luck, Facebook pages are your best bet.
Save yourself the stress, and try and secure a job that includes staff housing.
“Save yourself the stress, try and secure a job that includes staff housing.”
What To Take With You
- Ski Gear: It’s best to buy most, if not all, of your ski gear before heading up the mountain. You will pay much more there. This includes skis/snowboards, thermals, ski jackets and pants, helmets, goggles, etc. Don’t sacrifice quality gear for something cheap. Temperatures can get cold and cheap materials will not keep you warm. Try and buy things that have Merino wool, it’s the best natural material.
- Games: Take a pack of cards with you!
- Bedding and Towels: Most staff housing will not supply bedding or towels. A bit annoying to have to lug your own up the mountain but don’t get caught without it!
- Dress-up clothes: I guarantee you, there will be a costume/dress-up night (probably a few). At Mount Hotham we had a really big party called ‘zombie night’ and everyone dressed up as zombies. Take something versatile that you could make into different costumes!
- Snacks: Bulk buy all your favourite snacks. Shopping in ski resorts is so expensive, it’s better to get as much as you can before you get there.
Australian snow is very wet. Make sure all your ski gear is water proof!
Is It Expensive To Live In An Australian Ski Resort
Unfortunately yes, it is very expensive. Don’t expect to make much money working a ski season in Australia.
The wage is pretty good and does reflect the high living costs of Australian ski resorts, but after your weekly food shop plus evenings out with friends, your bank account will start to look a bit sad.
It’s smart to have some savings in your back pocket, so you don’t feel restricted. You’ll spend money on socializing, and honestly, why would you want to miss out on all the fun?
Ski Australia the right way by working in a winter resort! Working a ski season in Australia can be a fantastic adventure! So, pack your bags, hit the slopes, and enjoy the best year of your life!
