If you’re thinking about taking a gap year or looking for a working holiday, then you can’t miss out on working a ski season in Whistler!
I worked in Whistler for the 2021/2022 ski season and it was the best time of my life!
If you love endless powder, awesome nights out, and meeting lifelong friends, then doing a ski season in Whistler is for you!
Whistler is one of the most well-known resorts in the world and for good reason! The skiing is out of this world, with incredible runs and stunning mountain views. The people you’ll meet; customers, colleagues, and roommates, are even better! Everyone is so friendly in Canada!
In this honest guide, I give you the ultimate rundown of living and working in Whistler, including the process of getting a visa, a job, and accommodation.
Doing a ski season in Whistler is a one-in-a-lifetime experience, so let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Starting The Process To Work In Whistler
If you’re not from Canada, then you need to acquire a working visa to do a ski season in Whistler.
There are several companies that you can go through to help you get a visa and secure a job in Whistler. I don’t recommend paying one of these companies as you can easily do it yourself.
I went through the Working Holiday Club and felt like I had washed $1499 down the drain. To summarise why I don’t think you need to use this sort of agency;
- You can easily handle the visa application on your own. There is so much free information online and Facebook groups dedicated to helping people out!
- There are thousands of jobs that need filling in Whistler. You can easily apply directly on the Whistler-Blackcomb website.
- Staff accommodation and season passes are typically provided if you’re hired by Whistler-Blackcomb. It’s not something that is magically given to you by The Working Holiday Club or other agencies.
- The Working Holiday Club didn’t offer significant help with other essentials like setting up a SIM card, bank account, or social security number.
- You essentially pay $1499 for a booklet on visa application tips.
- So many people I met and worked with had just done the whole process by themselves and not wasted their money.
In my opinion, keep your $1499 and take it to the pub once you’re in Whistler!
4 Steps To Getting The Working Holiday Visa
Acquiring The Working Holiday visa can be broken down into 4 simple steps:
- Create a GCKey candidate profile to enter the pool of applicants. For some countries, there are a limited number of visas given per year (Lucky for us Aussies, there is an unlimited amount!), so before you can technically apply for the visa you have be be selected from the pool.
- Check your emails to see if you have been ‘invited to apply’. You have 10 days to accept the invitation and a further 20 days to complete this section. This is where you’ll pay for the visa ($250 CAD) and upload any necessary documents; Passport (must have at least 2 years available before it expires and must be the passport you plan to enter Canada with), criminal history check (from you’re country of residence + any country you have resided in for longer than 6 consecutive months), Police report (Australian’s must only obtain it for here and you are only applying for the ‘name checker’, not fingerprints! If you have worked in any other country for over 6 months, regardless of nationality, you will need to obtain a police report). If the documents don’t arrive in time, you can submit the receipt and further time will be granted to you.
- Next you’ll receive an email requesting your biometric information. This is usually sent 72 hours after the payment for the visa has been received. You have 30 days from receiving the letter to complete your biometrics, the expiry is noted on the second page of your letter. You MUST pre-book an appointment at a biometrics office. Make sure you print out and take your biometric letter and don’t forget your passport (Make sure you use the same passtport you uploaded to your GCKey account).
- Sit back, relax, and wait for your approval letter! This should take around 30 days after your biometrics appointment.
Whilst it’s not difficult to get the Getting the Working Holiday Visa, it is certainly a waiting game. There’s no telling how long it will take. I had to wait around 4 months before getting my approval letter, but for some people, it took less time and for others, it took longer. Unfortunately, it’s luck of the draw!
Keep in mind, that if you miss any of the deadlines during the visa process, you have to start all over again and re-make payments. Be prepared and gather all your documents before applying to make it less stressful!
Finding A Job In Whistler
Getting a job in Whistler is easier than you think, it’s just knowing where to look. Thousands of roles need filling and my advice is to apply early! Don’t leave it to the last minute!
Hiring for the winter season usually begins in early September!
Whistler-Blackcomb Jobs
When you work for Whistler-Blackcomb, you work for the ‘mountain’. Vail is the company you will work under as they own the ski resort.
Vail pretty much owns everything in Whistler and Blackcomb, which means there are so many different areas to work in!
I worked as a retail assistant and a ski/snowboard technician at the Solomon store.
You can find Whistler-Blackcomb jobs on their hiring website! Just like any normal job application, You’ll be required to give a resume and references, plus have an interview (via zoom).
Search Online
Hiring websites, such as Indeed or BCjobs, advertise jobs in Whistler as well. These jobs will most likely be for independent companies and not for Whistler-Blackcomb.
Keep in mind, unless you work for Whistler-Blackcomb, you won’t automatically get a free season pass. I do know that some companies either paid for your pass or put money towards it, but I can’t guarantee it!
Facebook Groups
There are plenty of job pages on Facebook looking for staff to fill winter positions.
I think the best Facebook group is the Whistler job board. I managed to get an interview for a second job using this group.
Otherwise, the Whistler Winter Group often posts job advertisements.
Working as a ski or snowboard instructor
Working as a ski instructor or snowboard instructor is a highly popular job.
The year I worked in Whistler, there were so many first-level ski instructors, and not really enough work for them all. Because of this many of them had to work between the ski/snowboard school and the on-mountain restaurants, which most of them hated.
Higher-level ski/snowboard instructors are a lot more desirable.
To be able to work as a ski/snowboard instructor you have to complete your ski instructor course or your snowboard instructor course.
“My advice is to apply early! Don’t leave it to the last minute!”
What Is It Like To Work In Whistler
Working in Whistler can be the time of your life but also tiring during the busy periods.
I worked as a retail assistant and ski/snowboard technician for the Salomon store, which is owned by Vail (AKA, the ‘mountain’)
The team I worked with was amazing and my manager was so supportive! Without this great work environment, I can imagine some days would have been a lot harder to get through, especially during hectic periods, like Christmas.
Even with a hangover, 2 hours of sleep, and 100 customers all needing skis, there was always someone there to make you laugh.
Just remember, if you’re feeling tired and would rather be out shredding on the slopes, so does everyone else you work with. You’re in it as a team so don’t slack off and make everyone else do your work.
I was working around 30-35 hours a week, with 2 days off. For some shifts, we would do a ‘split shift’, where we would work in the morning, have the afternoon off, and then come back for a couple of hours in the evening. This was great for getting out on the slopes for a few hours.
I was paid minimum wage (Around $16.55/hr CAD) for the 2021-2022 season but the wage has gone up to around $20/hr, which is an awesome response from Vail to tackle the high living costs of Whistler. In my store, we also got tips from customers as well!
Working for Vail was great but since it is such a massive company, you can just feel like a number.
However, they did put on lots of staff events, such as massive staff parties, staff-only laps on the slopes after the mountain had closed, and, my personal favorite, free authentic Aussie pies from Peaked Pies!
They did go out of their way to make staff feel appreciated.
Overall, I think if you are planning on working a ski season in Whistler then you should try and work for Whistler-Blackcomb. There are so many perks including staff events, store discounts, the Club Shred discount program, accommodation, free ski/snowboard lessons (I made the most out of this to get a lot better on a snowboard), plus more!
Finding Accommodation In Whistler
Whistler-Blackcomb Staff Accommodation
If you work for Whistler-Blackcomb then you will most likely end up living in their staff accommodation. The only time I heard people didn’t end up getting staff housing was if they were hired mid-way in the season and rooms were already full. However, rooms did pop up because not everyone stayed for the full winter season.
There are 3 different Whistler-Blackcomb staff housing locations:
- Brio: Apartment-style housing. Shared rooms (normally two people in one room). Shared bathroom and kitchen in the apartment. About 15-20 minute walk from the centre of town. There is a regular bus. Parking is available for a fee. Brio apartments are slightly larger than others. Rent is between $268-316.
- Glacier: I lived in Glacier! Apartment-style housing. Four rooms, two people to a room. Shared bathroom and kitchen in the apartment. No ovens in the kitchens just a stove top. The walk into town is about 10 minutes however, you have to walk down a short section of Village Run (A ski run). It’s an easy walk down but the walk up feels like a bit of a trek. The snow can get a bit deep when there’s fresh powder, so wear your snow boots! Otherwise, there is a regular staff bus that takes 5 minutes. Parking is available for a fee. The apartments are on the small side. Rent is between $193-$213.
- Westside: Apartment-style housing. Four rooms, two people to a room. Shared bathroom and kitchen in the apartment. The walk into town is about an hour so the bus the regular bus is your best option! Parking is available for a fee. If you want to have regular nights out then Westside isn’t the best option as getting a bus back late at night is difficult and taxis are expensive. Rent is between $268-$316 CAD.
Before the season begins you will have a chance to select preferences out of the 3 options. Unfortunately, you’re not always guaranteed to get what you want. If you want to share with a partner or friend you can let them know then.
The perks of working a ski season in Whistler for Whistler-Blackcomb is that you are guaranteed accomodation unless you’ve been hired late in the winter season.
Finding Your Own Accomodation
If you don’t end up working for Whislter-Blackcomb, then other companies can provide their own staff housing.
However, if they don’t and you’re required to sort out your own, this is where it can get tricky. There is a housing shortage in Whistler and rent prices can be obscene!
If you need to find rentals then there are plenty of Facebook pages advertising houses! I know a couple of people that did this and their rent wasn’t too bad!
Whistler rental houses and Looking to rent in Whistler are the best ones.
You can even put a post introducing yourself and let people know you’re looking for an apartment.
Please be aware of scams! People know that the housing situation in Whistler sucks and they will try and take advantage of it! Make sure you see any apartment before giving anyone money.
Working a ski season in Whistler without accommodation is not possible. You need to sort out somewhere to stay long term before coming, otherwise it will be too late.
Honestly, it is a lot easier and less stressful to secure a job that comes with accommodation.
Transport Around Whistler
Car
If you’ve got a car then that’s great and you’re going to be very popular! Make sure that you can secure somewhere to park it for the season.
Having a car gives you the freedom to get off the mountain and do some cheaper shopping. Squamish is only 45 minutes away by car. There is a Walmart and a Save-On-Foods there.
Since parking in Whistler is limited and you have to pay, it’s much cheaper and easier to take the bus to work or town.
Buses
There are regular shuttle buses that run all around Whistler.
Routes 4, 5, and 8 are free courtesy shuttle buses.
All other routes have a cash fare of$2.50 CAD. This is a cash-only service!
Route 7 is for staff housing and is free for staff only!
If you want to know more about the shuttle buses in Whistler, then you’ll find more information here.
Taxi’s
Whistler Taxis are expensive and a last resort option after a night out!
For a standard taxi, the initial fee is $4 CAD and then $0.20 CAD for every minute.
There are multiple taxi ranks located in town so you’ll have no problem finding one if you need.
Shopping
As you’ll discover, shopping in whistler is expensive.
The Essentials
Food will be one of your biggest expenses! Try and save money where you can on your weekly food shop and if you can, try and go to Squamish and do a bulk shop at Walmart.
There are two supermarkets in Whistler; Fresh Street and The Whistler Grocery Store. The Whistler Grocery Store is a lot smaller but they both have relatively the same prices.
There are also several pharmacies in town so if you need to get medication, you’re all good!
Apparel
If you work for Whistler-Blackcomb then congratulations, you get some awesome staff discounts!
20% off retail (30% if you work in retail or rentals), 50% off tuning and rentals, 50% off quick-service restaurants, and 25% off bars and restaurants. These staff discounts only apply to places that are owned by Whistler-Blackcomb! You can find out which places these apply for here.
If you don’t get any good discounts then I suggest getting your winter clothes, such as thermals, off the mountain. You will pay more for goods on the mountain.
Club Shred
Club Shred is a discount program. It costs $2 CAD (automatically taken out of your paycheque) and you get discounted rates from a variety of local businesses, including food, drink, and activities!
Check out here to see what you can get discounts and deals on!
Unfortunately, Club Shred is only available for Whistler-Blackcomb employees or volunteers.
Getting A Season Pass
If you work for Whistler-Blackcomb, you will get a ski pass for the season for free. There are no restrictions on the pass, you can use it as much as you like.
Be aware of taking a sick day just to go skiing or snowboarding. Your employee ski pass will have a red flag come up if you try and go through any gates and you will be in serious trouble.
Non Whistler-Blackcomb Employees
If you don’t work for Whistler-Blackcomb then chances are, you’ll have to organise your season pass. Some employers will pay for your pass or help out with the costs but not all of them.
If you’re staying for the full season, then get an epic pass. It’s a lot of money upfront but worthwhile in the long run. It’s also valid for other ski resorts owned by Vail. Just like everyone else, you’ll have to purchase online and either have it sent to you or pick it up from the ticket office located in Whistler village.
Nightlife
If you’re expecting European style apres, then you’re going to be a bit disappointed. Whistler is crazy for health and safety so there’s no drinking or partying on the mountain! There’s a bit of an apres scene in the bars at the bottom of the slopes, especially at Longhorns, but it’s not the same as in Europe (also Longhorns is crazy expensive!).
There are some really fun clubs in Whistler and they seem to have something going on every day of the week. My favourites for a wild night out were; Buffalo Bill’s and Moe Joe’s! Sunday was known as Moe Joe’s night and everyone used to call it ‘going to church’!
Cinnamon Bear Bar (CBB) and Dubh Linn Gate were great for getting drinks with friends after work or after a long day on the slopes. Both had great atmospheres and CBB’s had plenty of pool tables where you could play for free! Make sure you try a Polar hot chocolate from Dubh Linn Gate, it’s a hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps and whipped cream on top! So delicious!
For the amount of people in Whistler, these clubs and bars can be a bit small, especially on busy nights out. My advice is to get in early and skip standing in a queue for an hour!
Make sure you ask about locals prices at the bars! Some places will do $5 CAD pints and cheaper jugs for locals!
Eating Out
Cheaper Eating Options
Eating out in Whistler can be expensive if you don’t know where to look.
My top 4 restaurants that won’t break the bank are:
- El Furniture Warehouse: loved all the food here and it’s so reasonably priced! My favourite was the grilled fish tacos!
- Crystal Lounge: $0.70 CAD wings night (it was on a Wednesday when I was there but could have changed days)
- Pizzeria Antico: Happy hour is 3 pm-5 pm every day. Craft beer for $4.50 CAD and 50% off margarita pizzas (they have the most amazing chili oil that you can put on the pizza so you won’t even miss the toppings!)
- Avalanche Pizza: Cheap and delicious slices of pizza. They also stay open late so great for a snack after a night out!
Finer Dinning
If you don’t mind spending your money on some quality food, then you need to visit these places at least once:
- Sushi Village: Hands down my favourite place to eat in Whistler. Their Udon Noodle soup, gyoza, and the sass sushi rolls are to die for! The Strawberry Sake margaritas jugs are delicious and promise me you’ll do an upside down sake shot (Ask the staff, they’ll know what i’m talking about). Me and my boyfriend went here way to many times but we couldn’t help ourselves!
- Mongolie Grill: You get to pick the ingredients you want and the price is based on how much it weighs! You could make it a cheaper dinner but it’s so much nicer to pay extra for more ingredients!
- Ohyama Ramen: The spicy ramen is so good! There’s even a little Asian food shop attached to it where you can buy also sorts of delicious food!
6 Tips For Living And Working In Whistler!
- Make sure you have some warm clothes! The weather can be brutal and the temperature can get down to -30 degrees Celsius! I’m all for saving money but don’t sacrifice quality gear for something cheap, it will not keep you warm! Buy Merino everything, it’s the best natural material for keeping you warm.
- Join Club Shred (if you’re a Whistler-Blackcomb employee). When you are in a place as expensive as Whistler, getting discounts and deals wherever you can makes a difference, even if it’s just a few dollars off.
- Don’t use your best board/skis when the snow coverage isn’t great. It can be so tempting to always use your favourite gear but please don’t risk running over the tops of rock just to have the best board/skis on the mountain. Snow coverage can get patchy at the beginning and the end of the winter season.
- Don’t neglect Blackcomb Mountain! If you’re working and living in Whistler then it can be easy to stay in the Whistler bubble, but Blackcomb is only a 5-10 minute walk from Whistler Centre and is a beautiful place! Plus the skiing over on Blackcomb Mountain is way more fun (Just my opinion!).
- Don’t come with no money because you won’t end up saving any. Have at least a couple of thousands saved in the bank.
- You’ve got to enjoy the snow. Seems like a no-brainer but the number of people I met there that didn’t want to ski or snowboard or do any snow-related activity was insane! These people ended up not enjoying it like the rest. It’s fine if you don’t ski or board but you’ve got to at least give it ago! Otherwise, why are you there?
Working in a ski resort like Whistler is a one-in-a-lifetime experience! I have taken away with me so many amazing memories. It’s not uncommon for many people to end up staying for the summer season as well because they loved the Whistler life so much! It’s located in such a beautiful part of British Columbia, Canada and, the skiing is like no other! I guarantee you will thank yourself for going.
[…] The working holiday visa isn’t hard to apply for. Because there are so many steps, it can look intimidating but it’s very simple. If you want a brief rundown of the process, check out this article. […]