1. Whistler
Home to North America’s largest ski resort Whistler, British Columbia also boasts a vibrant village with hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from. It is the most popular ski resort to do a Canadian winter season for a good reason.
With ample terrain to suit skiers and snowboarders ranging from beginner to expert, this is the top choice for both experienced riders and those who are new to the sport. While lift passes can be expensive, there are many employers who offer free lifts passes as a perk of employment.
Another plus is the fact that Whistler is only a short (and stunningly beautiful) 1.5 hour drive on Highway 99 from Vancouver, the biggest city in Western Canada.
PROS:
- Biggest mountain resort
- Most job opportunities
- Best nightlife
CONS:
- Most expensive
- Finding housing can be a challenge
- Busiest resort in Canada
Check out the Whistler Job Board HERE
2. Revelstoke
The new kid on the block, Revelstoke, BC is known as a more authentic ski town while still boasting an impressive resort with expansive terrain. Despite only having a handful of lifts in the resort, there is plenty of terrain available for intermediates and experts. The easily accessible backcountry is another huge plus here, along with the highest greatest vertical in any North American ski resort.
Although it is a bit more isolated (2.5 hour drive from Kamloops, BC) the town of Revelstoke has a great feel to it and is growing every year with more things to do and places to eat and drink.
If you are looking for a more classic ski town experience, Revelstoke is a great option to do a winter season in.
PROS:
- World class terrain
- Quieter mountain, less lift lines
- Authentic ski town
CONS:
- More isolated
- Smaller town = less job opportunities
- Less developed resort
Check out the Revelstoke Job Board HERE
3. Banff
Banff, Alberta is home to three ski resorts having Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay all within 30 minutes from town. This means that there is a huge variety of terrain to choose from when you head up the mountain, so you will never get bored!
Offering the most spectacular “postcard” Canadian scenery and views, Banff is one of the most photographed areas in North America. You will understand as soon as you arrive. Home to some amazing hotels, bars, and restaurants, Banff is also a great place to find a job and work for a winter season in Canada.
Easily accessible from Calgary (1 hour drive) Banff is a popular spot for tourists all year round and thus has all the amenities you could want while living there for a season.
PROS:
- Three resorts to choose from
- Established town with many job opportunities
- More affordable
CONS:
- Colder climate then BC
- Town is farther from resorts (30 min drive)
- Receive less annual snowfall then most BC resorts
Check out the Banff Job Board HERE
4. Big White
Situated in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Big White Ski Resort is another classic Canadian ski destination offering a true ski in – ski out mountain village. Only 1 hour from Kelowna, Big White is a large ski resort with plenty of terrain available and even has night skiing!
The charming town of Big White is located right at the base of the mountain – perfect for those apres ski sessions. However, it is a much smaller town then the previously listed resorts so job opportunities are more limited.
The mountain itself has terrain for riders of all levels, however would be more suitable to beginner/intermediate riders compared to resorts like Whistler-Blackcomb and Revelstoke which have more expert terrain.
PROS:
- Town located on the mountain
- Night skiing
- Intimate community feel
CONS:
- Small town with more limited job opportunities
- Less terrain for advanced and expert riders
- Only a few nightlife options
Check out the Big White Job Board HERE
5. Kicking Horse
Located in Golden, BC, Kicking Horse offers a combination of the BC and Alberta ski experiences as it is situated so close to the provincial border. With a more rocky mountain feel compared to the resorts such as Revelstoke or Whistler-Blackcomb, Kicking Horse is an expansive resort with plenty of inbounds hiking for those willing to earn their turns.
The town of Golden is a 15 minutes drive from the ski resort, and has a more industrial feel to it then the other towns on this list. Despite that, there is a good choice of restaurants and bars giving this town a more local community vibe then tourist towns like Whistler and Banff.
PROS:
- Great terrain variety
- Tons of inbounds hiking
- Very quiet, no lift lines
CONS:
- More of an industrial town then a classic ski town
- Less annual snowfall
- Isolated (3 hours from Calgary)
Check out the Kicking Horse Job Board HERE