Info

Oyster can offer you the chance to earn a local wage and gain impressive experience in one of Canada's superb ski resorts.

You could choose to work in a hotel in The Rockies or a resort creche in Whistler. Alternatively, you could work in a hotel in Tremblant, Quebec, and improve your French.

If you are happy to work hard so that you can play hard, this is for you..

Hotel work
Canadian hotels are proud of their reputation for good service and they will normally start you off as a Housekeeper to see how you perform. This involves preparing and cleaning guest bedrooms. If you can show that you have what it takes there is often the opportunity to move on to other areas, such as concierge, restaurant and bar work. You must be prepared to respect the high standards of these hotels. This means being punctual, adhering to a strict dress code and being exceptionally courteous to guests..

If you can manage all the above then you can expect to have a good time, both at work, where you'll be part of a busy team and, of course, in the resort itself. It's an excellent opportunity to indulge in ski-ing, cross country ski-ing, boarding and skating for months on end. And if winter sports are not your thing, you'll enjoy the social life in these busy resorts.

Whistler Kids
The Job at Whistler Kids creche involves looking after children of varying ages while their parents ski. You will be based indoors and on the nursery slopes, where you might also have the opportunity to give basic ski lessons. You must have a good rapport with children and be able to demonstrate some child care experience, as well as a valid Criminal Record Bureau check.

How much will I get paid?
Pay and tips in Canada are similar to UK rates and the cost of living is lower. Rates of pay vary but should average about C$9 an hour (4.50 approx) before tips. You can expect to work between 30-40 hours a week depending on the number of guests staying at the hotel. This will vary according to the time of year and the snow conditions. You can expect to ski twice a week during your two days off except at peak times such as Christmas and Easter.

All the hotels we use aim to pay you enough to cover your accommodation, food, skiing, going out etc. You will find it difficult to save money on your placement simply because there are so many activities to spend it on

Duration

5-6 months. Shorter stays are available in Tremblant for 10 weeks during the summer only.

Start Dates

Late November, late February (The Rockies and Tremblant only), May (Tremblant only) and June (Tremblant only)

Costs / Benefits

Oyster guarantees you a job and accommodation before departure. The cost including flights is from £2125.

Requirements

In order to be eligible for the Work Permit that we provide you must be aged between 18 and 30 and be confident of obtaining an unconditional UCAS place on a degree course following your results in August. The course must start at the end of your Gap Year. Graduates of fulltime degree course from a UK University are eligible if the placement takes place within a year of graduation. These are the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Department.