There are a variety of different roles available for those who put the customer first. Those who have solid retail or shop experience are sought after, where you can put your previous cashier, stock and customer management experiences into a new team. Roles include the likes retail assistant, ticket sellers, front desk and many more.
Winter Resort Jobs in New Zealand
Visit New Zealand Like Never Before
Working a ski season in New Zealand is an adventure unlike anything else on the planet. From ice capped glaciers and rugged mountains, to unexplored scenery and waterfalls, New Zealand is an explorer's paradise.
If you're thinking about heading Down Under, here are some useful things to know about a New Zealand ski season.
Work a Ski Season in New Zealand
New Zealand ski season jobs allow you to stay close to the action - you'll literally be on the doorstep of a snow-covered mountain. You can ride fresh powder from June to October, while the northern hemisphere is still waiting for winter.
Each slope recruits for a variety of ski resort job roles. If you've got skills like Shaun White, you'll easily get hired to teach the next generation of snowboarders. If you don't, other roles include guest service superstars, bubbly bar staff, and operations staff such as lift operators and snowmakers. In your day-to-day role at the mountain, you'll live the dream working near, or on, the slopes. You'll make a lasting impression on visitors who are on their own holiday of a lifetime, and the staff you work alongside will be the mates you ride with on the mountains. They'll be a huge part of your season - and your New Zealand ski season as a whole.
Provided you’re eligible for a New Zealand working holiday visa, and you have 6+ months experience in a similar role, you'll be able to land your dream job. With slopes on both the North and South Islands, and a $17 an hour minimum wage, a New Zealand ski season job provides your perfect ‘alternative summer’.
Travel New Zealand
Without a doubt, New Zealand is one of the most picturesque countries in the world. There’s so much to see and do wherever you go - it's no wonder the city of Queenstown is nicknamed ‘the adventure capital of the world.’
Powerful waves crash against the rocks on the shore of New Zealand's jagged coastline, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Each island is home to uniquely magnificent scenery - on the North Island, you'll find lush green hills, active volcanoes, and long, sandy beaches. On the South, the fjords, glaciers, and snowy mountain ranges are a utopian wonderland for adventurers. By land, see New Zealand's hiking and cycling trails. If you want to get on the water, try your hand at rafting, sailing, kayaking, or diving. For a real adrenaline rush, get a bird's eye view by air - New Zealand has plenty of zip lines, bungy jumping, sky diving.
If you’re chasing the snow, you’ll be right on top of it during a New Zealand ski season. It really is a country that caters for everyone, and it’s why the ski towns have some of the liveliest vibes possible, with people coming from all over the world to experience them.
Things to Consider When Moving to New Zealand
Flights
Airport Transfers
Accommodation
Bank Account and IRD Tax Number
Securing a Full Time Job Before you Leave
Ski Season Lift Pass
Ski Lessons
Travel Insurance
Gap Year Jobs in New Zealand
Your hobby is your day job, and the slopes just wouldn’t be the same without the resort workers. You'll have the experience of a lifetime - and it will feel like no work, all play.
Ski season jobs in New Zealand are numerous - there’s sure to be one that fits you like your favourite old pair of Bolle ski goggles. You don’t need to have worked a ski season before - happy, positive, enthusiastic resort workers have the potential to turn a good day on the slopes into a great one.
New Zealand Ski Season Job Roles:
Customer Service
Hospitality Roles
The face of the slopes! Those with a background in dealing first hand with customers are perfect for hospitality roles, as ensuring people leave with a smile is the most important thing. Whether you've been whipping up cocktails in a bar, or whipping up cakes in a kitchen, there'll be a role for you.
Ski Specific
You are Ms/Mr Ski, and have the background to go with it. Those who have both education and experience within the ski industry are highly sought after. Ski instructors are required to have at least a Level 2 ski instructor qualification, with some relevant experience really helping to secure you one of the most sought after roles in the world of skiing.
Best New Zealand Ski Resorts
New Zealand is blessed with mountainous terrain, which means you’ve got your choice of snow-topped slopes across the country. From an active volcano, to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, you’ll glide right into your perfect winter:
Mt Ruapehu
What’s cooler than saying you work on an active volcano? Mt Ruapehu is the North Island’s only skiable area. As ¾ of New Zealand’s population lives on the North Island, Mt Ruapehu provides them with their ski home from June to October. As such, the two slopes, Whakapapa and Turoa, get BUSY! Combined, the two slopes make up New Zealand’s largest ski area, so you certainly won’t be short of cool runs on your days off.
Cardrona
Cardrona is based in the picturesque Wanaka, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand. Although the field is family friendly (it does have a gondola as well) it’s well liked by experienced riders, with a huge terrain park available and an extensive backcountry to explore. It also tends to get a higher amount of snowfall with it being higher than the likes of the Remarkables or Coronet Peak. It also has something to keep everyone entertained, as it plays home to numerous festivals and has a packed winter events schedule.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is one the jewels of New Zealand. It's internationally recognised as part of the Mountain Collective, a collection of the world's 12 best ski resorts. Being the closest mountain range to Queenstown means it’s hugely popular for gap year travellers. Although not one of the highest ranges, Coronet Peak is loaded with snow making facilities, making sure there’s a constant coating for the season. In fact, it has the ability to to convert 26 million litres of water into snow within 24 hours! It also has loads of quirky extras, from night skiing to major music festivals.
By working here, your season pass will also allow you to ski at The Remarkables.
The Remarkables
It’s certainly in the name - these mountains are something pretty special. The Remarkables are one of the most photographed ranges in the world, and is a huge favourite of experienced and beginner skiers alike. For the beginners, it features wide runs from the main chairlift, meaning an easy introduction to the ski world. For the more experienced, The Stash terrain park allows for the wild tricks and hits off natural ramps and jumps. With it being one of the mountains serviced from Queenstown, it certainly pulls in a high number of visitors each season.
By working here, your season pass will also allow you to ski at Coronet Peak.
