Every winter, thousands of young Australians pack their bags and head to the snow — not just to ski, but to work. The Australian snow season runs from roughly June to October and creates hundreds of entry-level jobs across the resorts of New South Wales and Victoria. If you love the cold, the mountains and a high-energy atmosphere, this could be one of the most fun first jobs you ever have.
Where are the resorts?
Australia's ski resorts are concentrated in two states:
New South Wales
Thredbo · Perisher · Charlotte Pass · Selwyn Snowfields
Victoria
Falls Creek · Mount Hotham · Mount Buller · Mount Baw Baw · Lake Mountain
What jobs are available?
Snow resorts need a massive workforce every season. Most roles are entry-level and require zero experience — resorts train you on the job. Here are the most common positions:
Food & beverage
Barista, waiter, kitchen hand, bar staff at lodges and cafes on the mountain
Ski hire & retail
Fitting and renting out ski and snowboard equipment, sales in resort shops
Accommodation
Housekeeper, receptionist, porter and concierge at on-mountain lodges and hotels
Lift operations
Operating ski lifts, scanning lift passes and assisting guests on and off chairs
Guest services
Ticket sales, information desks, helping guests navigate the resort
Ski patrol & safety
First aid and mountain safety — requires qualifications but a great career path
What does it pay?
Most snow resort jobs pay award wages under the Hospitality Industry or General Retail Award — typically $22–$30/hr for casual roles, with weekend and public holiday penalty rates that can push your hourly rate significantly higher. Many resorts also provide subsidised or free accommodation on the mountain, which dramatically reduces your living costs.
When to apply
The snow season hiring window opens early — most resorts start advertising roles from February to April for the following winter season. The best jobs go fast so do not wait until May or June.
Where to apply
Apply directly on each resort's website — they all have dedicated seasonal employment pages:
You can also find snow season roles on Seek, Indeed and Jora by searching "snow season" or "winter seasonal".
What to expect
Working the snow season is not a holiday — it is real work in a physically demanding environment. Here is what to prepare for:
- Cold temperatures, sometimes well below zero — invest in proper thermals and waterproof gear
- Long shifts, often 8–10 hours on your feet during peak periods
- Shared accommodation — most on-mountain housing is dorm or shared apartment style
- A tight-knit community — season workers form friendships quickly and the social scene is lively
- Free or heavily discounted lift passes — most resorts give staff access to the mountain on days off
Do I need experience?
For most roles, no. Resorts are experienced at hiring young first-time workers and training them on the job. A friendly attitude, reliability and willingness to work in the cold goes further than a long resume.
If you are applying for food and beverage roles, an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate is required in both NSW and Victoria. It is a one-day course available online for around $50–$120.
