Paid work in a ski resort hotel

Product Details

Are you ready to work hard, earn a good wage and enjoy life in the Rockies? By choosing Oyster you can be sure of a guaranteed job in a hotel and accommodation ready and waiting for you on your arrival.

Oyster has been sending people to Banff since 2000 and in that time have made a number of worthwhile contacts with employers looking for people to work in Canada for the ski-season. We provide jobs in a variety of hotels and hostels in the Banff area. Participants must expect to be employed as a Housekeeper to begin with and then if they work hard, can gain promotion. In the past we have had people employed to work in the Ski Rental Shop, working in top hotel restaurants and even gaining experience working on the Reception Desk.

These placements are available for students aged between 18-30 that have a confirmed UCAS place, are currently studying at a UK University or who have graduated in the last 12 months and are British Citizens.

The Jobs...

Canadian hotels are proud of their reputation for high levels of customer service and they will normally start you off as a Housekeeper to see how you perform. This involves preparing and cleaning guest bedrooms. We are using an increasing number of small family run hotels that will give you the opportunity to shine in your role and hopefully get noticed and promoted to other duties quickly.

Participants must always expect to be a Housekeeper to begin with; however, if you have particularly good bar or restaurant experience, there is a small chance of being offered a job in one of those areas at the outset.

Standards are high in Canada and you'll be expected to be punctual, smart and polite. If you don't mind working hard you'll have a great time - both at work, where you will be part of a busy team, and in the resort itself. The attitude in Canada really is ‘Work hard, Play hard’!

By accepting a place offered by Oyster, you will be guaranteed a job as long as you can provide a clean Police Check and a UCAS letter/Graduation Certificate.

The Pay...

If the work sounds appealing then you can expect to earn a good wage above the Canadian minimum wage. Most find the wage enough to be able to live comfortably, have a great social life and even save money for when they have finished the placement.

Skiing Experience...

For novices and experts alike, Banff is the perfect Ski Resort. There are lots of ski lifts a short bus ride from Banff town centre. Experienced skiers have taken their skiing to new levels by doing extra courses. If you have only been skiing a few times - spend your free time skiing and improving! Over 6 months you will become pretty good to say the least!

Accommodation...

Oyster will secure good quality accommodation for you and your group. You'll live in the staff accommodation at the hotel you will be working at (no excuse for being late to work!) Oyster guarantees accommodation along with your job before you leave the UK.

Depending on the hotel, accommodation varies from apartment-style similar to University accommodation to a shared bunk room. All accommodation is self catering with cooking facilities provided and you should expect to share a room.

Participants do pay for accommodation whilst in Banff. This is great value and works out to be approximately 1 hours pay per night which comes directly off of your pay cheque every 2 weeks.

Do I get a social life..?

Expect to work 5 days a week full time on average over the 6 months. During peak times you may work more hours and during low season you may have a bit more time off.

There really is so much to do during your time off. Obviously there’s skiing and snowboarding, and not to mention cross country skiing and ice skating! There really is something for everyone in Banff. If winter sports are not your thing or you need to give the knees a rest then there are plenty of bars to relax in as well as visiting Calgary and Lake Louise.

You’ll go as part of a group of like-minded individuals, have a fantastic social life together and you will also make lots of new friends over the 6 months.

Most of our participants choose to travel afterwards around Canada and North America before flying home.

Oyster Support

Being a small and personal Gap Year company, our dedicated team of 3 full time staff, can take the time to get to know you and offer a personal service. On receiving your application, we invite you to an informal interview and tell you all about what you have applied for. 3 months before departure, we meet you and the rest of your group again at the Pre Departure Briefing.

The close and personal support continues in Banff where our Representative Karine becomes your main point of contact. You will first meet Karine when she meets you on arrival at Calgary airport. Karine is there to help with any problems that you may have both at work and in your personal life. Oyster has the right balance between support and independence and as such our representatives are not your typical ‘holiday rep’. You are encouraged to help yourself and be independent but can be safe in the knowledge that you can fall back onto our established support network should you need it.

Karine hosts monthly meet ups where Oyster will pay for some drinks and food. This is an opportunity to talk through any problems that the group may be having and for Karine to give any information that may be useful.

The benefits...

• Return flights between London and Calgary with flexible return date (fee charged by airline for date changes) - Reduced rates if you find your own way to Banff.
• Canadian Work Permit (worth £70)
• Guaranteed job and accommodation before departure