Best Winter Jobs in Canada (Seasonal: Snow & Ski 2026)
In Canada, Winter is an economy of its own.
While most of the country goes into hibernation from November to April, two massive industries wake up: Snow Management and Winter Tourism.
These industries are desperate for staff. They know the work is cold, dark, and temporary, so they pay a premium (or offer incredible perks) to get you to do it.
There are two ways to approach a "Winter Job":
- The "Grind" Route: You work 80 hours a week driving a plow or an ice road truck. You don't see the sun, but you clear $5,000 - $8,000 a month.
- The "Lifestyle" Route: You work at a ski resort. You make minimum wage, but you get a free pass, cheap housing, and ride the best mountains in the world every day.
Whether you want to stack cash or shred powder, here are the best winter jobs in Canada for the 2026 season.
1. Snow Plow & Salt Truck Operator (The "White Gold")
The Job: Keeping Canada moving.
Locations: Every city (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa are the busiest).
The Pay:
- Sidewalk Crew (Shoveling): $25.00 – $30.00 per hour.
- Plow Truck Driver: $30.00 – $45.00 per hour + Standby Pay.The "Standby" Bonus:This is the secret sauce. Most snow removal contracts pay you a "Standby Fee" (e.g., $500/week) just to be available. Even if it doesn't snow, you get paid. If it does snow, you get your hourly rate on top.The Schedule: Brutal. You are "On Call" 24/7. If it snows on Christmas Eve at 2:00 AM, you are working.Entry Requirements: A clean driver's license (G or Class 5). For the big salt trucks, you need a DZ or Class 3 license.
2. Ski Resort "Liftie" (Lift Operator)
The Job: The classic "Ski Bum" role. Managing the chairlifts.
Locations: Whistler Blackcomb (BC), Banff Sunshine (AB), Big White (BC), Mont Tremblant (QC).
The Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour.
The Real Value:
- The Pass: A free season pass (Value: $1,500+).
- The Housing: As discussed in our Employer Housing Guide, resorts offer staff dorms for ~$500/month. Finding a private apartment in Whistler costs $3,000, so this is a massive subsidy.
- The Vibe: You are outside all day, listening to music, and bumping chairs for happy tourists. It is arguably the most social job in Canada.
3. Ice Road Trucker (The Extreme Job)
The Job: Hauling fuel and supplies to diamond mines over frozen lakes.
Locations: Yellowknife (NWT), Northern Manitoba, Northern Ontario.
The Pay: $60,000 – $90,000 for a 3-month season (Jan - March).
The Reality:
- It is not like the TV show Ice Road Truckers. It is slow (speed limits are 25km/h on ice), dark, and lonely.
- The Risk: If your truck breaks down at -40°C, it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Experience: You need at least 2 years of mountain/winter driving experience. Rookies are rarely hired for the ice.
- Internal Link: A natural progression for readers of our Trucking Guide.
4. Winter Drilling Rig Hand (The "Freeze Up")
The Job: Oil & Gas drilling.
Locations: Northern Alberta (Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray), BC Peace Region.
The Context: Much of Northern Canada is swamp (muskeg). Heavy drilling rigs can only move when the ground is frozen solid. This makes January to March the busiest drilling season of the year.
The Pay: $35.00 – $45.00 per hour + Subsistence (Living Allowance).
The Shift: 12 hours a day, every day, for weeks. It is physically exhausting work in extreme cold.
Why do it? You can make 40% of your annual income in these 3 months.
5. Ski Instructor (The Pro Route)
The Job: Teaching tourists how to pizza and french fry.
The Pay: $20.00 – $35.00 per hour + Tips.
The Tips: This is the differentiator. Wealthy families will often tip a private instructor $100 - $200 for a good day.
The Barrier: You need certification (CSIA - Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance).
- Level 1: Easy to get (3-day course). Allows you to teach kids/beginners.
- Level 2/3: Harder, but unlocks higher pay.
6. Dog Sled Guide (Musher)
The Job: Leading dog sled tours for tourists.
Locations: Canmore (AB), Yukon, Quebec City.
The Pay: $18.00 – $25.00 per hour.
The Lifestyle: You work with animals. You spend your days feeding, harnessing, and running huskies through the snow.
The Vibe: It is magical but smelly. You will smell like wet dog all winter.
Comparison Table: The "Grind" vs. The "Ride"
| Job | Monthly Income | Fun Level | Housing Provided? | Best For |
| Ice Road Trucker | $20,000+ | Low | Camps | Maximum Cash |
| Snow Plow | $6,000+ | Low | No | City Dwellers |
| Rig Hand | $8,000+ | Low | Camps | Tough Guys |
| Lift Operator | $3,500 | High | Yes (Dorms) | Students / Partiers |
| Ski Instructor | $4,500 (w/ Tips) | Medium | Sometimes | Skilled Skiers |
Practical Questions Answered
"Is staff housing guaranteed?"
NO.
- The Crisis: In Whistler and Banff, there are more staff than beds.
- The Strategy: Apply early (August/September). Staff housing is usually "First Come, First Served." If you apply in November, you will likely be sleeping on a friend's couch.
"What gear do I need?"
Do not cheap out.
- For Resort Staff: You need Merino Wool base layers and Gore-Tex shells. Cotton kills.
- For Plow/Rig Workers: You need "Dunlop" or "Baffin" boots (rated to -50°C). If your feet freeze, you can't work. The employer provides the high-vis jacket, but the boots are usually on you.
"Can I get a visa just for the season?"
Yes (IEC).
- Working Holiday: The "International Experience Canada" (IEC) visa is the standard for Australians, Brits, and Kiwis coming to work a ski season.
- Young Professionals: Some specialized roles (like Avalanche Technician) qualify for this stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the season start?
November.
Resorts usually open in late November. Snow removal contracts usually run from November 15th to April 1st. You need to be in the country and ready to work by Halloween.
Do I need to be a good skier to be a "Liftie"?
No.
You don't need to ski at all. Many lifties work the "Bottom Station" (loading people) and take the gondola down at the end of the day. However, learning to ski is the main perk, so you should try!
Is snow removal cash work?
Often, yes.
Many smaller landscaping companies pay "Under the Table" for shoveling crews. While tempting, remember that if you get injured (slip on ice) and you are working for cash, you have no WSIB/Workers Comp protection. It is safer to work for a legitimate company on payroll.
About the author
Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.
Sources
- Whistler Blackcomb Careers: https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/whistler/go/Whistler-Blackcomb-Jobs/3521600/
- Stepwest (Ski Season Programs): https://www.stepwest.com/programs/working-holiday-canada/ski-resort/
- Landscape Ontario (Snow Management): https://landscapeontario.com/
Note:
Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.