Ski Season Jobs for Backpackers

Ski Season Jobs in Australia

When you think about Australia, you often imagine the red sand of the outback or the blue oceans of coasts. Australia’s ski resorts and alpine regions are lesser known amongst backpackers and are all too often forgotten by travel guides.

The ski season provides the perfect opportunity for backpackers to try out some alpine activities as well as pick up employment in one of the many winter resort casual jobs.

We’ve come up with a backpackers’ guide to Australia's ski season. So, put aside your board shorts and thongs, pick up your snowboard and salopettes and hit the slopes this winter.

The most popular ski resorts in Australia

Thredbo, New South Wales

Thredbo is a great ski resort to visit if you’re a first time skier as there are runs suitable for all levels, including many gentle slopes and a ‘first time only’ ski area. The pedestrian-friendly town is a lovely place to wander and there’s also night skiing twice a week.

The downside is that the après ski facilities are lacking a little and the terrain park could be better.

Mount Buller, Victoria

Just a three or four hour jaunt from Melbourne, Mount Buller is a huge ski resort with more than 300 hectares of ski runs which suit both skiers and snowboarders. For experienced skiers there’s a host of black runs to enjoy, while the toboggan run provides a few laughs for the less seasoned skiers.

Unfortunately, because of its close proximity to Melbourne, Mount Buller can get very crowded on the weekends during the ski season.

Falls Creek, Victoria

One of the bigger ski fields in Australia, Falls Creek has more than 450 hectares of skiing area. There are green, blue and black runs, so everyone is catered for, regardless of skill level.

However, about 60% of the ski resort’s terrain is made up of immediate and difficult runs, which means it might not be the best place for those starting out.

The peak dates for the ski season in Australia

The ski season in Australia starts around the end of June and lasts until about mid-September. If you want the best skiing conditions however, it’s best to go skiing in Australia around the second week of July, when the season is at its peak.

Opportunities for work during the ski season

Want to be a ski bunny for a season? There’s lots of jobs that require filling over this busy time at Australia’s ski resorts. These positions include hotel employment, au pair positions, hospitality roles, chalet work and chair lift operators.

The pay isn’t amazing, but employers often throw in accommodation, ski hire and a lift pass – and what else do you need? Working the ski season is a great opportunity for solo travellers to meet new people and find travel buddies.

Budget travel options during the ski season

The trick to saving money when you head for the slopes is to plan ahead. Buy your gear ahead second hand in charity shops or online, or hire your gear before you get to the mountain – it’s a lot cheaper off the slopes.

Planning ahead also lets you scope out the best deals – keep an eye out for discounted lift passes ahead of your travels.

Although it might be tempting to sleep in accommodation on the mountain, you can save a lot by booking a chalet or hostel a short drive away.