When people think seasonal work, summer is usually the time of year that comes to mind, however there are lots of opportunities for seasonal work during the winter. You can find winter seasonal jobs that get you outside playing in the snow all winter long or that keep you cozy and warm while working indoors. These seasonal winter jobs range from entry level positions to jobs with specific skill sets and can be found all across the USA. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about working a winter season, what types of seasonal winter jobs there are, where to find a winter seasonal job, and more.
Photo Credit: Roi Dimor
Table of Contents
About Winter Seasonal Work
When is the winter season?
The winter season ranges from September/October to March/April. Jobs will start and end anytime between this time frame depending on the opening/closing dates of the company. Opening and closing dates depend on varying factors such as weather. For example, many ski resorts out west will open in late November because they rely on the snowfall to run their business.
Are all winter seasonal jobs outdoor jobs or located in snowy environments?
No! There are plenty of winter jobs that will allow you to stay indoors during the winter season. Look for companies like ski resorts, spas, ranches, and lodges that offer jobs such as; server, front desk, housekeeping, reservations agent, events, sales, bartender, etc... While many states in the USA offer white winters, you can find a few seasonal jobs in the southern states or western deserts that will keep you away from the majority of the year's snowfall.
When do companies begin hiring for the winter season?
July and August are the prime winter seasonal hiring times. However, some companies may start their hiring process earlier in the summer, especially if they include fall or spring in their winter season, their staff training starts earlier, or they want to get the best candidates before other companies do.
When should you apply for a winter seasonal job?
With any job it is best to apply early, especially if you want a job that is seen as more active or fun, such as a guide job, as these tend to fill up faster than most jobs. Mid-summer is a great time to start your search. If applications are not open yet, make note of the companies you want to apply to and when their specific hiring process begins.
Is it worth it to apply to a winter seasonal job late in the game?
Yes! Seasonal work has high turnover rates for many reasons; people learn seasonal work is not for them, they decide to accept a more permanent offer, housing isn't to their liking, they get fired, etc... This means jobs open up all the time during the season. So, if the job you want is not currently hiring, keep an eye out throughout the season or send an email letting them know you're interested if a position opens up.
Do you have to work the holidays when working a winter seasonal job?
The majority of seasonal winter jobs will expect you to work during the holidays. This means you may be working during Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and/or any other holiday that you celebrate. You can find a job that closes down during certain holidays but this is rare for a full-time winter seasonal job.
Photo Credit: Lucas Canino
Types of Winter Seasonal Jobs
Types of Companies Hiring During the Winter
There are all types of companies hiring for a wide range of jobs for their winter season. Do not sell yourself short when it comes to choosing where you want to work. For example, if you do not have the experience needed to be a ski instructor, that does not mean you can not work at a ski resort. Ski resorts hire all types of workers from servers and housekeeping to tickets and parking.
General businesses that need all types of staff/workers for the winter season;
Ski resorts
Working ranches and guest ranches
Lodges, hotels, and other resorts
National parks
Hot springs
Golfing and hunting clubs
YMCAs and education institutes
Bars, restaurants, and gift shops in tourist areas
Business in Alaska
Types of Jobs to Work During the Winter
There are many different types of winter seasonal jobs. You can easily find entry level jobs of all kinds that will train you on the spot. There are also some jobs that require a more specific skill set. You can find jobs that keep you out in the snow or allow you to stay inside away from the cold. You can also find short-term jobs that allow you to work only for the holidays.
Outdoor Guide Jobs
Ski or Snowboard Instructor
Dog Musher
Wrangler or Sleigh Driver
Ice Fishing Guide
Snowmobile Guide
Snowshoe Guide
Glacier or Hiking Guide
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Outdoor Jobs
Lift Attendant, Tubing Attendant, Ski Patrol
Sled Dog Handler/Care
Ranch Work or Farm Hand
Snow Removal, Plowing, Trail Groomer
Park Ranger or Park Attendant
Ice Castle Builder
Maintenance and Equipment Operator
Indoor Jobs
Transportation: Bus Driver, Transit Operator, Shuttle Driver, Valet
Hospitality: Housekeeping, Front Desk, Reservations, Retail, Spa Attendant, Sales, Night Auditor, Clerk
Retail: Rentals, Gift Shop, Ticket Sales, Cashier
Food & Beverage: Server, Bartender, Host, Busser, Line Cook, Chef, Barista, Dishwasher, Baker
Events: Catering, Activity Coordinating, Set-Up
Childcare: Youth Programs, Ski School, Daycare, Winter Camp Counselor
Other: Lifeguard
Short-Term Holiday Contracts
Christmas Tree Sales/Farming
Holiday Light Installer
Holiday Event Set-Up
Holiday Festival Workers
Santa's Helpers
Gift Wrapping
Photo Credit: Chris Holder
Where to Find a Winter Seasonal Job
You can find a winter seasonal job in several ways.
Use Seasonal Work Specific Websites
While I highly recommend using CoolWorks, you can also use one of these 15 websites to find seasonal jobs. These websites are made to advertise seasonal work, which makes it easy to find job openings looking for staff to work the winter season. The majority of these jobs will offer seasonal work contracts that include housing.
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Use Free General Job Search Websites
Indeed or Monster are two examples of job websites where you can also find short-term seasonal positions. However, you may need to comb through many jobs to find ones only looking to hire for the short-term winter season. You will also find more "general" seasonal jobs on these sites such as retail positions that do not provide housing.
Search for Business Currently Hiring Winter Seasonal Workers
You can find these businesses via google by typing in keywords such as; seasonal winter business, seasonal winter job openings, winter seasonal positions hiring now, ski resort job openings, winter resort job openings, etc... Or, you can decide on the type of job you want and search with keywords such as; ski resort instructor job openings, winter ranch job openings, server position needed in national park, etc...
Ask Around
In the seasonal work industry, it is common for people to find out about jobs via word of mouth. If you are already working a seasonal job, talk to other staff members and find out what they have done or are doing during the winter season. If you work for a company that only runs in the summer, see if they know other businesses currently looking for help, companies they hire their winter staff from, or have any suggestions.
If you have not yet gotten started in seasonal work, ask around at your current job, talk to your friends, or inquire with your neighbors. It's highly probable that they "know a guy" who is looking for winter help on his farm or are related to someone that needs a short-term position filled for the upcoming season. If not, they may be able to give you some ideas on where to look based off of their work history.
Photo Credit: Ruth Troughton
Choosing the Right Winter Seasonal Job for You
When deciding on what winter seasonal job is best for you, you need to decide if the job and company will provide you with the experience you are looking for. It is important to take into consideration the many factors that will influence your experience. Here are some points to consider and compare when choosing a winter seasonal job. Make sure to weigh your own personal pros and cons.
The Type of Job
Whatever job you choose you will be doing it all season. Snow removal may be something you can do, but do you want to do it for five months straight? Ice fishing may be something you enjoy during your free time but are you happy being out on the ice all day with new guests each week? Do you need to be outside everyday or would you rather work indoors and just hit the slopes in your free time? What kind of job do you actually want to do?
Working Hours
What is the length of your seasonal contract and can you commit to it? How many hours will you be working per day or days per week? In the seasonal job realm it is normal to work overtime, especially during the holidays, and some jobs call for a 6 day work week. Is this something you can realistically do/handle for the full season or would you prefer a job that functions more like a 9-5 with two consecutive days off?
Pay
Many seasonal jobs do not pay super well. However, pay is not the main reason people take seasonal jobs. Do the perks and provisions of the job outweigh a lower paycheck? Consider how much you will make versus your hourly breakdown. Is it worth it to you? How much will you be making in tips? If you need to, will this job allow you to save money or are you probably going to end up spending more than you make? If higher pay means taking a job you would be less inclined to enjoy, is that worth it for you?
Perks
In my opinion, the best part of seasonal work is the perks of the job. Do you want to work a job that allows you to hike a glacier everyday or live under the northern lights in Alaska? A seasonal job lets you do that! Make sure the job you are taking includes the perks you want. If you are working at a ski resort does the job come with a free ski pass? If you are working at a ranch, does your job allow you access to go horseback riding on your off days? What other perks are included in a potential seasonal job?
Location
Where do you want to live for the winter season. If you want to live in Alaska does that mean you are okay with it being mostly dark during your entire season? If you want to work at a ski resort are you okay with being stuck out in the mountains that are several hours from the nearest town, or should you find a resort closer to the tourist areas? What resources will you have on your days off? How much cold and snow are you able to handle?
Work Environment
Consider how the direct working environment effects you and your mental health. If you take a serving job at a lodge are you okay with working in a fast paced environment your entire season? If you work the day shift at a gift shop are you okay with starting your days with early dark mornings, spending the day indoors, and getting home when the sun is setting?
Housing
Seasonal housing varies from job to job. Some employers will deduct a monthly housing fee from your paycheck and others will offer free housing as part of your contract. Consider how much you are paying your employer for housing versus how much you are making. Does your current financial situation need you to work for a company that provides free housing? Is the housing that is provided doable for a whole season? Are you okay having multiple roommates or living in a bunkhouse style building?
Meals
Some employers provide meals for their seasonal staff. If they are providing food for you, is it food you are able to consume when considering any heath concerns, preferences, or allergies you have? Do you have the funds to supplement food for yourself if needed? If you need to make your own meals, do you have access to a kitchen and proper appliances to make food that will fuel you? If you are not bringing a car can you be sure you will have a way to get into town and purchase groceries? If you are living in a resort town, can you afford purchasing groceries every week?
Photo Credit: Jan Antonin Kolar
Applying for a Winter Seasonal Job
The Application Process
Applying for a seasonal job is just like applying for a "regular" job and you should treat it as such. Each job/company will have their own way for you to apply. Usually this means either submitting your resume or filling out an application via their website. Once you submit the necessary materials, that company will get in contact with you. If you make it to the next step in the process, you will probably have one or two phone/virtual interviews.
You should be applying to multiple jobs. If you want to be a snowboard instructor, then apply to multiple ski resorts. If you want to work in a specific national park, then apply to multiple jobs around the area. Many people are most likely applying for the same job and not every company will let you know that you were not chosen for an interview. Applying to more jobs means you have a higher chance of getting a job.
Cold Calling
A cold call is when you call a business to inquire about a job position or see if they are hiring. Believe it or not, many people still do this and I have been on the receiving end on many of these calls. This is a completely fine thing to do. BUT: If you do this, please be professional! Be ready to introduce yourself, explain the reason for the call, and ask how you can get in touch with the hiring team. If you are not professional, odds are the hiring team will be notified and you will not receive a call back. (Also, please know that the person you have called probably has nothing to do with the hiring process and can not get you a job, but they might have some sway so be polite.)
Adjusting Your Resume
Like with any job, make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience you need for the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a hospitality job, make sure your resume notes your experience working with guests, communicating with others, working in a team, multi-tasking, etc... If you are applying for a guide job, include your experience teaching, working with groups, risk management skills, etc...
Do not worry if your resume does not match the job perfectly. Since most seasonal companies hire new workers each season, they are used to providing on the job training for new staff. What they really want to see is your personality, hospitality skills, and that you would be a good fit for their team.
The Interview Process
Again, just like any other job, you should be prepared for the interview process. Dress and act professional. Be ready to speak about your experience as it relates to the job and answer questions about yourself and your skill set. Come with questions as it relates to the job and the company.
Photo Credit: Eugene Zhyvchik
Tips for Working a Winter Season
Know what kind of cold you will experience.
Just because you have experienced winter in your home state, or even in the same state the job is in, does not mean it will be the same type of winter as where you are going. Do some research on the weather, temperature, real feel, and snowfall of the location you will be living in. This will help give you realistic expectations on what your work day will look like, time off may consist of, what you need to pack, and what your overall experience may shape up to be.
You don't need to purchase all your winter gear before arriving.
If you are heading to a resort town, odds are there will be a thrift shop or two in the area. Purchasing at thrift stores or used gear shops can help you save money. Some companies may even have a location where employees from last season left their old gear behind for new employees to use. Check what employee discount you have for stores in town, your company's gift shops, or even online. Lastly, some of your fellow employees may have gear you can borrow for the season, such as a snowboard or ski poles.
Know how you will be getting around.
Maybe it's a resort on a mountain top or a ranch in the rockies, but lots of seasonal work locations are situated out in the middle of nowhere. If you are not going to bring a vehicle, is there a way for you to get into town on your days off? Is there a public bus you can use, does your employer offer transportation for staff, is anything actually walkable in the middle of the winter? Or, are you okay with being stuck on property for the majority of the season if none of these options are available to you? Being able to get from place to place versus being stuck on property will not only effect your ability to get groceries, but can have an effect on your metal health and work/life balance.
If you are taking a vehicle, know how to drive in the snow.
If you plan on bringing a car, make sure you have experience driving in the snow. If you have no experience with this, you will realize very quickly it can be a lot more dangerous than you are expecting, especially when you learn about white-out factors, black ice, and driving at night. Understand how the snow will effect your car so you can take care of it properly, and know the proper gear you will need to carry around in case of an emergency (a snow shovel, a flashlight, etc...). Your safety is important.
Bring/find a reliable hobby.
The snow and cold may force you to stay indoors much more than you were hoping for. This means you might be stuck inside in your free time. It's best to find a hobby that keeps you active, creative, and/or entertained. Maybe take up snowshoeing to get yourself outside, learn to crochet to keep your hands busy, or become addicted to puzzles to pass the time. Either way, find a hobby that interests you, helps keep you away from going stir crazy, and helps with your mental health.
Know how seasonal depression effects you.
Seasonal depression is a real thing. During the winter the cold weather and darker days can have a negative effect on people. You can take preventative measures and form habits that help keep seasonal depression at bay. Find a good support system by making friends with other seasonal staff, find a new interest/hobby you enjoy, try to be active for 30 minutes a day, and do your best to feed and care for your body the right way. If you start feeling the effects of seasonal depression, do some research on things that can help.
Research the lifestyle of the job you will be doing.
Not enough people really look into what they are getting into with seasonal work, especially winter jobs. Make sure you understand your housing situation; living with multiple roommates or in a "bunkhouse" style housing is not for everyone. Know that you will be working the holidays and may need to adjust to a weird schedule depending on your job. Understand the general traits that go along with specific jobs; certain personalities can flock to certain types of jobs and live a certain way that may work great for you, or may not be what you are looking for.
Conclusion
Winter seasonal workers are needed to keep multiple companies across the USA in business during the season. There are many different types of winter seasonal jobs for workers of all skill levels. The purpose of this guide was to help answer your questions about working a winter season, direct you to websites that will help you find a winter seasonal job, and provide other insights about working a winter season. What winter seasonal jobs have you worked? Let us know your experience in the comments below.