During the winter season there are lots of companies that need to fill seasonal positions for the the months of September to March. If you want to spend your working days outside surrounded by a a snowy winter wonderland, or at least have access to winter activities, then there are plenty of job options. But what winter seasonal jobs are available, what are the qualifications, and where can you start looking for them? To help answer these questions, and help you find the perfect winter seasonal job, here is a list of 12 winter seasonal jobs, where to find them, and where you can start applying!
Photo Credit: Priscilla Du Preez
1. Dog Musher
Contrary to what you may think, you do not always need experience to be a dog musher because some companies will train you. If you don't want to do the actual mushing but want to work with adorable huskies, then you can apply to help take care of the dogs. There are also other companies/businesses that offer dog sledding as one of many different winter activities. So, if you want the perks of the job but do not want to work directly with the dogs there are other job options available.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Dog Musher, Dog Handler, Tour Guide, & Kennel Help.
Other: Tour Coordinator, Reservations, & other hospitality focused jobs.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where to Job Search
Jobs in Alaska and dog sledding tour companies.
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Basic work websites (ex: Indeed).
Winter lodges, ranches, resorts, and tour guide operations that offer this activity.
Photo Credit: Kate Darmody
2. Hot Springs Attendant
If soaking in a hot spring while snowflakes flutter to the ground around you sounds like a great way to unwind on your day off, then it looks like you may have found a good way to spend your winter. There are various hot spring locations/lodges that need workers of all kinds so you don't need to specifically be a hot spring attendant to reap the benefits of the job.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Hot Springs Attendant.
Other: Housekeeper, Front Desk, Reservations, Server, Activity Guide, Massage & Spa Attendant, & other hospitality focused jobs.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where to Job Search
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Winter resorts, lodges, and hot spring resorts/hotels.
Photo Credit: Omri D Cohen
3. Build Ice Castles
Yes, this job actually exists! Of course, there are only a handful of locations that currently hire in the USA and it seems to be rather competitive. If you want to be apart of building a winter wonderland then be sure to check regularly for job postings.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Ice Builder.
Other: Character Actors, Guest Experience Staff, Tickets/Reservation, & more.
Where to Apply
Where to Job Search
Eagle River has ice builder volunteer options.
Search for ice castles abroad.
Photo Credit: Maarten Duineve
4. Ski Instructor or Ski Resort Worker
Working at a ski resort is a go-to for many during the winter. If you are looking for work that will last all season and provide you with free access to the slopes, then this is the job for you. Being a ski or snowboard instructor can be a lot of fun, but there are plenty of other jobs you can do as well. Ski resorts need a lot of workers to keep their resorts up and running, so you have a lot of positions to choose from.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Ski Instructor or Snowboard Instructor.
Other: Lifty, Ski Patrol, Tickets/Reservations, Activities, Hotel Front Desk, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Restaurant Host, Server, Busser, F&B Manager, & many more.
Where to Apply
& many more...
Where Else to Job Search
Ski work websites (ex: Snow Season Central or Ski Jobs).
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Ski resorts across the USA or abroad.
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Photo Credit: Jonatan Pie
5. Work Under the Northern Lights
If you want to get off the map, then consider spending a winter season way up north under the northern lights. If you do not want to go too far off the map, there are also multiple hospitality jobs in southern Alaska or the northern 48 states that will allow you to spend the winter months bearing witness to the dancing aurora.
Job Possibilities
Tour Guide, Maintenance, Cook, Baker, Housekeeper, Dishwasher, & many more.
Where to Apply
Borealis Basecamp *They usually posts jobs on Coolworks & Indeed
Where to Job Search
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Alaska winter lodging, resorts, and outfitters.
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema
6. String Christmas Lights
Believe it or not, you can get paid to string Christmas lights. There are many companies that hire people to string lights up during the holidays and take them down once the holidays are over. As long as you are not afraid of heights, why not get paid to run around stringing up lights and making the neighborhood shine.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Holiday Light Installer or Holiday Decorator.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Holiday/Christmas light installation companies near you.
Photo Credit: Ethan Walsweer
7. Snowmobile Guide
If you enjoy working with people and can see yourself plowing across white mountain landscapes all winter, then being a snowmobile guide is right up your ally. There are many positions that require little to no experience and offer on the spot training. Or, if you want the opportunity to spend your free days snowmobiling and exploring snow capped mountains but rather stay warm during the work day, why not find an indoor job with a company or lodge that offers snowmobiling as an activity?
Job Possibilities
Featured: Snowmobile Guide.
Other: Maintenance, Tour Organizer, Reservations, Trail Groomer, & other guiding and hospitality jobs.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Ski resorts, winter lodges, ranches, winter resorts, and tour guide operators.
Photo Credit: Andrea Stark
8. Drive a Sleigh
For this one you will need some prior experience. If you have worked with horses or have experience driving a team, why not spend the winter months driving a sleigh. The job usually pays a pretty penny and is a great way to make a good chunk of change in the winter. There are also jobs where you can drive reindeer as well!
*Note: Before applying with any company, be sure to research that they are properly caring for their horses.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Sleigh Driver.
Other: Wrangler, Stable Hand, Ticket/Reservations, & other hospitality or guide jobs.
Where to Apply
Snowed Inn Sleigh Company *They usually posts jobs on Coolworks & Indeed
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Ranch work websites (ex: Ranch Work).
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Sleigh/carriage companies, ski resorts, reindeer farms, and guest ranches.
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Photo Credit: Taylor Brandon
9. Snowshoe Guide
A job as a snowshoeing guide may require little training but it does require a lot of endurance. If you enjoy hiking, working with people, and would love to have access to your favorite trails in the winter, then this may be the job for you. This is also another activity that is offered as a one of many activities at ski resorts, lodges, and other companies that are open in the winter. So, if you want access to the trails but rather work indoors then you should easily be able to find a hospitality job that will allow you to snowshoe during your off time.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Snowshoe Guide.
Other: Other guiding & hospitality jobs.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Nature and outdoor education centers.
Companies that offer snowshoeing as an activity: winter lodges, ranches, resorts, winter outfitters, and tour guide operations.
Photo Credit: Jessica Weiller
10. Work with Reindeer
Believe it or not there are reindeer in the lower 48 US states that reside on reindeer farms and ranches. Most of these locations offer their guests the opportunity to interact with the beautiful creatures and participate in other activities as well. If you want to spend the winter around these gorgeous animals then start applying!
Job Possibilities
Featured: Reindeer Handler or Reindeer Caretaker.
Other: Farmhand, Santa's Helpers, Tickets/Reservations, & more.
Where to Apply
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm *They usually post jobs on Facebook
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Reindeer farms & ranches.
Abroad opportunities in Scandinavia.
Photo Credit: Glenna Haug
11. Ice Fishing Guide
If you can't get enough of fishing no matter the weather, then becoming an ice fishing guide may be perfect for you. This job takes a lot of patience and people skills, as you will most likely be making conversation while waiting for the fish to bite. While there is not a lot of in-depth training needed for the job, a lot of summer fly fishing or deep sea fishing guides tend to take on these roles, so don't be surprised if many companies already have their guides locked down for the winter.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Ice Fishing Guide.
Other: Outfitter Attendant, Sales Associate, Front Desk, and other guiding and hospitality jobs.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Outfitters, fish/fly shops, and winter lodges offering this activity.
Photo Credit: Jackman Chiu
12. Hike Glaciers in Alaska
This type of job is really cool, but it most likely will require some experience. While many companies offer glacier hiking in Alaska during the summer months there are also companies that offer glacier trekking in the winter. It will be cold, but having a job where you can explore glaciers everyday is hands down a spectacular experience.
Job Possibilities
Featured: Glacier Hiking Guide.
Other: Reservations, Tickets, Outfitter Attendant, & other guiding and hospitality jobs.
Where to Apply
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Basic work websties (ex: Indeed).
Seasonal work websites (ex: Coolworks)
Alaska work websties (ex: Alaska Tour Jobs).
Outfitters in Alaska that offer this activity.
Conclusion
During the snowy winter months there are still plenty of seasonal job options that will let you work outside or give you access to the great outdoors. Hopefully this list will not only help you brainstorm some job options, but give you some places you can directly apply to and help keep your job search going. What winter seasonal jobs have you worked? Share your experience in the comments below!