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Nakiska Resort

Work and travel Nakiska Resort
Status: Winter 2024/25 - OPEN

Snapshot

Winter Season:

November – April

Province:

Alberta

Accommodation:

Staff accommodation provided

Min age:

20 years

Nations eligible to apply:

Australia, New Zealand (Canadian working holiday visa required)

Interview locations:

Australia

Jobs:
  • Snow Making
  • Lift Operations
  • Retail
  • Rental
  • Guest Services
  • Food & Beverage

Most common questions

Nakiska is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in beautiful Kananaskis Country, only 45 minutes from the vibrant city of Calgary. Nakiska was home to the Calgary ’88 Olympic Alpine events, and today, skiers and riders enjoy Olympic-length runs that are groomed to perfection. Nakiska is a family-friendly resort. A confident beginner’s area with friendly ski school staff means the kids can enjoy lessons for the day while you explore Nakiska’s challenging upper mountain.

At the end of your ski day, pamper yourself at one of the hotels in Kananaskis Village, only five minutes away from Nakiska. Soak tired muscles in the jacuzzi, curl up next to the fireplace with a book, or indulge in fabulous food! Lifts are just steps away from the full-service day lodge.

  • Calgary’s the closest mountain
  • Located just 45 minutes west of Calgary
  • Canada’s Olympic Mountain – Host of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games
  • Wide-open, corduroy-groomed runs
  • World-class dining, accommodation and spas in Kananaskis Village, including the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis
  • A great variety of learn-to-ski programs for both children and adults
  • Official Alpine Canada National Training Centre

Live Here

Nakiska Ski Resort is proud to offer the best staff housing in the ski industry in Western Canada. Our employees live in Manor 88, the housing facility that was built for the visiting athletes of the 1988 Olympics. Staff accommodation is located in the Kananaskis Valley. The majority of entry-level housing is located at Manor 88 in the Kananaskis Village (approximately four kilometres from the ski hill). You will be assigned your personal room, which is locked for your safety and convenience.

Each floor has approximately ten rooms. You will be required to share your bathroom with one other person next door to your room. Each floor has access to a community kitchen and community living area. There are telephone / Internet lines available, and you are required to contact the phone company to set up packages and billing.

The cost of housing in Manor 88 is approximate $10.00 per day, which will be deducted automatically from your pay cheque every two weeks.

If you are placed on our other rental properties, rent may be a little higher. Nakiska has housing in other locations around Kananaskis approximately 15 kilometres from the ski hill.

You will be required to pay a damage deposit of $300 that will be returned to you upon departure, provided there are no damages.

Play Here

Employs around 85 staff during the winter season. This resort is the closest ski resort to Calgary and because of this the weekends are super busy!!

This location offers staff housing on site and is one of the very few employers who offers single, private rooms. Fun Fact – Nakiska hosted the olympics back in the 80s and built housing for the olympians that is now used for staff housing.

There is no night life at Nakiska. The closest bar is either at Nakiska in the resort run bar OR the hotel run bar about 5min drive from the resort. They do have a staff common rooms for staff to socialise. Should people want have wider range of bar or restaurant options you will need to drive to Canmore, a 38min drive or further down the road to Banff 53min drive. Calgary is just over an hour away. This location is remote, so getting to and from town on a night out, we would recommend heading out over your days off and staying overnight to make it worthwhile.

Saturation of Aussies is small to moderate

This place is cold during the winter. Can get down to -30 regularly.

Nakiska has outdoor roles like Lift operations (must be able to ski to an intermediate level) & tube park. Roles in food & beverage back and front of house, cashiers, retail, guest services, rentals and guest services. The range and number of roles on offer changes annually based on returning staff – check the website for more info.

To progress up the management or responsibility ladder at this resort – means doing back to back winter seasons (Nakiska does not operate in Summer)

This resort offers a ski pass with your employment.

This resort has 1021 acres of skiable terrain.

Nakiska is part of the RCR (Resorts of the Canadian Rockies) company so your staff ski pass gives you reciprocal benefits at Kicking Horse, Kimberley & Fernie Mountains. These resorts are not especially close to Nakiska…and would be more of a ‘road trip’ mission than a day trip.

Nakiska is remote….Canmore a small town where you’ll get groceries is a 38min drive or further down the road is Banff, a further 53min drive. Calgary is just over an hour away.

Nakiska does not operate in the summer. When you get to the end of your employment contract, clarify with managers prior to the end of the season if you are keen to return of the following winter and they will touch base with more info closer to the start of the following winter.

Its small and way more intimate than large ski resorts. Great place to learn to ski or ride and just to be in an environment that treats you like a person and not a number. The staff are tight knit here. Suits people not into partying and wanting a less hectic resort and a family vibe with the staff.

Its is small & remote. For those that are intermediate and or advanced skiers or boarders, this resorts terrain may get boring after the first couple weeks. The range of activities outside of work are minimal – so if you thrive on action and nightlife – this is not the place to be. It can also get VERY cold!

Staff Perks

Season ski pass

At Nakiska and at other RCR owned resorts: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Fernie, Kimberley Ski Field

Staff Discounts

Show your staff identification at any of the four Western Canadian Resorts and you will receive great discounts on: Gear rentals, Retail, Subsidised accommodation, food & bev.

Staff Events

Staff parties and events

Explore Jobs

Nakiska is looking for motivated staff, wanting to use their high level of customer service and personal skills to provide a welcoming feeling to resort guests. Most of all, Nakiska wants their employees to enjoy what the Canadian Rockies have to offer and to enjoy the season of a lifetime.

If you are looking to gain experience in different areas, Nakiska is happy to help you with that. Many of our employees participate in the CSIA or the CASI instructors’ courses over the season, gaining teaching certifications in skiing and snowboarding. If you are building your resume and would like to try out different responsibilities while you are here, let management know and we will do everything we can to make that opportunity a possibility for you.

All applicants need to be 20 years of age. Don’t forget that friendly and enthusiastic customer service is a fundamental part of Nakiska’s success, and your attitude to customer service will be the determining factor in your future with us. Training is provided for all roles but some positions may require previous experience.

Jobs Available
  • Barista
  • Cashier
  • Deli Attendant
  • Guest Services
  • Snowmaking
  • Snowmaking Building Operator
  • Lift Attendants
  • Rental Technician
  • Retail Sales Associate
  • Line Cook
  • Janitor

Images from our past participants

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