The Top 9 International Destinations for Seasonal Ski Jobs

For many skiers and snowboarders, working a season at a mountain is the ultimate way to combine a paycheck with a passion for snow. Instead of squeezing in a few vacation days each winter, seasonal workers can spend months living in a ski town, riding on their days off, and immersing themselves in mountain culture.

But not all ski destinations are created equal when it comes to seasonal work. A recent study by Remitly, ranking 88 popular seasonal work destinations around the world, found nine winter resort towns that stand above the rest.

The study ranked 88 seasonal work destinations across 21 countries using five factors: cost of living, rent affordability, things to do, job demand, and safety. Each factor was scored from 0 to 100, with the five scores averaged to produce an overall ranking for each destination.

These are the world’s top nine destinations for skiers and snowboarders looking to work a season abroad.

• Related: Top 9 Most Rewarding Ski-Related Jobs
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#9 Whistler, Canada – Score: 58.3

Whistler combines a huge ski and snowboard scene with a strong seasonal hospitality industry, giving temporary workers plenty of opportunities to work and play in the same place. Its abundance of outdoor attractions and activities means workers have plenty to do on their days off, while the resort’s massive tourism industry creates consistent demand for seasonal jobs. For someone looking to spend a winter working abroad without giving up access to world-class skiing, Whistler offers a particularly natural fit.

#8 Courchevel, France – Score: 60.9

Courchevel puts seasonal workers in the heart of the French Alps, with extensive skiing and snowboarding alongside a thriving hospitality industry that comes alive during the winter season. The area’s large number of attractions and recreational opportunities gives workers plenty to explore beyond the slopes, while seasonal tourism creates demand for temporary employees. Its combination of mountain access, European ski culture, and seasonal work makes it an appealing destination for those looking to spend a winter in the Alps.

#7 Zermatt, Switzerland – Score: 62.0

Zermatt offers seasonal workers the chance to live and work beneath the Matterhorn while enjoying one of Europe’s most famous ski and snowboard areas. The resort’s strong tourism industry supports seasonal employment in hospitality and other services, while its concentration of attractions gives workers plenty to experience away from work. Although the high cost of living is an important consideration, Zermatt’s spectacular mountain setting and extensive winter recreation make it a memorable option for a ski season abroad.

#6 Val d’Isère, France – Score: 62.5

Val d’Isère’s high elevation in the French Alps helps provide a long season and dependable snow, making it a popular destination for winter workers. The resort scored well for affordability and job opportunities, while also having the highest number of attractions per resident among the ski destinations. Its biggest drawback was safety, with a score of 37.3, the lowest among the study’s top destinations.

#5 St Anton, Austria – Score: 63.6

St. Anton is a top choice for skiers who want a combination of quality skiing and a lively après scene in Austria’s Arlberg region. The resort has strong demand for seasonal hospitality workers, helped by its popularity with winter visitors, while also earning a solid safety score of 75.6. Living costs are higher than many other destinations, but the chance to spend a season in the Tyrolean Alps makes it an attractive option for seasonal workers.

#4 Wanaka, New Zealand – Score: 64.1

Wanaka is a quieter lakeside community about an hour from Queenstown, offering easy access to Mount Aspiring National Park and nearby ski areas such as Cardrona and Treble Cone. It is a good choice for seasonal workers who want to experience the Southern Alps without the busier party scene found in Queenstown. Wanaka also scores highly for safety and has more affordable rent than Queenstown, while maintaining a relatively low cost of living.

#3 Queenstown, New Zealand – Score: 66.6

Queenstown sits along Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables providing a dramatic backdrop, making it one of New Zealand’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure and attracting visitors year-round. The steady flow of tourists creates seasonal employment opportunities in both hospitality and at nearby ski areas. While housing can be expensive, seasonal employers often provide or subsidize accommodations, and shared housing is another common option for workers.

#2 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Score: 73.1

Cortina d’Ampezzo sits in Italy’s Dolomites and is known for its scenic setting, upscale reputation, and long history as a popular ski destination. Hosting part of a major international winter sports event in 2026 helped increase its profile and contributed to strong seasonal job demand, while it also ranked as the safest destination in the study. The downside is the high cost of living and expensive housing, although seasonal employers may offer subsidized accommodations or other lower-cost housing options.

#1 Niseko, Japan – Score: 79.0

Niseko, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is renowned for its exceptional powder snow and four interconnected ski areas. Its international atmosphere and large English-speaking community make it an appealing option for seasonal workers seeking jobs in hospitality, ski schools, or mountain operations. The area also scored highly for safety, while relatively affordable living costs help offset its remote location and the resort’s higher prices.

For skiers and snowboarders, a seasonal job can mean much more than a paycheck. It is a chance to spend an entire winter surrounded by mountains, meet people from around the world, and turn the ski bum dream into a temporary way of life. These nine destinations show that there are plenty of ways to make it happen. So if you’ve ever dreamed of working a season abroad, dust off the résumé, pack your skis or snowboard, and start looking for your next winter home.