Nakiska Mountain Resort

About Nakiska Ski Resort

Season: November to April
Province: Alberta
Accommodation: Staff accommodation provided
Age: 20
Jobs: Snow Making, Lift Operations, Retail, Rental, Guest Services, Food & Beverage
Nations Eligible To Apply: Australia, New Zealand (Canadian working holiday visa required)
Interview Locations: Australia

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.

Staff Perks:

Calgary’s the closest mountain.
A great variety of learn-to-ski programs.
Discount Gear rentals.
Subsidised accommodation.
Staff parties and events.
Season ski pass.
Ski Pass includes other resorts.

ACCOMMODATION:

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 approximately $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. You will be required to pay a damage deposit of $300 that will be returned to you upon departure, provided there are no damages. Nakiska has housing in other locations around Kananaskis approximately 15 kilometres from the ski hill.

Size of the resort: 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!!

Staff Housing: This location offers staff housing on-site and is one of the very few employers that offer 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.

What about staff housing?

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.

What about the nightlife?

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.

What are the job roles available?

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.

Can I progress in my career here?

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

Tell me more about the ski pass?

Nakiska offers an on mountain ski pass as part of your employment. 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.

Why Choose Nakiska?

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.

Aussie saturation?

Saturation of Aussies is small-to-moderate.

Temperature?

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

Size of terrain?

This resort has 1021 acres of skiable terrain.

Reciprocal pass options?

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.

Location?

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.

Ongoing employment?

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.