Canada's Rocky Mountains
Resorts in The Rockies are extremely popular and there are plenty of Gap Year opportunities in the hospitality industry, usually at entry level, dependent on experience. You should average about C$10 (approx £4.50) per hour before tips for 30-40 hours a week. Hours vary with season, snow conditions and guest numbers; normally you get two days off to ski - and believe us, the skiing is absolutely superb. Your employer provides accommodation for you (this comes out of your pay cheque), leaving you with money to have fun with. So if skiing, cross-country, snowboarding, skating and sledging appeal, this is your baby. It's not the placement for anyone trying to save money!
In order to be eligible for the Work Permit that we provide you must be aged between 18 and 30 and be confident of obtaining an unconditional UCAS place on a degree course following your results in August. The course must start at the end of your Gap Year. Graduates of fulltime degree course from a UK University are eligible if the placement takes place within a year of graduation. These are the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Department.
What will I do in The Rockies?
The jobs we offer in The Rockies start at the lowest level, but nevertheless to progress you will need to be punctual, stick to a dress code and be genuinely friendly and courteous to guests. Housekeeping at this level means cleaning guest bedrooms, but if you can prove yourself adept and willing, other opportunities may arise in bar-tending, reception etc during the 6 months that you are there.
If you have worked in hospitality before, tell us - you may be able to land a more skilled position. Read our blog for accounts written by oyster participants. Check out our 'more information page' for further details.
Getting there
We will see your group off at Heathrow Airport. On arrival, Alison will pick you up at Calgary airport, drive you the 90 minutes up into The Rockies and settle you into your accommodation.
Representative
The Rockies
Alison
Alison, a born West Coast Canadian, first came to The Rockies, in the spring of 1999 as a summer student, working in the hotel industry. She enjoyed it so much she came back again the following year! Alison now calls The Rockies her home and is looking forward to sharing this beautiful part of the world with you. Alison still works in hospitality, as part of the marketing team for a local company. She has a happy dog, two friendly cats and loves the outdoors.
We’re right behind you
On arrival, Alison will arrange a short orientation course and be in close contact with you over the first couple of days. As time goes on, Alison will take more of a back seat and be there as a helpful friend should you need any help or advice. Once a month Alison hosts a meet up with the Oyster group where we provide a few drinks and snacks and the chance for you to talk through any issues you might have. Alison is a local expert on where to go and what to see in The Rockies!
Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. Alison will keep us updated on your health and welfare throughout.
Accommodation
You will live in basic accommodation provided by your employer. In most cases, this is on site accommodation where you should expect to be self catering and to share a room. Most hotels will provide a meal whilst you are working, however you should ensure you can cook a few easy dishes before you depart!
The cost of accommodation varies but usually equates to approximately one hours pay per night.
Cost and what is provided?
Cost
A six month placement in The Rockies costs: £1645, excluding flights
What is Provided?
- One-to-one interview and informal briefing
- Hotel based UK briefing day covering hotel issues and work advice
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst in Canada
- Work permit documentation and liaison with the Canadian High Commission
- High Commission Work Permit fee (C$150). Participants need to get a flexible work permit which does cost extra. Please contact Jon for more information
- A suitable job, liaising with hotels and obtaining job offer letters etc. Please be aware some hotels like to conduct their own interview on the phone
- Optional flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Total cost including flights £2245.
- ATOL Protection (as long as we book your flights)
- Arrangement of transportation to your hotel from the airport and local information
- Assistance and support from our representative whilst on your placement including regular social 'meet ups'
- Wages (approx. £120 per week, before tips)
- Excludes staff accommodation (approx. £25 per week)
What do I need?
- A full UK or Irish passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay in Canada
- After results in August we need a copy of the letter from UCAS offering an unconditional degree course place or, for graduates, your degree certificate
- Insurance (covering winter sports and any planned independent travel
- Cost of changing your return flight date if you need to (approx £50)
- Independent travel costs or cost of journey to airport at the end of your placement
- All UK travel costs (to the interview, briefing day and airport)
- Accommodation and food costs, approximately C$12 (£5.50) per day. Accommadation cost is taken directly from your pay cheque
- Optional – 6 month off peak ski pass – approx £250
- Police Check for Immigration Purposes (approx. £35)
- Flexible Work Permit - approx. £200
And one more thing...
Don't miss the chance to nip over to Lake Louise; the lake is one of Canada's classic scenic sights.
