“My top tip to anyone wanting to do the same would be JUST DO IT! SAY YES AND GO! This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I am so glad I jumped right in and made that first move to come out here. I couldn’t have done it without Oyster Worldwide! They were so unbelievably helpful and the team were so friendly and approachable. Any questions I had they were right at the end of the phone or replied quickly to emails. They took away all the travel stress and were so helpful once we arrived in Vancouver. There were reps and a car waiting for us which drove us to Squamish where we sorted our SIN numbers. They also booked our bank appointments and organised meet ups every month. Without them I would’ve been truly lost as there was so much to do upon arrival! It was an amazing community to be a part of and was fabulous to have friends as soon as I got to the airport. Through oyster I met my best friend who I lived with for the whole season and will keep in contact with forever! I cannot thank them enough for all of their help, guidance and support over the last 6 months.”
Daisy, Whistler Kids Instructor 2024/2025
“Best time ever. Couldn’t have done it without oyster. Unforgettable moments. At points it was TOO GOOD to be true. Feels like a dream.”
Michal, Whistler ski support, 2024/2025
“I used Oyster to go to Whistler, Canada on a ski season. They were amazing and helped so much with getting my job, my visa and housing for the trip. They are great for getting jobs like ski instructor, working in ski support and being a lifty. I couldn’t recommend using them more!”
Laura (Otto’s mum): “My son did a ski season in Whistler through Oyster. Whilst in the Uk, before going, he had regular calls with Sami, who guided him what needed to be done in order to increase his chances of getting a job as an instructor. Once he was in Canada, Oyster were great. Transport was provided up to the resort, which meant he met other people doing the same thing as him. In the first few days, there was lots of guidance to help them settle in, open bank accounts etc. there were also regular drinks / socials after work – oyster felt like a friendly family. They were at hand to help him when he had a visa issue too, and were good to him regarding days off after minor injuries.
Overall a very positive experience. So much so that my daughter is now applying for next year!”
Otto, Whistler Kids Instructor, 2023/2025
“I just wanted to say thank you for your help this time last year setting me up in Whistler. I absolutely loved my ski season there. I had an absolute blast and made so many friends doing the same Oyster programme. Whilst working in Whistler I got my Level 2 ski instructor qualification, and have since worked the ski season in Australia, and will soon be in Japan on another ski season!
Alice, Whistler Kids Instructor 2023
“My recent experience with Oyster was amazing. Spending 5 months in Canada, securing a job and accommodation should have been a difficult task, but Oyster helped take the stress out of everything! Having monthly meet ups with all the Oyster participants during our trip was such a nice touch, as it helped those who don’t see each other that much to stay well connected¨
Anja, Whistler Kids Instructor 2022
“Thank you for the opportunity of working for Oyster Worldwide this winter. It was a fantastic experience both from a professional and personal life perspective!I thoroughly enjoyed working as a ski instructor and got great reward in seeing the progress of the children I taught during the season! I was also able to gain my level 2 certification during my time in Whistler. Personally, I know I gained a lot from the experience of moving and living abroad for 6 months”
Mia, Whistler Kids Instructor 2022
“I am just writing to say a huge thank you for giving me the opportunity to have the most amazing time in whistler! It was so much better than I could have ever expected and I made such good friends with the other oyster ski instructors 🙂 I have had many people ask about how I got into the job, and I couldn’t recommend oyster enough. Everything ran so smoothly, and Tory was great! The level 1 course was so much fun and I was also pleased to get my level 2!¨
Iona, Whistler Kids Instructor 2022
“I had an amazing time out in Whistler! I met some amazing people and skiied some incredible snow! I would seriously recommend this course to anyone who wants to get more out of their skiing.´´
Noah, Whistler ski and snowboard instructor course, 7 weeks, January 2022
“All good here and having a fantastic time in Whistler. Thank you for all your help in making this such a smooth process. Having spoken to others who have come out with other companies it is clear to me that Oyster is the best by a mile in terms of support, information and value for money!”
Holly, Whistler Kids Instructor 2019/20
“Whistler is absolutely awesome! Everyone on the Oyster course is getting on really well and it seems as if we’ve known each other a lot longer – which is great! Everything has gone smoothly and Tory has been great in helping us to settle in.”
Nathan, Whistler Kids Instructor 2019/20
“I am thoroughly enjoying Canada and I plan to make the most of my time here. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all the help you have given me enabling me to come to Canada.”
Joe, Adult Ski Instructor 2019/20
“Everything went really well, starting with the transport from the airport and the Hostel, I really appreciate the help we got with the social security number and all the stuff with the Canadian offices. In short everything that could be arranged went well.”
Matti, Whistler Kids Instructor 2019/20
“Life in Banff has been great. Such a beautiful place with such amazing people. The job is great and my colleagues are very nice, I’m learning a lot! Thanks so much for all the help!”
Catia, Winter season, Rockies, 2019/20
“I’ve settled in really well! We absolutely love it here, been skiing at Norquay and Lake Louise so far. Just want to thank you once again for the opportunity!”
Fin, Winter season, Rockies, 2019/20
“I really appreciate all of the arrangements that Jon made for my CSIA Level 1 instructor course in Whistler. The team on the ground in Canada are all very helpful and professional. The accommodation is in a great location and comfortable. My ski experience has seen a marked improvement!”
Wai, Whistler ski and snowboard instructor course, 4 weeks, January 2019
“Canada was a blast, and I do miss the people I met quite a bit. The course was well structured and the living situation was awesome!Everything was well organised beforehand and I had lots of contact with an Oyster rep. They set me up well for the course!”
Jon, Whistler ski and snowboard instructor course, 7 weeks January 2019
“It was great, we were walked through this experience most of the way- I became independent, I learnt new life skills and had fun! Oyster work carefully to advise people on what they’re signing up for, and guide them along to their travels. It’s great that they interview people to make sure they’re aware and capable of doing the program they’ve signed up for. If you’re new to travelling or doing this on your own it’s a good place to start.”
Eloise, Whistler Tube Park 2018/19
“Guaranteed staff accommodation, which was affordable and very social, really helped my settle into the Whistler life. My advice, go for it, you’ll have an amazing time!”
Ailish, Whistler Kids 2018/19
“The highlight for me was knowing that my job and accommodation had been set up for me prior to my arrival in Canada so it made the whole experience less stressful.”
Alannah, Whistler Kids 2018/19
“Everything was taken care of, from start to finish. I never worried about a single thing and felt very supported with any questions I had. I have already recommended Oyster to several friends and would have no hesitation in doing so again.”
Sophie, Summer season, Rockies, 2018
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for making the experience amazing! I had the absolute time of my life and have come out of it a much happier and more confident person. I am now currently backpacking Europe with the people I was roommates with!”
Kirsten, Whistler Kids 2017/18
“Probably the best 6 months of my life so I would definitely recommend. The transition to living in Canada was so easy compared to other stories of people I have heard who did it on their own.”
Jen, Whistler Kids 2017/18
“The help from Tory, our rep has been second to none. Anything I was concerned about she could help me with. The monthly meet ups were also a great bonding time.”
Angus, Whistler Kids 2017/18
The people on the trip were amazing. It’s been an experience of a life time.
Thomas, Whistler Kids 2017/18
“Very good company, very helpful support when needed without being overly pressuring. It is fantastic to get the opportunity to work doing a job I live while living in a great resort! Enjoy your time here, it’s over far quicker than you expect!”
Scott, Whistler Kids 2017/18
“Working with the kids and seeing them progress in their skiing was the highlight. Fill your time up with all the different things Whistler and the surrounding areas have to offer. Pack the whole season to the full.”
Sarah, Whistler Kids 2017/18
“I seemed to be a really smooth process, applying through Oyster, my emails were always answered really fast and all my questions answered before going abroad. One of the best parts of it for me was arriving in Canada already in a group, so I didn’t feel like I was moving to another country completely by myself. Just thank you for making the process of moving to Whistler by myself so much easier and less daunting than it could have been :)”
Rachel, Whistler Kids 2017/18
“Thank you so much for what was the best summer I will probably ever have, your support throughout the project was amazing and I have loved every second of the past few months. The experience was nothing I ever imagined, I had such an amazing time and got to know so many people from around the world.”
Sarah, Summer season, Rockies, 2017
“I never expected my trip to be as amazing as this. It exceeded beyond my wildest expectations. Meeting the most down to earth and genuine people while living with them for a month and having amazing instructors who taught me so well and allowed me to successfully pass my level 1. This trip opened my eyes to a new world and other people should do it because you are able to do the one thing you love the most (ski or ride) everyday and at the same time chill with people from all over the world. The Whistler village itself is adorable and so convenient with great stores and nightlife. It broadened my beliefs and expectations. Definitely worth it. The most amazing trip. I shall never forget it.”
Savannah, Whistler ski and snowboard instructor course, 4 weeks, February 2017
“Amazing snow conditions, more than I’d ever seen. Work was fun. Makes you first-hand see work in another location with very different procedures and customs which is fascinating to experience. The mountains are stunning so having that as your workplace is beautiful and rewarding.”
Iain, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“Don’t worry or be nervous before you go, your going to have an amazing time and make friends for life. If you love skiing whistler is an amazing place to go for a season and working there was amazing, I would wake up every morning and want to go to work. Living with your friends was so much fun and I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I could.”
Gaby, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“I thoroughly enjoyed my job as a ski instructor, loved the skiing in the resort and the people I went with on Oyster became my main friendship group whilst in Canada and a few have become friends for life. Definitely go for it! I was unsure whether having a gap year after doing my degree was a good idea but once arriving in Whistler I realised it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You will have the time of your life alongside making friends for life. Being a ski instructor meant I was able to pass my passion for skiing onto other young budding skiers. I felt like I did something worthwhile whilst having an immense amount of fun in one of the best ski resorts in the world. I have skied in many resorts in Europe but Whistler was on another level, I spent a whole season there skiing almost everyday and there are still runs that I haven’t skied! Thank you for providing this programme, I will definitely be recommending it to anyone and everyone who will listen”
Polly, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“Excellent, my time in Canada far exceeded my expectations because you’ll have the best time ever!!!! Thank you for this opportunity.”
Millie, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“It’s a great way to see another part of the world. It is unlike anything else, will create memories that will last forever.”
David, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“I was nervous before about going so far away from home not knowing anyone so to anyone who feels like that I would say not to worry and that it’s an advantage not to know anyone because it allows you to meet so many new people and make loads of new friends. And the way that you live together means that your Oyster friends will become like your family out there. I had the most incredible six months in Whistler and made so many amazing friends. It was also such an amazing opportunity to be able to work for one of the best ski resorts in the world and be able to ski everyday as a job. Oyster made my experience so stress free and I always knew I had someone to contact if I needed anything. Also, going with the group made it so easy to make friends and made the first few weeks there so much less daunting.”
Isla, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“This trip really helps you mature and is a great introduction into ‘Adult life’. Also a good preparation for university!”
Sophie, Whistler Kids 2016/17
“I really want to stay in Banff to see what it is like in the winter and will then move onto another part of Canada after the winter is done. I will be in Canada hopefully the complete two years of my visa. Thank you for your help to make this summer possible. I have had an unbelievable summer, one which I will never forget, hence why I have decided to stay for longer. It has been better than I could ever have dreamt it could possibly have gone.”
Tom, Summer season, Rockies, May 2016
“I thought everything was well-covered and any questions I had were answered thoroughly and quickly. It was a great experience meeting new people and adapting to a new country and amazing work experience too. I had a brilliant time and can’t wait to go back for my next season- thanks very much guys!”
Max, Whistler Kids 2015/16
“I enjoyed it so much that I’m staying on in Canada! Be prepared to never want to leave Canada!”
Jamie, Whistler Kids 2015/16
“Whistler is great place full of young and interesting people. You will learn about yourself and grow as a person by travelling and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.”
Kevin, Whistler Kids Kitchen Assistant 2015/16
“I met some amazing people and did things I would never have expected myself to do, such as bungee jumping. It is the best way to make some life long friends and get the most out of your experience in Whistler!”
Gemma, Whistler Kids 2015/16
“Thank you for this new reality! I can’t describe how cool it feels to say “I’m living in Canada”!!! It’s astonishing how much of an emotional rollar coaster the first couple of weeks are, one minute you’re ecstatic that you’re finally here, the next you’re sat in a heap wondering what the hell you’ve got yourself into; but once the jetlag has warn off and you settle in with new friends and routine it’s an incredible experience, even after a super hard day at work today, I found myself walking back home grinning like an idiot because “hey I’m actually doing this! This was once a dream! It’s crazy but it’s awesome!”
Katie, winter season, Rockies, 2015/16
“Oyster made the process of getting to Whistler and living there so easy. I met such a great group of people through the programme. It wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t gone with Oyster. I couldn’t have asked for a better season – I had an absolutely incredible time!”
Heather, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“I can’t recommend a gap year highly enough – best decision I ever made, twice! You get a chance to work abroad in a great and beautiful country and get to work in a ski resort which is great fun!”
Clare, Whistler Kids Kitchen Assistant 2014/15
“It is such a great experience, not only having a gap year but moving across the world and starting an amazing job! You get to meet so many people from all over the world and you get to grow and develop as a young adult with people who become friends for life. Plus it’s a great and unique point for your CV.”
Jess, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“If you love skiing or even the outdoors there is no better place to go! You meet amazing, like-minded people and get the experience of a lifetime that all your friends stuck back home are jealous of! I want to go back!!”
Kirsty, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“This has been the best year of my life. You won’t regret it.”
Ed, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“The Oyster programme is very good value and you have so much support throughout, even after the programme has finished!”
Kim, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“Skiing everyday and living in probably the most friendly and scenic environment in the world, why would you not want to do this?!”
Jackson, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“This is a great opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. The experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable and you’ll leave with a shed load of memories. Thanks for all of your help to make a great gap year experience!”
Charlie, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“It’s a character building experience. And skiing everyday is pretty much the coolest thing you can do with your time!”
Ben, Whistler Kids 2014/15
“My time in Canada enabled me to become a lot more mature. If you have never lived away from your parents before, this prepares you 100% for doing so. It’s an amazing adventure and I’ve made friends for life.”
Kathrine, winter season, Rockies, 2014/15
“I’ve just returned from Whistler and I can definitely say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my life (so far..!). For my first time leaving home and travelling, I’d say Oyster were the best company to go with, as we later found out that other programs didn’t offer the support that we were guaranteed OR a job confirmed. I’ve made friends for life and can happily say I’ll be returning to Canada, all thanks to Oyster!”
Jasmine, Whistler Kids 2013/14
“Best six months of my life and being with Oyster made it so much better, organised and socially so good!”
Andy, Whistler Kids 2013/14
“Everything went smoothly whilst abroad. Oyster Worldwide gave me the correct amount of help without being too protective. When problems needed to be sorted they were always either a phone call or email away any time of the year that I was away.”
Michael, Summer season worker, Rockies, May 2013
“Being in the Canadian Rockies and being able to do lots of amazing things in my free time was excellent. Also meeting so many different people from all different cultures and now having friends all over the world from Japan to Germany.”
Michael, Summer season worker, Rockies, May 2013
“Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all the help over the past winter season in Whistler. I had an absolutely unforgettable experience.”
Laura, Whistler Kids 2012/13
“Spending all day on the mountain in Whistler teaching skiing was a fantastic and life-changing experience. The help and organisation from Oyster made the process incredibly easy and I would definitely recommend it to everyone that loves the snow! I know I’ll be going back some day soon!”
Lucy, Whistler Kids 2011/12
“I would like to thank everyone at Oyster who have put such a lot of effort into the organisation of our trip. You are amazing people and you are fantastic at what you do! My season in Whistler has changed my life!”
Jack, Whistler Kids 2011/12
“The job was one of the best in Whistler as you get to ski, even at work! The lifestyle of skiing and going out was perfect. Everyone in Whistler has the same mentality and is there for the same reasons so it’s really easy to get along with people.”
Heather, Whistler Kids 2010/11
“Very helpful and proactive organisation of my gap year. Had a fantastic time and all logistics went so smoothly! Very reassuring to have Oyster Worldwide behind me as I flew to Whistler.”
Oli, Whistler Kids 2010/11
“Just want to say thank you for all your help, you made my arrangements to get to Canada very easy and my journey smooth and stress free.”
Jake, Oyster hospitality worker, 2010/11
“The best part was that once I had arrived and settled in I was left largely to my own devices to do as I pleased but if I needed any help or support it wasn’t far away.”
Gareth, winter season worker, Rockies, 2010/11
“The programme lived up to my expectations and much more! The group got on well and made friends straight away, the work was really good and the supervisors were easy to talk to. I didn’t have any problems while I was there, but it was reassuring to know that Tory was there if we needed some backup.”
Matt, Whistler Kids 2009/10
“I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU! I had the most amazing time last year and even though I’m enjoying Uni now, it just does not compare to my experience in Whistler There is not one person I didn’t get along with and still today, we still speak regularly. It was the time of my life. Nothing will ever compare and I met some of the loveliest people ever! Thank you so much for making it possible for me.”
Kelly, Whistler Kids 2008/09
“I would like to thank you and the Oyster team for everything you have done. By coming out here I have opened a door I didn’t even know was there.”
Will, Whistler Kids 2008/09
“I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you a million times over for the amazing work you do, especially for organising my placement in Whistler. Summer is, if possible just as epic as winter in Whistler, the five lakes provide an amazing range of activities and the weather is gorgeous. I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done and could never have done it without you.”
Jas, Den Master 2008/09
“I settled in quickly and found everyone in Whistler very friendly and welcoming.
I always have a bit of doubt before going to a new place. Will I enjoy the job? Will I like the place? Will I get on with the people? But as soon as I arrived I loved it, everything seemed perfect!”
Nicola, Whistler Kids 2007/08
“Oyster sent me on my first adventure to Whistler, and I have been hooked on travel ever since. I had the opportunity to be part of the Oyster team and then, after a placement in Australia and a couple of years in the travel industry in England, I am working back in Canada. Oyster not only helped with my first travel plans…they have helped shape my career path. Great team, great projects…great EVERYTHING!”
Jenny, Whistler Kids 2006/2007
To find out more about working a season in Whistler, check out our Whistler page on the Oyster Worldwide website.
