The quick answer
A typical ski season lasts 4 to 5 months. In the European Alps, that usually means December to April. In North America, November to April or May. But the exact length depends on where you go, what role you're doing, and whether the snow cooperates.
Let's break it down by region.
European Alps
France
Most French resorts open in early to mid December and close in mid to late April. The core season for chalet companies and hospitality staff is roughly 18 to 20 weeks.
- Typical contract: Early December to mid/late April
- Peak period: February (school holidays across Europe)
- Early/late options: Some high-altitude resorts like Val d'Isère and Tignes open in late November. Val Thorens sometimes runs until early May.
Popular French resorts: Méribel, Val d'Isère, Morzine, Chamonix.
Austria
Austrian seasons are similar to France, typically December to April. Austrian resorts tend to be more reliable for late-season snow thanks to higher altitudes and better snowmaking.
- Typical contract: December to April (18 to 20 weeks)
- Notable: Austrian employment law is more structured, with minimum wage requirements and formal contracts. This generally means slightly better pay and conditions than France.
Switzerland
Swiss seasons typically run December to April, though some high-altitude resorts extend longer.
- Typical contract: December to April
- Notable: Verbier usually closes mid to late April. Zermatt has glacier skiing that runs almost year-round.
North America
Whistler, Canada
Whistler has one of the longest seasons in North America, typically running from late November through to late May, and sometimes into June on the upper mountain.
- Typical contract: November to April/May (5 to 6 months)
- Notable: longer season means more earnings potential. Read our Whistler guide.
Colorado (Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen)
Most Colorado resorts open mid to late November and close in mid April. Arapahoe Basin sometimes stays open until June.
- Typical contract: November to April (5 months)
Other US resorts
Jackson Hole, Park City, Mammoth, and Lake Tahoe all have seasons of roughly 5 months (November/December to April/May).
Japan
Japanese ski seasons are shorter but intense, with some of the best powder snow in the world.
- Typical season: December to March (3 to 4 months)
- Top resorts: Niseko, Hakuba, Furano
- Notable: very different culture, limited English-speaking roles, but an incredible experience
Southern hemisphere
New Zealand
- Season: June to October (4 to 5 months)
- Top resorts: Queenstown (Remarkables, Coronet Peak), Wanaka (Cardrona, Treble Cone)
- Notable: Great option for doing a "double winter" (European winter followed by NZ winter)
Australia
- Season: June to September (3 to 4 months, shorter than NZ)
- Top resorts: Thredbo, Perisher, Falls Creek
What about summer seasons?
Many seasonaires do back-to-back seasons. A winter in the Alps followed by a summer in the Mediterranean is a classic combination. Summer seasons typically run:
- Mediterranean yacht/watersports: April to October (6 months)
- European hotel/hospitality: May to September (4 to 5 months)
- UK festivals: May to September (intermittent contracts, 1 to 4 weeks each)
Year-round seasonal work
Some destinations offer both winter and summer work, meaning you can stay in one place all year:
- Chamonix: busy ski resort in winter, adventure sports hub in summer. Read our guide.
- Zermatt: glacier skiing in summer, full resort operation in winter.
- Queenstown, NZ: skiing in winter, adventure tourism in summer.
How contract lengths work
Most seasonal contracts are fixed-term. You'll agree on start and end dates before you arrive. Some things to know:
- Early termination: if you leave before your contract ends, you may forfeit your return travel or end-of-season bonus.
- Extensions: if the season runs long (good snow years), some companies offer extensions. These are usually optional.
- Changeover periods: some companies have a mid-season break or staff changeover. Check whether your contract covers the full season or just half.
When to start looking
As a general rule, start your job search 3 to 6 months before the season starts:
- For a December start: start looking in July to September
- For a November start (North America): start looking in June to August
- For summer season: start looking in January to March
The earlier you start, the more choice you'll have. Create your free PeakWave profile now and set your availability for the season you want. Employers will find you when they're hiring.
You can also browse current listings to see what's available.