Ski Work Visas

As a British citizen in a post Brexit world, if you are looking to work in a ski resort you will probably need a special working visa. These differ from the typical holiday visas, in that they have stricter conditions to entry, usually along the lines of being able to afford to support yourself, not brining any family members with you, and being fit enough not to put a burden on the country's health system.

EU Visa

Since leaving the EU, the rules of UK citizens wishing to work a ski season have changed significantly. You are now considered a Third Country National, and as such you will need a work permit and working visa and in some cases a residency permit, in order to be allowed to work in countries such as France. The good news is the process largely sorted out by your employer. If you are successful in your job application, they will organise your work permit and they will help you obtain your visa.

Each EU country has the flexibility to set its own rules or quotas on who they allow to work within their borders, but the rule of thumb is they will provide a work permit only if the company can demonstrate that it cannot employ someone from that country, or anyone with the EU citizenship, or any other Third Country Nationals who already have permission to live and work in the country. That is a lot of competition, but fortunately there are still ski season jobs available for Brits in the EU.

EU Work Visa or Work Permit:
Most EU countries require non-EU nationals to obtain a work visa or permit to be employed legally. This process typically involves securing a job offer first, then applying for the appropriate visa through the country's embassy or consulate. The ski company employing you will advise you about this.

Short-term or Seasonal Worker Visa:
As you know, most ski resorts operate seasonally, and some countries offer seasonal work visas that allow you to work for a limited period; perhaps up to six months during winter.
Seasonal Worker in France

EU Working Holiday Visa:
Some EU countries have reciprocal agreements with the UK for working holiday schemes, allowing young people (usually aged 18-30) to live and work temporarily. Despite no longer being part of the EU, some countries still have these arrangements with the UK. The rules keep chainging, so check if the country you're interested in offers such a scheme.

Canada Working Holiday Visa

Each year, the International Experience Canada (IEC) allocates a tightly controlled number of visas to countries with which they hold a visa agreement. If you want to work a ski season in canada, then you need to have one of these twelve month "working holiday" visas from the Canadian government.

If you want to get this visa from the Canadian government, as a British citizen you need to be aged between 18 and 30 years old, and you need to meet a set of criteria (see below for a link for full details), but here is the bit we really want to stress, you have to apply early! Much earlier than you may think. If you are applying for a winter job during the summer months, chances are you have already left it too late as the visa application process is not a quick one. While you can still get a UK based agency to help you with your request, you can now apply directly to the Canadian government.

We cannot give you any specific advice here about getting that working visa, because the requirements may change and we wouldn't want to give out incorrect information, however, all you need to know is on the link below.
Official visa information

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

Just like Canada, you need permission to work in New Zealand, and this permission comes in the form of a working holiday visa. The UK agreement has a set of strict criteria which you must meet - more details on the link below. But does allow you to stay for up to twenty three months, rather than the usual twelve (conditions apply). Applications can be made online and are often processed a lot faster than the Canadian visas.

The other option may be the Essential Skills Work Visa, though this is usally for more skilled roles and grants you permission to stay between six months and three years.
Official visa information

USA H-2B visa

UK citizens are currently entitled to use the Visa Waiver Programme, but this is only valid for up to three months, does not permit you to work, and is therefore only for tourists. As you are wanting to work in the country, you need the H-2b visa. This is offered on the basis that the company can demonstrate a need for temporary, non US workers. As such, you get these visas through your employer and while it isn't one you need before you get your job offer, you do need to realise that it can take up to four months to arrange for you, so you need to get your application in a long time before the season begins. More information about this visa can be found on the following link.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

Official visa information

Japan Working Holiday Programme

As with the USA, a standard holiday permit, despite lasting for up to six months, will not cover you to work in Japan, so you need to obtain a working holiday programme visa. You can apply for these directly from the Japanese government, and there is more detail about requirements on the link below. The application process is supposed to take less than three weeks, and while many people find it can be even quicker than that, do make sure you leave enough time to obtain one.
Official visa information