Employment at Snow Farm
Work with us
If you love crisp winter mornings, endless cross-country ski trails, and working in the mountains, Snow Farm could be your perfect winter home.
As New Zealand’s only cross-country ski area, we offer a unique work environment powered by a small, fun, and supportive team.
Keen for a season full of adventure and good people? Take a look at our job roles below.
Applications are now closed for 2026.
Job Roles
Guest Services Manager | Full Time
We’re searching for an energetic Guest Services Manager to lead our front of house operations and ensure every visitor has an exceptional experience at Snow Farm.
You’ll keep the guest services desk humming, while coordinating school bookings, product management and event planning. You’ll stay calm under pressure and have exceptional communication and organisational skills.
This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where no two days are the same, combining team leadership, guest interaction, and problem-solving. Perfect for someone who loves a working in a team and has a love for snow and the outdoors.
Previous management experience in guest services, hospitality or a tourism related role is preferred.
Candidates must have a valid work visa. This fixed-term role runs from Mid June through to Mid September.
Guest Services Assistants | Full-Time | Part-Time
We’re searching for friendly, organised individuals to join our Guest Services team for Winter 2026. As the first point of contact, you’ll be helping guests check-in for lessons, huts and the snow fun-zone or booking their trail passes and rental gear. You’ll also offer trail suggestions and directions – setting guests up for an epic day at Snow Farm.
This role suits someone with strong customer service skills, is detail oriented, organised and has strong initiative.
You’ll be answering phones, replying to emails, and helping guests. In quieter periods, you’ll find yourself helping in other departments, such as supervising the snow fun zone, or in rentals.
Previous customer service and POS system experience is preferred, but not essential. A love for cross-country skiing, snow or the outdoors is a big plus.
Candidates must have a valid work visa. This fixed-term role runs from Late June through to Mid September.
Ski School Supervisor | Full Time
We’re looking for a passionate Ski School Supervisor to over-see the instructing programme in winter 2026. You’ll share your love for the cross-country skiing with guests whilst leading a small instructing team.
You’ll teach a wide range of lessons as well as allocating instructors to lessons, organising school lessons and help with the planning of ski programmes. In quiet periods you’ll be helping in rentals.
You may also ‘sweep’ the trails on skis at the end of the day to make sure there are no skiers left or to turn them around if they are heading the wrong direction.
The ideal candidate will have previous ski school supervisor experience but is not essential. Strong teaching skills, other management experience is a plus.
Candidates must have a valid work visa. This fixed-term role runs from Mid June through to Mid September.
Cross-Country Ski Instructors / Rentals | Full Time
We’re looking for enthusiastic cross-country ski instructors for the 2026 winter season. You’ll share your love for the sport and help guests of all ages and abilities to improve their cross-country skiing technique in both classic and skate style.
You’ll teach a wide range of lessons, from beginners, to school groups and private lessons. When you’re not instructing you’ll be helping in rentals, or other departments such as the carpark or snow fun zone.
You may also ‘sweep’ the trails on skis at the end of the day to make sure there are no skiers left or to turn them around if they are heading the wrong direction.
You’ll be part of a small instructing team that values good vibes, hard work, and delivering quality instruction to our guests.
The ideal candidate will have previous cross-country ski instructing experience, enjoy teaching and working as a team.
Candidates must have a valid work visa. This fixed-term role runs from Late June through to Mid September.
Hut Wardens / Trail Crew | Full-Time | Part-Time
We’re on the hunt for people who love working outside, driving in the snow and meeting new people.
This unique roll will see you transfer bags for our hut guests each morning and afternoon, re-stock and keep huts clean, and maintain trails (shovelling snow). When you’re not out on the trails, you’ll be parking guests in the carpark and supervising the snow fun zone. No two hours are the same.
Not only will you be physically fit and able to lift heavy gear, you’ll have great customer services skills too.
The ideal candidate will be safety oriented, have experience driving vehicles in the snow and strong communication skills.
Candidates must have a valid work visa. This fixed-term role runs from Late June through to Mid September.
Mountain Hosts | Full-Time
We’re on the hunt for people who love working outside, driving in the snow and meeting new people.
As a mountain host, you’re the first point of call for our guests – meeting them in the carpark and get them parked nice and neatly. You’ll also over-see the snow fun zone, helping families create snow memories in a safe and enjoyable way.
In quieter times, you’ll be helping the hut-wardens take bags out to the huts or shoveling snow out on the trails.
Not only will you be physically fit and happy working outside all day, you’ll have great customer services skills too.
The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, be safety oriented, have experience driving vehicles in the snow and strong communication skills.
Candidates must have a valid work visa. This fixed-term role runs from Late June through to Mid September.
Cafe Supervisor | Full Time
We’re searching for a passionate Cafe Supervisor to join the Polar Espresso Café team for winter 2026. You will over-see café operations, lead a small team, keep equipment stocked, help with the menu, order ingredients, prepare food, take orders and make coffees.
The Polar Espresso is a little café with a big personality – we are looking for someone with positive energy and enjoys being part of a close-knit team.
The ideal candidate will bring solid hospitality experience, stay calm under pressure, adhere to all health and safety standards and have strong communication skills. You’ll have initiative and strive to make the Polar Espresso the best it can be.
Previous hospitality experience is a must. Candidates must have a valid work visa.
This fixed-term role runs from Mid June through to Mid September.
Cafe Assistant / Barista | Full-Time | Part-Time
We’re searching for an enthusiastic, all-rounder to join the Polar Espresso Café team for winter 2026. This role will see you preparing food, taking orders, making coffees as well as other day-to-day café tasks.
The Polar Espresso is a little café with a big personality – we are looking for someone with positive energy and enjoys being part of a close-knit team.
Versatility and a ‘can-do’ attitude is key. In quieter periods, you’ll find yourself helping in other departments, such as supervising the snow fun zone, or helping in rentals or guest services.
Previous hospitality and barista experience is preferred. Candidates must have a valid work visa.
This fixed-term role runs from Late June through to Mid September.
FAQ's
Staff Training Week – June 15th, 2026
Scheduled Opening Day – June 26, 2026
Scheduled Closing Day – September 13th, 2026
Note: Based on snow conditions, we may open early or extend the season.
The application form link will appear online when applications are open. This is usually at the end of January.
You will need to have your CV, cover letter, references and visa information ready.
If you are selected for an interview – no you do not need to be in Wanaka for an interview. Most of our interviews are via video call. Although if you are in Wanaka we’d love to meet in person.
You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. You will need to supply proof of your eligibility or a valid work visa. Snow Farm does not apply for work permits for most General Mountain positions
We do assist in applying for visas for more specialised roles i.e. cross-country ski Instructors and Groomer Operators.
To find out if you are eligible to apply for a working holiday visa go to Immigration New Zealand
Snow Farm is open for approximately 11 weeks through the winter season (late June – Mid September) Most staff attend 3 days of paid training 2 weeks before opening day and generally finish at the end of the operational season.
If snow conditions are good, we may open a week early or extend our season by a few weeks. Staff are not required to stay for the extended season, but if invited may choose to stay on.
Some staff start earlier or finish later than these dates as extra prep is necessary. A full-time employee will generally work 4-5 days a week; about 7–8hrs a day. Hours or shifts may be altered due to guest demand during our busy and quiet times.
Our training takes place over the week before you start. It includes two days of general training and team-building with the entire team, and then we break up into training in individual departments.
The training incorporates aspects of your induction, including health and safety, customer service, job-specific training, mid-season assessment and exit interview.
We provide free transport from Wanaka to get you to work and back on days you are rostered. Staff transport generally leaves Wanaka from several pick up locations in the morning between 7:15 and 7:30am. Transport leaves the mountain between 4:15 and 4:30pm. The trip takes about 30- 45 minutes, depending on the road conditions.
Snow Farm does not have any on-mountain accommodation. Accommodation can be very tight in the winter; we strongly recommend that you try to arrange accommodation before you get here unless you are planning to arrive in early to mid-May. You should have enough funds to keep yourself either in a backpacker or campground while looking unless you have pre-arranged accommodation.
You will likely be asked to pay a bond when renting and sign a rental agreement. In most instances, references are required. Although Snow Farm does not arrange or provide accommodation for staff, if you are having difficulty finding accommodation before commencing work, let us know, and we may help.
There are several options for housing; most Snow Farm staff choose to live in the nearby town of Wanaka, where the staff transport leaves every morning. Wanaka offers plenty to do; bars, restaurants, cinemas, shopping, a great atmosphere and killer views across the majestic Lake Wanaka and the dramatic Southern Alps.
Wanaka
Most of Wanaka is accessible by foot. It could take up to half an hour or 40mins to walk to the outreaches of town. (Beacon Point, Aubrey Rd, Sargood Drive)
Albert Town
Albert Town is a 5-minute drive (from Wanaka Township). It takes a good 45mins to 1hr to walk home from Wanaka. (We don’t pick up from Albert Town but we do pick up nearby).
Luggate
Luggate is a 15-minute drive (from Wanaka Township). You will need to have access to a vehicle if you live here. (We don’t pick up from Luggate).
Hawea
Hawea Is a 20-minute drive (from Wanaka Township). You will need to have access to a vehicle if you live here. (We don’t pick up from Hawea)
Where to look
Some local real estate agents run property management sections and are worth a go. The following have some listings online.
Wanaka Live, Lake Wanaka Accommodation, The Messenger, Upper Clutha Trading Post (Facebook page), Wanaka Winter season accommodation (Facebook page), Wanaka Accommodation, Harcourts, First National
Snow Farm will pay your wages directly into a bank account. We do not pay into overseas accounts or credit cards, so you must open an NZ bank account. Several banks in Wanaka can help. Plan on arriving in Wanaka before your first day of work so that you have time to visit the banks. They are only open Mon-Fri during regular work hours.
BANKS WITH BRANCHES IN WANAKA
WESTPAC | KIWIBANK | ANZ | BNZ
You must open a New Zealand bank account to apply for an IRD (tax) number.
All working people in New Zealand pay taxes. To do this, you will need an IRD (tax) number. You will need this number before commencing work to be paid. You must be in the country to do this, as you need to apply in person at the appropriate location (most likely the Post Office). You may need to supply a letter of employment to the IRD as a form of identification. If you have been offered a position with us, you will receive a employment agreement. IRD number application forms (IR595) can be downloaded from the Inland Revenue website. You will need to show your Individual Employment Agreement and passport with the completed IR595 form to an NZ Post or IRD office, and it will take at least 14 days to process.
First year mountain wages are aligned with New Zealand Department of Labour legislation. If you have a position with more responsibility you may be paid more. We require you to fill out & submit a weekly time sheet online for your supervisor to check & approve before it is sent to the Payroll department. We pay you once every week on a Friday night.
We strongly recommend that you come with your own travel insurance specifically covering ski incidents, as ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) does not cover any treatment expenses out of the country. ACC assists anyone who has an accident or injury in NZ. The amount of assistance varies and can be from medical bills to loss of earnings ACC covers a portion of any treatment bills necessary and will also pay a percentage of your lost wages if you are unable to resume your duties straight away.
If you, because of an injury, cannot return to your own department we will find you somewhere on the mountain that will allow you to continue earning while healing.
Yes, if there is enough Snow Coverage, Snow Farm may extend the season through to the end of September.
If we have a delayed opening due to a lack of snow, we go into a stand-down period. All staff are put on hold until the mountain can operate. We make every effort to open as scheduled, but we do need help from Mother Nature; the best part about Snow Farm is we require less snow than other resorts to open.
It is best to arrive in Wanaka with some reserve funds to cover your rent and food, just in case.
We would encourage you to have at least $2,000 available to you when you arrive. This will help set you up initially and help you survive until you start work. The opening date can be delayed in our business if there is no snow and no snow = no work.
Once we are operating, we may have the odd day to close due to safety concerns or adverse weather conditions.
Every department is different & it will depend on your supervisor but yes, we encourage ski breaks as it’s a great way to blow away the cobwebs & stay enthusiastic. Departments that are based on the snow have easier access to ride breaks but indoor departments will also get them, as time allows.
About Snow FarM
Learn more about Snow Farm and how it came to be
New Zealand’s only cross-country ski field.