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Winter Seasonal Work in Alaska: What to Know and How to Find a Job

  • Writer: Sabrina
    Sabrina
  • Sep 10
  • 5 min read

Alaska provides lots of job opportunities for seasonal workers in the summer, but what most people don't consider is that seasonal workers are also needed during the winter. Living and working in Alaska during the winter is a much different experience than the summer, and there is a lot to know before you start your job search. You can find winter work in Alaska by searching seasonal job websites or applying to companies directly. This post was created with the intention of helping you understand what it's like working a winter season in Alaska, what types of jobs are available, and how you can find and apply for winter seasonal work in Alaska.


Moose in Alaska during the winter

Photo Credit: Ivars Krutainis

Table of Contents



What to Know About Working a Winter Season in Alaska


When is the Winter Season in Alaska


In Alaska, the winter season runs from October to March. October welcomes the start of the winter season and the snow begins to fall around the new year. The peak of winter is from December to March. Tourists usually prefer to visit in February and March as it’s a lot warmer than December-January and offers the best time to view the northern lights. 


When to Apply to Work in Alaska for the Winter


To work in Alaska this winter, you should apply 3-6 months before the start date. This means you can start applying in May or June but there are many businesses in Alaska that post job openings in August and September. Of course, the more coveted jobs fill up faster so it's better to apply sooner rather than later. However, like with most seasonal work, there are usually last minute job openings, so if you did not apply ahead of time you will likely still be able to find work.


The Dark Days & Polar Nights in Alaska


Winter in Alaska means dark days, and the further north you are the less daylight you will see. The number of daylight hours is dependent on location and point in the season. For example, in the peak of winter, Anchorage receives 5.5 hours of sunlight on average. However, if you head up to the Arctic Circle, you will experience the polar night for the majority of winter, which is when the sun does not rise above the horizon for more than 24 hours.


Lack of daylight can have negative effects on mental health of those who live there, and many suggest spending time around sunlamps, finding friends to spend time with, and investing in a hobby that keeps you in a positive mental state. On the flip side, it also means more chances to view the northern lights at their fullest, witnessing animals in a different environment, and experiencing Alaska with less crowds.


Winter Weather in Alaska


Since Alaska is a large state the weather varies depending on where you are. If you are as far south as Juneau, temperatures can drop to 20°F but if you head further north to Fairbanks, temperatures can go as low as -17°F during the day and drop to -30°F at night. While you can find snow everywhere, the snowfall increases the further north you are.


Packing to Spend a Winter in Alaska


It should go without saying that you need to pack very warm clothing to spend the winter in Alaska. Due to the snow, having sturdy, waterproof boots can be very helpful. Packing something to keep you entertained (i.e. a hobby like crafting), and that reminds you of home (like photos of friends and family), will help with getting through the darker days. Some people also suggest bringing a sunlamp or acquiring one while there.


Summer V.S. Winter in Alaska


A summer in Alaska is very different than a winter in Alaska. During the summer you experience the midnight sun and there is a lack of darkness, but in the winter the days are dark and offer a chance to glimpse the northern lights. While the summer offers warm weather activities such as hiking and rafting, winter offers more snow centered activities like cross country skiing and snowmobiling. With winter being off season, there are less tourists around and towns are less busy (but not completely dead as people do travel to Alaska in the winter). Many business' are closed down during the winter and there are locations that you do not have access to due to the snow.


Juneau, Alaska in the Winter

Photo Credit: Kathrine Coonjohn


Winter Seasonal Jobs Available in Alaska


A lot of seasonal business in Alaska shut down at the end of the summer/fall season, thus there are less opportunities for seasonal workers during the winter season. However, there are companies in Alaska that are open for winter and need seasonal employees.


The majority of these companies are apart of the hospitality and tourism industry. Some examples of these companies are; ski resorts, hotels, hot spring resorts, restaurants, northern lights viewing/excursions, dog sledding adventures, heli-ski tours, and other tour companies.


This means you will find various hospitality related jobs such as; tour and activity guides, food and beverage staff, front desk and concierge, drivers, housekeeping, tickets and sales, snow removal, etc... Of course, there are other job opportunities, but these are the most common during the winter months.


Where to Find a Winter Seasonal Job in Alaska


You can search for winter job openings in Alaska via Alaska job websites, seasonal work websites, or general job search websites. You can also directly apply to work with companies in Alaska that are hiring for the winter season by searching for those specific jobs on search engines like Google. Below is a list of websites to search for jobs in Alaska and some companies that hire winter seasonal workers.


Alaska Job Search Websites


Alaska Job Websites


Seasonal Work Websites


General Job Search Websites


Companies That Hire Winter Seasonal Workers in Alaska


Below are a few companies that hire seasonal workers for the winter;


Ski Resorts


Other Resorts


Tour Companies


Other Examples



Conclusion


If you are looking for seasonal winter work, and are okay with the dark days and the cold temperatures, then working in Alaska may be a cool experience. There are lots of winter jobs in Alaska in the hospitality and tourism industry and multiple free websites that will help you find one that works best for you. If you have worked a winter season in Alaska, please share your experience and tips in the comments below!

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