HAP Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

Work Where the Mountains Meet the Sky

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping outside to see Denali – the highest peak in North America – glowing pink in the midnight sun. That’s an ordinary evening at HAP Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, tucked into Denali State Park near Trapper Creek, Alaska. If you’re a university student looking for a Work & Travel USA summer that you’ll be telling stories about for the rest of your life, this is it.

As a Busser, you’ll be part of a young, international team keeping the lodge’s restaurants running smoothly for guests who travel from all over the world to experience the Alaskan wilderness.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Clearing, cleaning and resetting tables quickly and efficiently between guests
• Supporting servers by refilling water, delivering bread, and running food to tables
• Keeping dining areas, service stations and bussing stations clean and well-stocked
• Assisting with silverware rolling, glassware polishing and opening/closing duties
• Greeting guests with a friendly smile and helping create a warm, memorable dining experience

Location Highlights

Denali State Park is pure Alaska: spruce forests, glacial rivers, moose wandering past the boardwalks and endless daylight in summer. In your free time you can hike the Curry Ridge trails, join a flightseeing tour over the glaciers, go rafting, fish for salmon, or simply relax by the fire pit with new friends from every continent. The lodge sits about two hours north of Anchorage, so weekend adventures to Talkeetna, Denali National Park and beyond are easy to organise with your co-workers.

Benefits & Earnings

• $13.00 per hour with approximately 40 hours per week
• Tips included – boost your earnings during the busy tourist season
• Overtime opportunities during peak weeks
• Employee housing available on or near property, plus staff dining options
• Employee discounts, staff activities and access to a vibrant international staff community
• Season length: Summer to Fall – one of the longer Work & Travel placements available

What We’re Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA (J-1) program
• Conversational English and a friendly, guest-focused attitude
• Energy and stamina – bussing is an active, fast-paced role that involves standing, walking and lifting trays
• Team spirit, reliability and flexibility with schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Previous restaurant experience is a plus, but full training is provided

Ready for Your Alaskan Summer?

Spots at wilderness lodges fill fast – places like this are the most requested destinations in the Work & Travel USA program. Apply now and swap your usual summer for glaciers, mountains and a paycheck.