NZSki Ltd is employing fewer workers from overseas as more New Zealanders look for work this winter.
Human resources manager Kevin Sharpe said the company had asked Immigration New Zealand for pre-approval for 99 work permit applications, which was down on last year's number.
Retention levels were up, so there were fewer people to recruit, he said.
"But we have also upped our Kiwi and Australian intake. We are finding far more home-grown talent over the last couple of years," he said.
The company employed more than 1000 staff at its three ski fields, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt.
It secured work permits for overseas staff through the Government's Approval in Principle Scheme.
Work permits for snow school instructors fell under a different policy, because it was considered an area of skill shortage in New Zealand.
"Permits for us are for skilled or leadership roles for front-line staff. We have enough to choose from in New Zealand. You can't rely on what's going to happen with visas, so we want to employ as many young Kiwis as possible," Mr Sharpe said.
"Probably, the recession has worked in our favour, because more Kiwis are coming home."
Historically, about 30% of staff returned from season to season.
Last year, that rate almost doubled to 59% and was on track to be similar this year, he said.
Last year, 5800 people applied for 400 jobs.
This year there were fewer applicants, but better quality, Mr Sharpe said.
