Snowy regions in Japan are famous for their ski resorts, and for a good reason! Japan is known for having some of the best snow in the world. Thus, jobs at Japanese ski resorts are popular because of their benefits, where one can work and enjoy the slopes too.
Table of Contents
- Ski Resorts in Japan
- Ski Resorts Jobs
- Visa Requirements and Benefits Given to Ski Resort Employees
- Summary
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Ski Resorts in Japan
A ski resort is a destination venue and seasonal escapade for which even tourists from different parts of the world might purposely travel to experience unique winter adventures like skiing and snowboarding in the cold mountains of different countries. And Japan has some of the best.
In Japan, hundreds of ski resorts are available that offer a world-class experience for its visitors. Hakuba, Niigata, Nozawa, and Hokkaido are among the premier places offering that excitement.
And to cater to the needs of all types of guests each season, hiring for positions at ski resorts is done year-round. The seasonal schedule means an influx of skiers and with it comes a lot of attractive jobs, both short-term and long-term, not to mention the package benefits many employees receive. So whether you’re in Japan and looking for a great seasonal opportunity or you’re from overseas and want a chance to explore Japan while also earning some money, this may be the perfect place for you!
Writer's Pick
Ski Resorts Jobs
There are a variety of positions open at ski resorts. Find the best for you!
Ski Instructor
The primary role of a ski instructor is to teach the customers the basic skills needed for skiing. Thus the instructor must of course have a good grasp of the sport itself. The instructor must also have excellent conversational skills that would enable people from different backgrounds and ages to comprehend instructions and reminders. Here are the typical requirements required:
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Level 1 or Level 2 internationally recognized ski instructor license
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Working Holiday Visa or appropriate working visa
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Good communication skills, including Japanese language ability
The instructor must also have excellent conversational skills that would enable people from different backgrounds and ages to comprehend instructions and reminders. Knowing at least conversational Japanese language is a plus in the effectiveness of the job. (Some jobs may require a certain level of fluency.) And due to the influx of foreign tourists, knowing another language, especially Chinese or Korean, may be a huge asset in being hired.
Safety, of course, is the top priority of ski instructors. That would mean being very strict when observing safety precautions with ski attire and equipment. The instructor must see to it that the customer understands the importance of the proper gears and equipment and how following the instructions before, during, and after skiing can spare one from serious injuries.
Other than the customer's welfare, the instructor must keep on checking the environment, such as possible natural disasters or alike. The instructor must always be ready, calm, and handle things well whenever any unprecedented event happens. A Ski instructor's primary responsibility is to be attentive and keep everyone from any harm possible.
Salary
For an experienced ski instructor in Japan, the average salary according to SnowSkool is approximately 2,500 yen per hour. However, this depends on whether you are licensed or not. For a foreign instructor, your chances to be hired as well as your salary is much much higher depending on whether you have a ski instructor license.
There are various organizations that include a program with a chance to get licensed, both overseas and in Japan. For example, the EA Ski & Snowboard courses and Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) offers level 1 qualifications that are internationally recognized. The package of EA Ski & Snowboard courses also includes accommodation, teaching of related skills, and informative courses that will be of help as additional qualifications when applying for ski instructor jobs in Japan.
※ SnowSkool, "Ski instructor salaries - How much do instructors earn?"
Resort Housekeeping and Groundskeeping
Housekeepers play an essential role in maintaining a quality experience for the guests. They do housekeeping tasks such as arranging the bedroom, sanitizing the bathroom, removing dirt from visible surfaces, and maintaining the room to be up to standard for the next guests staying at the resort. They also clean the locker room and shower/bathing areas as well. Even if housekeeping is not a front line to dealing with customers, they still need to be equipped with an amiable personality. Salaries for part-time jobs at ski resorts vary depending on your contract with your employer. You can either be paid hourly, which would be the standard hourly rates ranging from around 850 to 1200 yen per hour, or monthly, depending on the details of the contract.
General staff at Shops, Lifts, or elsewhere at the Ski Resort
Shop staff accommodate customers, both Japanese and foreigners alike, in a courteous and friendly manner to make them comfortable when shopping for recreational items or other products. Staff are also mainly approached by customers to rent gear for skiing and snowboarding. Employees are expected to know the basic gear, and possess adequate communication skills to resolve any troubles that may arise. A clerk is also responsible for the store’s inventory and maintenance. When unexpected things customer-related concerns happen, shop clerks must be ready to help or make a call to report the issue.
Staff at the ski lifts assist customers when onboarding while observing all safety precautions. It is their assignment to check customers’ passes or tickets and give clear instructions about riding lifts. Staff in other stations, such as at restaurants and dining areas, are encouraged to do the same - act professionals at all times when doing their job. The salary at the ski resorts vary especially if you are working part-time only.
Visa Requirements and Benefits Given to Ski Resort Employees
Usual Benefits and Privileges
Being an employee at a ski resort comes with enormous benefits. Some of the ski resorts in Japan, because most are far from major cities, offer free or highly discounted accommodation for all employees. You would be likely to share quarters with a roommate, depending on your job position. Numerous ski resort’s work-packages also include free meals, mobile devices with access to high-speed wifi, and free calls between coworkers.
And of course, utilizing the facilities. Ski resorts might allow employees to ski for free during specific times depending on the contract or occasion. For some resorts, they give privileges such as a season ski pass and discounts for your family and friends.
As an employee in a Japanese ski resort, the most rewarding part is helping and assisting people from various countries. Plus, your number of friends, especially ones that come from different corners of the world, is likely to dramatically increase.
Assistance in Application Process
Not only would you feel the perks of working in a ski resort during your employment, but also as you process your application. Getting the different important documents to travel for work in a foreign land would sometimes be challenging. But many ski resorts in Japan offer assistance in processing your paperwork.
A peek at which visa should you have
There are types of visas you should obtain to qualify to work at the ski resorts in Japan. For example, if you are 18 -30 years old, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) that you can use to work at the ski resort of your choice while in Japan. The primary purpose of that type of visa is to encourage citizens from the partner countries of Japan to travel and spend time around the country while being employed to support their financial needs. You can only acquire the visa for a single time, and it is valid for more or less 12 months. The Working Holiday Visa is only available for several selected countries.
International students currently studying in Japan may also be interested, but their Student Visa is not enough qualification to work in ski resorts. Students have to process a working permit - Application for Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted - that comes with its own restrictions such as limited hours of work allowed per week (usually 28 hours).
※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan" ※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "General visa: Student"
In any other case, you need a status of residence and work visa that allows you to work in this type of facility and job.
Summary
Ski resorts in Japan offer seasonal jobs for Japanese and foreign residents. What it pays might last longer than what you have worked for because of various benefits that come with it. You may choose not to spend your salary while working, for they provide almost all of your necessities. Plus, that comes with quality and comfortable accommodation, work-place, and job experience. You would know a lot of people and good for building your own network while in the country. Japan is waiting on you, what are you waiting for?
