Do you dream of carving fresh tracks in legendary powder snow while experiencing vibrant Japanese culture? People from all over the world come to experience the “Japow” – the famous, light powder snow of Japan. Australians and US Americans make up the biggest share of international visitors. Therefore, Japanese language skills are not necessarily required to work at a ski resort. However, it will make finding a job easier as Japanese nationals also love to ski in their home country.

Working at a ski resort in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa offers a unique blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and practical work experience. This opportunity allows you to live and work in breathtaking winter landscapes and connect with people from around the globe.

World Unite! can pre-arrange a job at a ski resort for you if you are planning to be in Japan during the winter season. Our partners are located in prime winter destinations across Hokkaido, Niigata, and Iwate prefectures. The winter season in Japan typically runs from late November or early December to the end of March, and you are expected to be available for the entire season.

Do you need to speak Japanese? Not always! There are English-speaking positions, yet they are limited. Japanese language skills will definitely enhance your experience and chances of securing certain roles. If you want to learn Japanese from scratch or freshen up your skills, you can also book one of our language classes in Tokyo beforehand.

So, what kind of work will you be doing?

You’ll find a variety of roles to suit your skills and interests:

• Ski & Snowboard Instruction: If you have solid snowboarding and skiing skills, you can work as a ski instructor assistant or children’s ski instructor. Instructor experience itself is not necessary.
• Hotel Hospitality: Many resorts also seek staff for essential hospitality positions, including front desk/reception, housekeeping, room service, laundry, onsen cleaner/attendant, and luggage handling.
• Restaurant & Food Service: Roles such as kitchen assistant, dishwasher, and waiter/waitress are also common.

These are full-time positions, where you should expect to work around 40 hours per week. While wages vary by role and prefecture, the hourly rate typically ranges between ¥800-¥1,200. Combined with subsidized living costs, this ensures you can comfortably cover your expenses and enjoy your time.

How, and where will you live?

While accommodation costs apply, they are subsidized by your employer, making your working holiday more affordable. The specifics vary by resort. For instance, one resort offers a shared twin room for as little as ¥5,000 per month, while others might provide a dormitory bed for free, with an upgrade option.

Beyond just affordable housing, you’ll often receive additional benefits. These could include subsidized meals and, perhaps the best perk of all, free ski passes! This means endless opportunities to hit the slopes during your time off, making the most of Japan’s legendary powder.

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