The cat's out of the bag.

Boasting some of the world's driest powder, varied terrain and bearable chairlift wait times, Japan is quickly becoming one of the best ski destinations in the world. Here are four reasons to do your ski instructor training course in Japan.

1. A guaranteed paid job offer

We're not going to beat around the bush. The ski instructor industry is a tough nut to crack when you go it alone. A lot of ski resorts won't hire instructors without a few years of industry experience. But that's why EA Ski and Snowboard exists, to help newly qualified instructors secure paid work.

Ski resorts in Japan are known for treating their staff by offering consistent work hours and okay pay. Some ski resorts, like Club Med, will pay their team a fixed full-time salary. If securing full-time work after training is essential to you, Japan might be a safe bet.

2. World-class terrain

You won’t find steeps as you would in Canada. But trust us when we say you’ll find powder….lots and lots of it!

Fun fact - 73% of Japan is mountainous and over 1000 ski resorts, so, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to terrain. Each ski field offers something different. You can find excellent piste skiing, well-groomed trails, tree runs, gnarly bump lines, and of course, that all-important back-country terrain.

3. Um, it’s Japan

If Japan's not on your bucket list, it should be.

Japan is a place where ancient tradition blends seamlessly with urban city life like it was the most natural thing in the world. And there's something to please everyone. In Japan, you'll find everything from tropical beaches to snow-capped ski mountains.

Underground music scenes, to Buddhist temples. In most urban centres, such as Tokyo and Osaka, offer a vibrant 24-hour drinking and dining scenes perfect for foodies. While small towns just on the outskirts are rich with culture and tradition if you're more of a history nut. Japan has many tourist festivals right throughout the year. Two ones not to miss are the Sapporo Ice Festival every winter and Nozawa Onsens Fire Festival.

It's also worth mentioning, getting around Japan is accessible and affordable. You can travel from the top of Honshu right to the bottom at speeds of 320km/h thanks to the network of high-speed train lines spread across the country.

4. Kanpai ski - the Japanese take on après ski

Respect is the backbone of Japanese culture, and it's ingrained in their rituals and traditions. On-duty ski instructors are be expected to conduct themselves professionally. However, employers understand and even encourage their staff to enjoy themselves off-duty.

You might be familiar with the phrase après ski if you've skied in Europe. But, you're probably yet to experience (what we've endearingly titled) kanpai ski.

At night, you'll find the streets filled with guests and resort staff sipping on sake in all-you-can-drink karaoke bars. Kanpai ski is a tremendous allure for ski resorts, and as a staff member, you'll be encouraged to join in.

Pssst!

We’re now accepting applications for ski instructor internships in Japan for the 2018/2019 ski season. Spaces are limited, and fill fast. Find out if you’re eligible for a ski instructor internship with EA Ski and Snowboard below.