Active Life operates Palcall Tsumagoi Resort in Gunma and owns and manages two hotels at Madarao Mountain Resort in northern Nagano. Founded with the goal of delivering exceptional, curated experiences for sports enthusiasts, Active Life offers tailored packages that include accommodation, meals, and either ski and snowboard lessons or guided on-mountain adventures.
Palcall Tsumagoi Resort - Tucked into the mountains of Gunma, Palcall Tsumagoi features Japan’s longest gondola, wide-open bowls, and natural terrain features. While known for its mellow groomers, the resort also offers in-bounds powder zones, ridge drops, and playful sidecountry with minimal crowds. With reliable snowfall and a relaxed atmosphere, Palcall is a hidden gem for freeriders looking to escape the busier resorts and chase fresh lines all day.
Madarao Mountain Resort - Located in northern Nagano, Madarao is a powder-focused resort known for its laid-back vibe and some of the best tree skiing in Japan. With 31 runs and a strong off-piste culture, the mountain delivers deep snow, natural bowls, and a freeride-friendly approach. Linked with Tangram Ski Circus, Madarao provides access to a larger ski area while maintaining a low-key feel, making it a favourite for adventurous skiers and boarders seeking untouched terrain.
Serious about becoming a ski instructor? Train, qualify & work all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand or the USA.
Note:
* Please be aware that the City Orientations are an extra cost for the Internships. There is no City Orientation option available for Queenstown (NZ), Imagine Niseko (Japan), Niseko Village (Japan), Niseko GoSnow (Japan) & Rusutsu (Japan).
Note:
* Accommodation differs from resort to resort, please speak with our team to check on this for your preferred resort. Usually accommodation is covered until the end of the level 1 exam with an option to remain at your own cost for the remainder of the season.
Designed to fast track your instructor career. Train, qualify and work as a snowboard instructor all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan or New Zealand.
Note:
* Please be aware that the City Orientations are an extra cost for the Internships. There is no City Orientation option available for Queenstown (NZ), Imagine Niseko (Japan), Niseko Village (Japan), Niseko GoSnow (Japan) & Rusutsu (Japan).
Note:
* Accommodation differs from resort to resort, please speak with our team to check on this for your preferred resort. Usually accommodation is covered until the end of the level 1 exam with an option to remain at your own cost for the remainder of the season.
At Palcall, instructors typically work 32–40 hours per week, with the season running from early December through the end of March. Most lessons are beginner-focused, and instructors can expect to teach five to six days per week. Experience with freestyle or park riding is a big plus at this location.
At Madarao, the resort opens around December 20, with most contracts running through to the end of February. Instructors generally coach for 25 hours per week, with opportunities to increase to 35 to 40 hours through private bookings or by assisting in other areas such as rentals. Guests at Madarao are generally more experienced and tend to seek on-mountain guiding rather than basic instruction. The busiest period is from late December to February, after which things begin to quiet down.
Before arriving in Japan, you will complete your training in Saas-Fee, a world-class ski resort nestled among Switzerland’s highest alpine peaks. Famous for its long, scenic runs and dramatic mountain scenery, Saas-Fee is uniquely surrounded by numerous 4,000-meter summits, creating an unforgettable training environment.
Accommodation is provided in nearby Saas-Grund, a traditional Swiss ski village just a short bus ride from the Saas-Fee lift station. You’ll stay in a chalet-style lodge, sharing a room with 3 to 5 other trainees. The lodge includes a large communal kitchen, dining area, ski room, Wi-Fi, and a TV. It’s a cozy and convenient base for your alpine training adventure.
Staff are housed in dorm-style accommodation for approximately ¥6,000 per month, with an optional meal plan available for about ¥400 per day. The total monthly cost of living averages around ¥30,000, making this a very affordable setup for a ski season in Japan.
EA Ski and Snowboard Training want you to have the best season possible in Switzerland and Japan. This means that we have Loz on the ground in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, who is easily contacted and there to offer advice and support at all times. Not only is he familiar with Saas-Fee itself, but he also works for the ski school and will be a familiar face to make your training period easier.
Once in Japan you'll become part of the ski school staff at location and will have guidance from senior ski school employees in resort.
Our ski instructor course at Saas-Fee, Switzerland allows you to obtain a globally recognised qualification with the BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors). BASI formally constituted in 1963, is a UK based membership and its qualification pathway is recognised internationally and BASI is a member of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA).
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