One of our newest ski schools to offer, Niseko Imagine is based at the Grand-Hirafu ski resort, home to many hotels, restaurants, onsens and close by bars to enjoy an après ski session! Niseko is famous for its dry, light and consistent powder skiing and has a huge number of off-piste skiing and even a bit of gated backcountry riding! There are four resorts on Mt. Niseko-Annupuri that make up the wider Niseko ski resort. These are Grand-Hirafu, Hanazono, Annupuri Ski Area and Niseko Village. Each resort has plenty to offer and your season pass will give you access to all four of these fantastic resorts. Plus, if you're looking for new resort's to explore on your days off, Rusutsu, Niseko Moiwa, Kiroro and other awesome Japanese ski resorts are also only a stone's throw away for your day's off.
100kms from Sapporo, Niseko's main village is called Hirafu which sits at the base of the Grand-Hirafu ski resort. Hirafu is home to many hotels, restaurants, onsens, bars and is our EA intern's accommodation location for the training period. There is plenty going on here and there is a great mix of traditional Japanese culture and great western comforts you'll recognise from back home. EA Ski & Snowboard training are the Japan experts with more Japanese locations than any other provider. The long-standing relationships with trainers, resorts and certification bodies make EA the best introduction to the snow industry. With over 10 years’ experience operating instructor internship programs and placing new instructors into employment, you will be introduced to industry experts and joining a community of passionate skiers and snowboarders.
After completing your training and level 1 exam you will be able to move locally to Niseko ISG staff accommodation in Hirafu, where you can remain for the remainder of the season. Work at Niseko ISG is focused on the holidays periods in December/early January, and February. During the low season weeks you will have time to freeride and enjoy Japan’s famous powder, with the opportunity to pick up additional work to supplement your teaching role due to Niseko ISG’s fantastic local connections. If you’re looking for a balance of work while still having plenty of time to enjoy Japan’s famous powder, this is a great option for you.
Accommodation is included for the training/exam portion of the program and is usually provided at Hirafu Lodge. This is a friendly, centrally located hostel boasting:
- 3-4 share rooms
- Full kitchen facilities
- Lounge & fireplace
- Breakfast included
- Internet
- Ample ski and boot storage
- Towels/linen provided
- 50m from the nearest shuttle stop
- Ski in/out
Rates and locations may vary from time to time, and if they do we will endeavour to let you know at the earliest opportunity.
After the level 1 exam, you will transfer into staff accommodation with your chosen ski school. See an example of staff accommodation below.
EA Ski & Snowboard want you to have the best season possible at Niseko. This means that we have a program manager on the ground, who is easily contacted and there to offer advice and support at all times. Not only are they familiar with Niseko itself, they will also be a familiar face to make your gap year and first winter season that much easier.
Disclaimer: The above information should be used as a guide and is subject to change.
Our Ski and Snowboard Instructor Course in Niseko, Japan allows you to obtain a globally recognised qualification with the NZSIA (New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance) or SBINZ (Snowboard Instruction New Zealand). The NZSIA and the SBINZ are well-established, educational bodies that are internationally renowned for producing professional, knowledgeable instructors, with the capabilities to teach and ride at very high standards.
They are both internationally recognised as a well-established, professional provider and has a reputation for high-quality and knowledge. This means that NZSIA and SBINZ instructors are able to competently perform and teach on snow in many cultures and conditions. This qualification can truly take you anywhere.
Serious about becoming a ski instructor? Train, qualify and work all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand or the USA.
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.
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