Niseko Village is the perfect pick for a ski internship because it is the well-known hub for skiing in Japan, and rightly so. It is famous for it's dry, light powder, consistent snowfall and a great variety of terrain including glades, off-piste, bowls and even a bit of gated skiing for those experienced in backcountry and avalanche safety.
There are four resorts on Mt. Niseko-Annupuri that make up the extensive Niseko ski resort area. 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 impressive Japanese ski resorts are also only a stone's throw away for your day's off.
Serious about becoming a ski instructor? Train, qualify & work all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand or the USA.
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:
* 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.
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 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 move to Niseko Village staff accommodation, which is outside of Hirafu in a quieter area servicing the Niseko Village ski area. Staff accommodation is very communal and tightly knit, so you’ll make plenty of friends and never be short a riding buddy – you can also have cheap meals provided at approximately 300JPY (US $2.75) a time!
With a team of around 80 instructors, you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to work in an experienced, international team. There are plenty of work opportunities and the chance to learn from more experienced team members. Work and training is in English, and there are opportunities for development training around your working hours. You can find opportunities to teach a mix of clients and the combination of competitive pay rates alongside strong working hours make this a great place to work. Your contract initially will be until the end of February with potential extensions based on forecasted business levels and personal performance.
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.
*Examples Photos
After the level 1 exam, you will transfer into staff accommodation with your chosen ski school. See an example of Niseko Village staff accommodation below. Niseko is well known as the hub of Japanese skiing, the mix of culture, incredible skiing and amazing people make the resort town a must see destination for skiers from across the globe. Japan snow seasons can last well into April, so you can decide to stay for longer and make the most of your season pass.
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.
