Rusutsu Resort is a short 90-minute drive from Sapporo and boasts some of the deepest and lightest powder in the world. Rusutsu's 16 lifts provide access to 37 beautiful trails with a combined total length of 42 km. There is a huge variety of runs to help develop your skills, from groomed beginner runs, to steep descents with on and off-piste courses.
Rusutsu was the winner of the 2017 Japan's Best Ski Resort award, and deservedly so. With an abundance of snow, world-class facilities and breath-taking scenery, Rusutsu is often a top pick for many EA Ski & Snowboard interns ahead of their season. Due to its excellent snowfall, visitors to Rusutsu enjoy great snow conditions all season long.
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.
EA's course at Rusutsu starts with an early season training and certification program based out of Niseko. Accommodation, lift passes and orientation activities are provided during this time.
After completing your Level One exam, you will transfer to Rusutsu to get settled in for the season. When arriving in Rusutsu, staff training and induction processes help to get everyone established before the work begins.
Rusutsu Ski & Snowboard School is relatively large, with over 50 instructors. The team at Rusutsu work closely, which creates a fun and welcoming family atmosphere at the school. Private and group lessons are given in 2-hour blocks twice a day.
At some point during the season, you will be required to sit the SAJ (Japanese Association) Level 1 and 2 exams. Training will be provided throughout the season to ensure all instructors are confident and happy to try these exams. The Rusutsu Ski School is affiliated with Ski Association of Japan so all international instructors will be asked to try their best to complete these qualifications.
Other perks of living and working at Rusutsu include having access to the staff cafeteria on the mountain, and a discounted entry into the local Gymnasium - don't forget that in Japan it is expected that you use specific non-marking indoor-only sports shoes for such activities.
Accommodation during the training and exam portion of your EA course is typically provided at Hirafu Lodge. This is a friendly, centrally located hostel where you will live/train with our Niseko interns.
Accommodation while working:
Once working and living in Rusutsu, interns live in staff accommodation. This is provided at the Highland Lodge, conveniently located at the base of West Mountain, close to the Rusutsu ski area, ski school meeting room, convenience stores and bars/restaurants.
HIGHLAND LODGE DETAILS:
Each room is equipped with:
EA Ski & Snowboard want you to have the best season possible. You will have a Program Manager for your training period in Niseko who is a Niseko local and can guide you through this period. Once you move over to Rusutsu, your Program Manager in Niseko will still be contactable of course for any advice and guidance and will organise a get together for our Niseko programs to reconvene during the season! In Rusutsu you will have the support of the ski school management to help with any local issues.
Our Ski Instructor Course in Rusutsu, Japan allows you to obtain a globally recognised qualification with the NZSIA (New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance). The NZSIA is a well-established, educational body that is internationally renowned for producing professional, knowledgeable instructors, with the capabilities to teach and ride at very high standards. They are internationally recognised as a well-established, professional provider and have a reputation for high-quality and knowledge. This means that NZSIA instructors are able to competently perform and teach on snow in many cultures and conditions. This qualification can truly take you anywhere.