Shiga Kogen

,

Japan

Welcome to Japan's largest interconnected resort area. EA partner with Shiga International Ski School, in Shiga Kogan where there are 19 ski resorts!
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1600
Skiable Terrain Acres
80
Runs
9m
Annual Snow Fall
980m
Vertical Drop

Tell me about

Shiga Kogen

EA Ski & Snowboard partner with Shiga International Ski School who operate at Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski area. Shiga Kogen itself is made up of 19 interconnected ski resorts, and Shiga International Ski School is an English speaking, international ski school based out of Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort, located at the north end of Shiga Kogen. Okushiga itself is one of the highest resorts in the area, and due to that, it sees around 12 metres of snow annually.

There is also a terrain park, very few lift lines, few crowds and some of the best off-piste skiing you can find in Japan. Back in 1998, when Japan held the Nagano Olympics, Shiga Kogen was home to the giant slalom, and slalom course and this remains there to this day. Because of its size, there are many trails to explore there. The only challenge is whether you can fit every single one in.

Courses Available At

Shiga Kogen

Click "See What's Included" button to see inclusions for each course at this resort.

Ski Internship

Ski Internship

Serious about becoming a ski instructor? Train, qualify & work all in one season. Work in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand or the USA.

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Pre-Course

  • Guaranteed Paid Job Offer
  • Course Prep & Advice
  • Visa Planning & Support
  • Welcome Pack & Schedule
  • Online login area with live updates and group chat

City Orientation*

  • Airport Meet & Greet
  • Hotel Transfer
  • Sightseeing
  • One / Two Nights Accommodation
  • Bank Accounts, Tax Numbers, Sim Cards, etc.
  • Evening Meal, Breakfast & Social Event

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).

Arrival - At Resort

  • Meet & Greet
  • Full Season Program Manager
  • Ski Area Orientation
  • Shared Accommodation*
  • Equipment Advice & Deals
  • Social Events


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.

Training - At Resort

  • Level 1 Training
  • Level 1 Exam Fees
  • Digital Training Manuals
  • Association Membership
  • Lift Pass
  • Social Events

Rest Of Season - At Resort

  • Employee Induction
  • Start Work
  • Instructor Uniform
  • Resort Employee Season Pass
  • Additional Benefits
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Shiga Kogen

Overview

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What it's like working at

What it's like training in

Shiga Kogen

On an instructor internship here, program participants train with world-class trainers in and around the Shiga Kogen wider ski area to prepare for the Level One NZSIA (New Zealand Ski Instructors Association) exam. Accommodation and lift pass, as well as orientation activities, are provided during this time.

After the Level One exam, you will be working for the Shiga International Ski School who will ensure you receive the necessary staff training and induction processes. This will help establish everyone within the company before the work begins.

Shiga International Ski School is the only operating international, English speaking ski school in Shiga Kogen. The team there at Okushiga are from all around the world and operate closely with each other, with the goal of making sure guests enjoy their time out on the mountain as much as possible (while learning a few skiing tips and tricks along the way). As an employee at Shiga International, you will receive locals discounts on shop items and free lunch every work day. The level one teaching wage is 2000 yen per hour (subject to increase with further qualifications).

There is the 1,000-year-old hot springs town of Shibu Onsen located next to the Snow Monkey Park and the city of Nagano is not too far away from the very historical Zenkoji Temple. There are great festivals to see nearby as well as many other ski areas to explore.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the training portion of this course will be covered for you. You will be housed in staff accommodation so even while you're training, you'll soon get to know not only your fellow EA interns but also the fellow instructors that will work with you this season.

Once you begin work, your accommodation cost will be automatically taken out of your wage. The cost of this is about 33000 yen (Approx. $300 USD) per month. One benefit to living here is that whilst the chef is available during the season, you'll also get your breakfast and dinner included at no extra cost, so you'll likely end up saving money compared to similar resorts. Due to the early start of our program, you may have a period self catering at the start of the program before meals are being provided by the chalet chef alongside the majority of school staff arriving.

*The above is an indicative based on last season and is subject to change based on availability and updates to pricing
Welcome to Japan's largest interconnected resort area. EA partner with Shiga International Ski School, in Shiga Kogan where there are 19 ski resorts!
Welcome to Japan's largest interconnected resort area. EA partner with Shiga International Ski School, in Shiga Kogan where there are 19 ski resorts!
Welcome to Japan's largest interconnected resort area. EA partner with Shiga International Ski School, in Shiga Kogan where there are 19 ski resorts!

Program Manager

EA Ski & Snowboard want you to have the best season possible at Shiga Kogen. 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 Shiga Kogen itself, they will also be a familiar face to make your gap year and first winter season that much easier.

Certification Overview

Our Ski and Snowboard Instructor Course in Shiga Kogen, 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, who have the capability to teach and ski 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.

Shiga Kogen

Reviews

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Where else can you go in

Japan

?

Explore through the map links below or by clicking the resort logos.
Japan is fast becoming one of the world's most popular ski destinations. EA Ski and Snowboard Training offers ski and snowboard instructor courses at 9 world-class resorts across Japan.
Niseko ProPeak
Rusutsu
Evergreen Hakuba
Hakuba Snow Sports
Club Med Hokkaido
Canyons Nozawa and Yuzawa
Niseko GoSnow
Niseko Imagine
Niseko Village