Careers

Become a Part of Niseko Base Snowsports Family

We love skiing, snowboarding and everything that is winter in Japan! We want to do everything we can to support you so that you love this place as much as we do! NBS and our parent company SkiJapan, started out small as a tight knit group of shredders keen to share their passion with guests from all countries and cultures. Through the years we have grown to become the largest and longest serving inbound tour operator in Hokkaido with offices around the globe. Despite the growing size of the company, the small family feel still exists and the culture of friendship, sharing pow days and community live on!

We pride ourselves on our absolute professionalism and the outstanding quality of services that we provide. There may be many Snowsports Schools and Rental shops in the area but our philosophy and ethos stands out. Our success stems from our commitment to this culture and our team. If we’re all happy and loving Japan, so will our guests!

Positions Open for 24/25 Winter Season

Open from 1st May 2024

Application Process

  1. Review the careers page on our website
  2. Complete an online application form
  3. Attach a cover letter, resume and photo of yourself
  4. Applications will be then be shortlisted in June
  5. If you are successful for an interview you will be contacted in June
  6. Interviews will be held through June
  7. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of June
  8. Positions to start end of November/ Early December

All applicants need the following to be considered for any position with NBS:

The ability to obtain a working/holiday visa (check if you’re eligible here: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/

OR

The necessary qualifications/experience for a sponsored working visa (Ski: a relevant ski certification with no prior teaching experience. Snowboard: a relevant qualification along with approx. 36 months of relevant full time experience is required for sponsorship).

Ability to meet the grooming policy (neat and tidy hair at all times, clean shaven or beard trimmed with distinct lines, tattoos covered at all times, wear the uniform as outlined in the staff handbook).

The Right Attitude (we can train you to do your job but we can’t decide how you do it)

Please note that the employment offer may be cancelled if the borders are not fully open for tourists. For more info, you can check immigration website. https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html

  • Outstanding teamwork culture and family feel
  • High level of support from HR and Management for all aspects of trip to Japan
  • Competitive, incentivized pay structure for Snowsports Instructors
  • High quality Onyone Instructor uniform
  • FREE Season Lift Pass (Instructors receive a Commercial Niseko United All Mountain pass, all other NBS positions include a Hirafu/Hanazono season pass)
  • Data SIM allowance for communications purposes
  • FREE Ski/Snowboard lessons & rental with Niseko Base Snowsports
  • Subsidized staff accommodation with FREE Wi-Fi
  • Pick up service upon arrival in resort
  • Staff locker room within 1 minute walk of the slopes!
  • Extensive Staff Discounts and deals from our partners in Hirafu Village & Kutchan
  • Discounts for immediate family and partners of staff
  • Departmental benefits, rewards and incentives
  • Comprehensive in-house training program for instructors
  • Assistance with visas, foreigner registration & government paperwork

Life in Niseko is a fusion of Japanese culture, powder, an international community and a happening nightlife all set in front of the stunning Mt. Yotei volcano. Hirafu is the perfect introduction to Japan for those that don’t speak Japanese with most Hirafu businesses and guests speaking English. The Niseko United ski area comprises of 4 ski resorts including Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono. NBS is located in Hirafu which is the only ski area with a village at its base.

Hirafu is a thriving village with an abundance of restaurants, onsens, bars, retail shops, yoga studios, wellness spas, cafes, massage studios and accommodations. The village is 8-10 minute walk from top to bottom and is home to Niseko Base Snowsports and the SkiJapan travel company. Getting around Hirafu is easy as it is small and everything is within a short walk.

About 15 minutes is Kutchan, a rural town where you will find the banks, post offices, supermarkets, gyms, health care, the train station and other local businesses. Kutchan is home to traditional Japanese cuisine, culture and a growing nightlife scene. Regular public transports are available during the winter season.

Subsidized staff accommodation is available to all staff with twin, triple and quad share options available. Rental prices vary from 50,000 – 70,000yen per month depending on the location, size and share option. We have a number of staff accommodations in both the Hirafu Village and Kutchan with a place to suit everyone’s preferences and budget.

When can I apply?

Applications will be accepted from 1st-May. Only applications received via the website will be accepted. Please don’t email us directly.

What happens after the application?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in June to schedule an interview. Interviews will be held through June. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of June.

How should I prepare for my interview?

Make sure you have checked the mode of communication. Find a quiet space without distractions and ensure you have a reliable internet connection for the duration of the interview.

Successful candidates

If you are successful, we will require a response within a week of you receiving the offer. We will then begin to assist with your visa application, you will receive regular emails updates to assist you in preparation for your trip to Japan.

Do I need specific qualifications?

Instructors need to hold a minimum of APSI level 1 or equivalent. Indoor roles have varying requirements, please check your preferred job description for details.

Work Visa

Candidates must have the ability to obtain a working/holiday visa. Check if you’re eligible here: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/
OR
The necessary qualifications/experience for a sponsored working visa.

Department training

Each department with NBS will participate in 5-8 days of specific training. Instructors will spend the majority of those days on snow getting to know the resort and teaching terrain. NBS also operates a season long training program for instructors.

A day in the life of our instructors

Instructors generally start work at 8:30am or 9:30am for 4-6 hours each day during the peak season. There are opportunities to work more hours as the lifts in Grand Hirafu are open until 8:30pm! Instructors can also participate in training which operates 4-5 nights a week from 4pm -6pm.