Become a Japan backcountry expert

Can you not let go of the thought of off-piste skiing in Japan? Well then imagine how fun it is when you are an expert on avalanche safety, ski touring and snow conditions!

This Avalanche Skills Training course is an introduction course, which will open the door for a safe winter in Japan with your friends in the off-piste. The AST 1 course is just the beginning of a lifelong avalanche learning process. Many backcountry interested have a great experience with the course since it covers the most essential knowledge and training that is necessary for skiing out of bounds. The course material you’ll receive is provided by Avalanche Canada who also help our instructors with the off piste course in Canada.

Where does the course take place?

When you are on your season as a ski or snowboard instructor you have the possibility of taking a couple of days off at your destination to focus 100 % on your avalanche course. Usually more instructors at each destination wish to improve their off piste skills with an avalanche course and therefore we try to pair the instructors at the same destinations so it’s possible to practice with and learn from each other. Because of this we don’t know in advance where the course will take place but this will be informed in time. The AST 1 course takes place from 9am to 5pm two full days with both classroom teaching and field trips. The avalanche course will take place after your level 1 ski or snowboard course but still early enough to kick start the winter in a safe and responsible way when you go out of bounds.

What will you learn?

• Avalanche formation and release
• Identify avalanche terrain
• Basic trip planning
• Optimal use of avalanche equipment
• Use of right alpine terrain technique
• Introduction to companion rescue

What do you need to bring?

• Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
• Touring gear (ski and skins or splitboard and skins) – can be rented
• Regular ski and snowboard equipment
• Extra goggles and gloves for field trip
• Extra layer for field trip
• Additional gear will be explained at the classroom discussions

What is not included?

• Meals during the course
• Possible housing during the course
• Equipment such as avalanche gear and touring gear
• Pocket money and other not mentioned above

WHO CAN APPLY?

At Snowminds, we take pride in offering everyone with the right passion and attitude the opportunity to become part of our community of ski and snowboard instructors.  

Basically, we expect you to:

• Possess good skiing or snowboard skills
• For snowboarders, you must bring a split board
• Outgoing, positive, motivated, and responsible
• Feel good working with children, young people and adults alike
• Enjoy teaching and being challenged
• Speak English at a conversational level
• At least 18 years old
  

There is great interest in this course and therefore available positions fill-up quickly. Generally, we operate on a “first come – first served” principle. That means the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are to join the team. You can apply here.

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