The Dream in Japan

A season with Snowminds is not only about snow. It’s also about diving deep into a new culture and environment. On that front, Japan delivers. The country’s rich history and culture offers you a world within a world. The equation is simple: Live in a cultural epicenter + Eat world-class cuisine + Shred the finest powder = JaPOW. Tough to resist, right?

That’s why Snowminds is excited to offer you the opportunity to become a paid snowboard instructor in Japan with a job guarantee. With our 3 week ski instructor training course, you can go from a relative beginner to a competent ski instructor with the ability to grow immensely throughout your season. It may seem like a dream, but it is absolutely within your reach!

THE TRAINING

Over a 3 week training course in Japan with our most talented and experienced coaches, you will quickly develop your snowboard  technique and teaching skills to become a highly-competent snowboard instructor. After passing your Level 1 exam, the journey gets even more exciting as you will immediately begin working as a beginner snowboard instructor at your designated ski school in Japan. Now working as a paid snowboard instructor and shredding powder every day awaits you!

Your daily life as a paid snowboard instructor may not be glamorous, but it’s certainly romantic. Each morning you will wake up to the world’s freshest powder with an average of 16 meters of snow per season. You will also get the chance to immerse yourself in an ancient and sophisticated culture, where everything from the food to the sauna in Japan is of the highest quality. Across the Hokkaido landscape lie several active volcanoes, which stand tall and silently beg you to shred them. Throughout your season as a snowboard instructor, it’s your job to fulfill that sacred mission and shred powder like you never have before.

Recommendation: Check out our 5 Star Facebook reviews and learn more about Snowminds from our ski and snowboard instructors!

THE INSTRUCTOR LIFE

As a snowboard instructor in Japan, you should expect quality work and living conditions in a truly local Japanese environment. Although your guests will be primarily from Australia and other English-speaking countries, your day to day life will also give you the opportunity to live and work as the Japanese do. In practice, that means enjoying freshly-prepared Japanese food each day during group meals your ski school, and then getting to enjoy afternoon and night-skiing sessions with your colleagues and friends. It’s a close-knit community and you should expect your Japanese colleagues to warmly welcome you with open arms.

In terms of cultural opportunities, you will get the chance to visit the mainland and explore Tokyo, one of the world’s most modern cities. Get a taste of a culture, where sushi or kobe steak is always an option, and then top-off the meal with a trip to the hot springs, called Onsen. Finish your night in a karaoke bar and sing Barbie Girl at the top of your lungs. It’s hard go wrong. If this adventure interests you, then get in line now. Trust us, it’s worth it.

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM SNOWMINDS?

When you travel with Snowminds we take care of all the practicalities. That way you can pack your bags and good vibes and focus on preparing for your next adventure.

With this course package, you can look forward to the following benefits:

• Job Guarantee as a snowboard instructor in Japan
• 3-week snowboard training course in Japan (including, all NZSIA, APSI or CSIA Level 1 exam fees and course materials)
• Accommodation for 3 weeks during training course with ½ Board (including, breakfast & dinner)
• Employment at a Japanese ski school, with lift pass and uniform
• Roundtrip flights to Japan***
• Local transport to your ski school destination in Japan from the airport
• Kick-off event to meet your fellow Snowminders before departure
• Access to Snowminds Reunion Party after your season ends
• Closing Celebration Event after completing your course
• Help with the visa application and all other practicalities
• Opportunity to see Tokyo and explore Japan after your season
• Confidence in Danish travel company that is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund
• A strong community 

What is not included?

• Extra luggage beyond the two (2) bags included with your roundtrip flights
• Any visa application costs
• Travel activity after the season ends (including, transport from your destination to the airport)
• Cancellation and travel insurance
• Possible expenses for accommodation, lift pass and uniform during the season (this varies from ski school to ski school)
• Pocket money and anything else not mentioned above

***Please Note: The price includes roundtrip flights to Japan from your major home destination airport. The price of flights may vary depending on your price origin and destination. Of course, we will let you know of any price variations BEFORE final payment is required.

WHO CAN APPLY TO BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR IN JAPAN?

At Snowminds we pride ourselves in selecting the right people for our team of ski- and snowboard instructors. We are renowned amongst the ski schools for educating competent, energetic and top motivated ski- and snowboard instructors. You don’t have to be an expert on the snow, and no matter what your level is – we have a course that is tailor made just for you. We will make sure you receive the necessary training before your exam so you’re ensured to live out your winter dream as an instructor in Japan. The most important thing for you is to be positive, outgoing, adventurous and ready to work hard to get the memory of a lifetime as a part of the Snowminds team.

What we expect from you:

• You have snowboarded a minimum of 3-4 weeks
• You are positive, outgoing and adventurous
• You are serious, responsible and top motivated
• You are good with kids, teens, and adults
• You enjoy teaching and love being challenged  
• You speak English at a conversational level
• You are 18 years or above  

When you have sent your application you will receive an invitation for a Skype interview. During the interview will evaluate your candidacy while you have the opportunity to get more information about our courses and the experience as an instructor in Japan.
After the interview, we will call you and let you know whether or not we can offer you a spot on our team.  

We have a big interest in our courses and the spots fill up quickly. Therefore we have a “first come, first serve” principle with an application deadline each month. This means that the earlier you send in your application, the greater your chances are of joining the team and getting your dream destination.

Use the application form below, where you will find our prices and dates, or fill out the application form above.  

KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE COURSE