Level 1+2 Ski Instructor Course with a season in Niseko

Become a ski instructor 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 join our ski instructor course in Japan and work for a local ski school. With our level 1 + 2 ski instructor course as a starting point, 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!

Become a certified Level 1+2 Ski Instructor in Japan

Train with top-level coaches and take your skiing and teaching skills to the next level in either Austria or Japan. From day one, you’ll refine your technique—starting with the fundamentals and progressively building your teaching abilities through hands-on practice, fun drills, and technical development.

Throughout the course, video analysis will be used to track your progress, providing valuable insights into your improvement. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of ski theory, complementing your on-snow training and enhancing your teaching skills.

Beyond training, your Snowminds Team Leaders will organize social events and activities, ensuring an unforgettable experience. With expert coaching, engaging lessons, and a supportive community, you’ll be fully prepared to start your journey as a ski instructor in Japan.

Once you’ve completed your Level 1 certification, you’ll head to Niseko for your season at your ski school and Level 2 training. The Level 2 will take place during your season in Niseko, where you’ll train on your days off and prepare for the Level 2 exam in March. 

Join us in Kaprun, Austria or Rusutsu, Japan and become a certified ski instructor, with your Level 2 exam awaiting you in Niseko!

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

Course program

The Level 1+2 course is an exciting journey designed to kickstart your ski instructor career. 

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive community, meet like-minded individuals, and settle into your new surroundings. The experience begins with an orientation, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Training is a dynamic mix of on-snow and off-snow sessions, where professional instructors will help you develop and refine your skiing technique, teaching skills, and overall confidence. Each day is packed with hands-on learning, ensuring you gain the experience needed to progress.

The Level 1 course builds up to an official certification assessment, where your skills, knowledge, and performance will be evaluated. By the end, you’ll have earned a recognized certification, opening the door to incredible opportunities in the world of ski instructing. With new friendships, expert training, and an internationally recognized qualification, you’ll leave ready to take on the slopes and start your journey as a ski instructor!

You can do your Level 1 course in either Kaprun or Rusutsu. 

Once you’ve successfully completed your Level 1 certification, you’ll begin working at your matched ski school, gaining real-world experience as an instructor. This is where you’ll put your training into action, teaching guests, refining your skills, and truly immersing yourself in life as a ski instructor.

For those looking to take their skills to the next level, the journey doesn’t stop here. Level 2 training kicks off in January and runs throughout the season, giving you time to develop stronger technique, improve your teaching skills, and prepare for the next stage of your career. With expert coaching and ongoing practice, you’ll refine your abilities before taking the Level 2 exam in February or March. Achieving this advanced certification opens even more doors, allowing you to work in a wider range of resorts and take on greater challenges in the world of ski instructing.

What do you get from Snowminds?

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

What is included in the Level 1+2 ski instructor course: 

• A winter season in Japan as a ski instructor
• Level 1+2 ski instructor training course in Niseko
• Level 1 exam in either Kaprun (Austria)* or Rusutsu (Japan)
• Preparation training delivered by top-level trainers before the Level 1 exam
• An internationally recognized English-spoken Level 1+2 certification
• Level 2 training starting in January with the Level 2 exam in Niseko in February/March
• A job at a local ski school in Japan with organized season accommodation, a season lift pass, and a uniform**
• Arranged accommodation with breakfast and dinner during your training course
• Roundtrip flights to Japan (from a major international airport)***

*If Level 1 is completed in Kaprun, conversion to NZSIA before Level 2 is required, which we’ll of course support you with.

What you always get when traveling with Snowminds: 

• Social activities planned during the course & season
• Snowminds Team Leader to support you during the course
• Invitation to Kick-off event prior to departure (online attendance possible)
• Invitation to Snowminds Reunion Party after your season ends
• A dedicated team to support you before, during, and after the winter season
• Help with the visa application and all other practicalities to prepare for winter
• Pro-deals at Snowminds Store
• Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee and membership of the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
• 24-hour emergency phone during the course and season
• Opportunity further training/ certification
• Opportunity to join our Hawaii trip after your season ends
• A strong community with fellow Snowminders
• A total experience where all the practicalities are arranged for you

What is not included?

• Travel activity after the season including transport from your destination to the airport
• Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, and visa fees
• Housing deposit and rent for the full seasonal accommodation
• Ski equipment, pocket money and anything not mentioned above

**Seasonal accommodation and season lift pass can be conditional on passing education and maintaining subsequent employment. Employment depends on if you are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. Please note that you will in most cases get an employment contract from December until the end of February, with the possibility of an extension (not guaranteed).

***Return flights are included from a major international airport including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen. We will happily arrange flights from other areas, such as Edinburgh or Sydney, upon request and likely extra charges. In all cases, please be aware that there may be additional costs depending on the departure airport, flight availability, and price increases! We will notify you before final flight bookings are made in such cases. You are also welcome to book your own flights, in which case we provide a 700 euro discount for your trip. If you have any questions please just reach out to us.

WHO CAN APPLY TO BECOME A SKI 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 skied or 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  
• You are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa*

When you have sent your application you will receive an invitation for an interview. During the interview we 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.  

*Eligibility for Working Holiday visa depends on different factors such as which passport you hold and your age. Ask us if you are unsure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS