Full season and Level 1 ski Instructor Course in Hakuba

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 Hakuba 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 ski instructor in Hakuba

Train with top-level coaches and elevate your skiing and teaching skills in the breathtaking resort of Hakuba, Japan. From day one, you’ll refine your technique—starting with the fundamentals and progressing through hands-on practice, fun drills, and technical development to build your confidence as an instructor.

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, which complements your on-snow training and enhances your ability to teach effectively.

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.

Join us in Hakuba and take the first step toward an exciting ski instructor job in Japan!

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

Course program

Arrival & First Days in Hakuba

Upon arrival in Hakuba, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your accommodation. Once settled in, you’ll attend a welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your fellow course participants and Snowminds Team Leaders. This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone, ask questions, and get an overview of what to expect in the coming weeks.

You’ll also have time to explore your surroundings, settle in, and soak up the excitement before training begins. With a supportive team and new friends by your side, you’ll be ready to kick off an unforgettable ski instructor journey in Japan!

Indoor Training

Your course in Hakuba begins with indoor training, where you’ll focus on the key aspects of being a successful ski instructor. These sessions are designed to prepare you for the job by covering guest service, professionalism, and everything you need to know to excel in the role. You’ll learn effective communication, lesson planning, and how to engage with guests, ensuring you can deliver a high-quality experience on and off the slopes. This foundational training will give you the tools and knowledge to start your career with confidence.

First Aid Training

Following your indoor training, you’ll complete a one-day first aid course, an essential part of your qualification. This hands-on session will provide you with the skills to handle on-mountain emergencies, ensuring you can respond effectively to real-life situations. You’ll gain confidence in treating ski-related injuries and learn rescue techniques, making sure you’re fully equipped to manage any emergency that may arise during your instructor career.

Ski Training

Once on the slopes, you’ll dive into intensive ski training, designed to refine and perfect your skiing technique. Each day will be packed with practical, on-snow lessons, where you’ll receive expert coaching tailored to your individual skill level. Through hands-on practice, technical drills, and video analysis, you’ll build the confidence and ability needed to progress as an instructor.

Level 1 Certification

The course will then shift focus to the Level 1 certification assessment, where you’ll be evaluated over four days on both technical skiing skills and teaching ability. This includes theoretical knowledge, on-snow demonstrations, and practical teaching scenarios.

By the end of the certification period, you’ll have completed your CSIA Level 1 certification, validating the progress you’ve made throughout the course and preparing you for your ski instructor job in Japan.

You will receive an outline course schedule in your course pack closer to the season. Please note that the schedule is approximate and subject to change, depending on factors such as weather and snow conditions.

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 ski instructor course in Hakuba: 

• A winter season in Japan as a ski instructor
• Level 1 ski instructor training course in Hakuba
• Preparation training delivered by top-level trainers before the Level 1 exam
• An internationally recognized English-spoken level 1 certification with CSIA
• A job at a local ski school in Japan with organized season accommodation, a season lift pass, and a uniform*
• Accommodation with breakfast and dinner during your training course
• Roundtrip flights to Japan (from a major international airport)**
• Local transport from the airport to your course and ski school***

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