Snowboard Instructor Course and season in Rusutsu

Become a snowboard instructor in Japan

A season with Snowminds offers more than just world-class snowboarding. It’s a full cultural journey. Japan is the perfect place to experience something truly different – steeped in tradition, yet buzzing with modern energy. From historic temples to neon-lit streets, and from steaming bowls of ramen to serene mountain landscapes, it’s a destination that stays with you. Add in the deep, dry powder Japan is famous for, and you’ve got the ultimate winter experience: culture, food, and legendary snow – this is JaPOW.

That’s why we’re excited to offer our snowboard instructor course in Japan, where you can train, qualify, and work with a local ski school. Starting with our course in Rusutsu, you’ll build strong snowboard teaching skills and grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a newer rider or already have some experience, this season is your chance to turn a passion into a lifestyle.

The dream is real – and it starts here!

Become a certified snowboard instructor in Rusutsu 

Train with professional snowboard coaches and take your riding and teaching skills to the next level in Rusutsu, Japan. From the very beginning, you’ll work on mastering the fundamentals and gradually build your confidence through practical training, technical sessions, and fun, skill-focused exercises.

As you progress, video analysis will help track your development and highlight areas for improvement. You’ll also dive into snowboard theory, giving you the tools to understand technique more deeply and explain it clearly to others.

Outside of the training sessions, your Snowminds Team Leaders will organize social activities that bring everyone together and make the season even more memorable. With expert instruction, a supportive group environment, and immersive experiences on and off the slopes, you’ll be fully prepared to start working as a snowboard instructor in Japan.

Start your journey in Rusutsu and get ready for an unforgettable winter as a certified snowboard instructor!

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

Course program

Arrival & Day in Sapporo

Upon arrival in Sapporo, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your accommodation. You’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant city of Sapporo, where you can enjoy local attractions, visit cultural sites, or relax and prepare for the upcoming training. This day will serve as an opportunity to get acclimatized and experience the city before driving to Rusutsu and starting the training.

Indoor Training

The course in Rusutsu kicks off with indoor training. This session will focus on foundational skills, techniques, and knowledge you’ll need for the rest of the course. It will include theoretical lessons, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the practical aspects of snowboard training. Indoor sessions will also cover essential paperwork and logistics.

Snowboard Training

You’ll dive into snowboard training, with days packed with practical, on-snow lessons where you’ll learn, refine, and perfect your snowboarding skills. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your technique, the snowboard training days are designed to give you the experience and confidence to progress in your abilities. These sessions will be hands-on and tailored to meet each participant’s needs, with professional instructors guiding you every step of the way.

Level 1 Certification

The course will shift focus to the Level 1 certification program. Over several days, you’ll be evaluated on your skills, knowledge, and performance in both theoretical and practical aspects of snowboarding. By the end of the certification period, you’ll complete your Level 1 certification, validating the progress you’ve made and the skills you’ve gained throughout the course.

The course concludes with your departure, and you’ll leave equipped with valuable training and certification, ready to apply your skills and knowledge when working at your ski school.

You will receive an outline course schedule in your course pack closer to the season. Please note that the schedule is approximate and can be 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 snowboard instructor course in Rusutsu: 

• A winter season in Japan as a snowboard instructor Level 1 snowboard instructor training course in Rusutsu

• Preparation training delivered by top-level trainers before the Level 1 exam An internationally recognized English-spoken level 1 certification with NZSIA

• A job at a local ski school in Japan with organized season accommodation, a season lift pass, and a uniform*

• Accommodation at Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention 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 in Rusutsu*** Local transport from the course in Rusutsu to your 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
• Snowboard 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 availabilities, 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 SNOWBOARD 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  
• 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