Japan Ski / Snowboard Instructor Job – Train and Work the Season
Known for its mouthwatering sushi, innovative tech, and rich cultural heritage, Japan is also a top destination for ski lovers
Earn money as a qualified ski / snowboard instructor in Japan. This programme will give you access to an extremely sought-after job in one of the most exciting ski resorts in the world. Work with our highly experienced team, providing work permit advice and organise your accommodation and job before you head to Japan.
Dates: Mid November – May
Age: 18-30 to be able to apply for the work permit
Ski Experience – Minimum of 5 weeks Ski or Snowboard experience
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Highlights
- Earn your Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification (BASI, NZSIA, CSIA, or APSI) through a 3-week intensive training course
- Guaranteed job placement at top ski resorts in Japan including Niseko, Hakuba, Rusutsu, Myoko, Tomamu, and more
- Legendary JaPOW – experience over 15 metres of snowfall each season with world-class powder conditions and night skiing
- Visa and relocation support – including guidance with the Working Holiday visa, interview prep, resume workshops, and pre-departure briefings
- Return flights included as part of your program package
- Comfortable staff accommodation arranged for both training and working season, with meals included during training and rent deducted from wages
- Competitive pay ranging from ¥1,400-¥1,900/hour, with bonus potential for extended lessons
- Immerse yourself in Japanese culture – enjoy après-ski karaoke, relax in natural onsens, explore local cuisine, and travel to Tokyo or scenic rural areas
- Join a global instructor community – train and work alongside international peers with trusted school partners across Japan
- An unforgettable adventure that combines career-building, cultural immersion, and lifelong memories in one of the most unique ski destinations on earth
During the first 3 weeks, following a thorough local orientation, you will take part in the Japan programme. The world-class, certified ski pros will help you to gain your Level 1 qualification. For the rest of the season, you will have a job teaching adults, children or both, how to ski / snowboard.
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold a valid passport (Working Holiday Visa eligible if going to Japan)
- Have good physical fitness and intermediate to strong skiing ability (you don’t need to be an expert yet)
- Be open to working with children and adults in a professional, positive manner
- After certification, you’ll start working at one of Oyster’s partnered ski resorts in Japan (e.g., Niseko, Hakuba, Rusutsu, etc.)
- Teach ski lessons, usually to children and families, with ongoing support from local staff and Oyster Worldwide representatives
- Earn a salary and gain real-world teaching experience
- Enjoy all the perks of ski resort life: skiing every day, earning money doing what you love, living with fellow instructors, and immersing yourself in Japanese culture
Working as a ski or snowboard instructor in Japan offers the chance to teach in some of the world’s snowiest resorts, surrounded by deep, dry powder known as “JaPOW.” Instructors typically work with children and beginners, helping them develop confidence and skill on the slopes. Beyond the job itself, the experience includes cultural immersion — enjoying authentic Japanese food, soaking in onsen hot springs, and exploring the unique traditions of local life. Most instructors begin with a Level 1 certification through a 3-week training course, followed by a full season placement at a partner resort like Niseko, Hakuba, or Rusutsu.
Support includes accommodation, visa assistance, and a community of international instructors, making it a rewarding and unforgettable season both professionally and personally.
As part of the program, shared staff accommodation is arranged for you throughout both the training period and your working season. During training, your housing is included and typically located near the slopes for easy access. Once you’re placed at a ski resort, you’ll move into staff housing organized by the resort itself.
Accommodation is usually:
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Shared with other instructors or resort staff
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Basic but comfortable, with essential amenities
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Conveniently located near the resort and worksite
- Affordable, with rent deducted directly from your salary
In many cases, meals are also included during the training period, helping you save money early on. Living in staff housing offers a great chance to build community and friendships with other instructors from around the world.
During your instructor training course, meals are typically provided, helping you focus fully on learning and practicing your skills without worrying about cooking. Once the season begins, meals may not always be included as part of your accommodation, so it’s common for instructors to prepare their own food or eat locally.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine—fresh sushi, ramen, teriyaki, and more—which can be both a delicious and affordable option while living in resort towns. Shared kitchens in staff housing make it easy to cook your own meals and save money.
Why should I do this?
Why choose Japan over Whistler?
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Unmatched Powder Conditions: Japan’s legendary JaPOW offers some of the lightest, driest, and deepest powder snow on the planet – often exceeding 15 meters per season – providing an unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experience. Whistler is fantastic but typically has heavier, wetter snow.
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Unique Cultural Experience: Working in Japan means immersing yourself in a vibrant, ancient culture with incredible food (fresh sushi, ramen, kobe beef), traditional hot springs (onsen), and unique local customs. Whistler offers great outdoor lifestyle but can’t match the cultural richness of Japan.
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More Affordable Living Costs: Accommodation and living expenses in Japanese ski resorts are often more affordable than Whistler’s high cost of living, meaning you can stretch your earnings further.
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Job Guarantee & Training: Japan programs often include guaranteed job placement at some of the world’s top resorts like Niseko and Hakuba, with visa support and accommodation included, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.
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Smaller, Community-Driven Resorts: Japanese resorts tend to have a more intimate, community-focused vibe compared to Whistler’s larger, busier environment. This can offer closer connections with fellow instructors and locals.
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Season Timing: Japan’s ski season often runs longer, from late November to early May, giving you extended time on snow compared to Whistler.
- Longer Hours: After a full day of instructing, you can continue enjoying the slopes as Niseko offers night skiing until 8:30 pm on most days. Niseko is one of the few ski areas in Japan with a well-established après-ski scene, providing social opportunities similar to those found in other international resorts. It’s also common to unwind with colleagues at local venues, such as karaoke bars, where the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
Travel arrangements
Your return flights from a London airport are included in the programme price.
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights).
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- In-country support
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
Instructor Training & Certification:
- A comprehensive 3-week Level 1 ski instructor course and job placement (subject to passing exam)
- The Level 1 certification held either in Kaprun, Austria, or Rusutsu, Japan.
- Expert-led preparation sessions conducted by highly qualified trainers before the certification exam.
- An internationally recognized Level 1 certification delivered in English.
Job Placement & Support:
- Guaranteed employment at a local ski school, including organized seasonal accommodation, a lift pass for the entire season, and a uniform.
- Accommodation during the training course, with breakfast and dinner provided.
- Return flights to Japan from a major international airport.
Ongoing Support & Community:
- A range of social events and activities throughout the training and working season.
- Dedicated Oyster Worldwide team leaders offering support during your course.
- Invitations to pre-departure kickoff events, with online participation options.
- Access to reunion events after your season concludes.
- Comprehensive assistance before, during, and after the winter season, including help with visa applications and other essential preparations.
- Exclusive discounts and offers through partner stores.
- 24/7 emergency phone support during your course and season.
- Opportunities for further professional development and certification.
- Invitation to join post-season trips, such as the popular Hawaii adventure.
- Being part of a supportive and vibrant community.
- A fully managed experience where all practical arrangements are handled on your behalf.
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
Project Reviews
“My top tip to anyone wanting to do the same would be JUST DO IT! SAY YES AND GO! This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I am so glad I jumped right in and made that first move to come out here. I couldn’t have done it without Oyster Worldwide! They were so unbelievably helpful and the team were so friendly and approachable. Any questions I had they were right at the end of the phone or replied quickly to emails. They took away all the travel stress and were so helpful once we arrived in Vancouver. There were reps and a car waiting fo...
“I just wanted to say thank you for your help this time last year setting me up in Whistler. I absolutely loved my ski season there. I had an absolute blast and made so many friends doing the same Oyster programme. Whilst working in Whistler I got my Level 2 ski instructor qualification, and have since worked the ski season in Australia, and will soon be in Japan on another ski season!
“My recent experience with Oyster was amazing. Spending 5 months in Canada, securing a job and accommodation should have been a difficult task, but Oyster helped take the stress out of everything! Having monthly meet ups with all the Oyster participants during our trip was such a nice touch, as it helped those who don’t see each other that much to stay well connected¨
“Thank you for the opportunity of working for Oyster Worldwide this winter. It was a fantastic experience both from a professional and personal life perspective!I thoroughly enjoyed working as a ski instructor and got great reward in seeing the progress of the children I taught during the season! I was also able to gain my level 2 certification during my time in Whistler. Personally, I know I gained a lot from the experience of moving and living abroad for 6 months”
“I am just writing to say a huge thank you for giving me the opportunity to have the most amazing time in whistler! It was so much better than I could have ever expected and I made such good friends with the other oyster ski instructors 🙂 I have had many people ask about how I got into the job, and I couldn’t recommend oyster enough. Everything ran so smoothly, and Tory was great! The level 1 course was so much fun and I was also pleased to get my level 2!¨
“I had an amazing time out in Whistler! I met some amazing people and skiied some incredible snow! I would seriously recommend this course to anyone who wants to get more out of their skiing.´´
“All good here and having a fantastic time in Whistler. Thank you for all your help in making this such a smooth process. Having spoken to others who have come out with other companies it is clear to me that Oyster is the best by a mile in terms of support, information and value for money!”
“Whistler is absolutely awesome! Everyone on the Oyster course is getting on really well and it seems as if we’ve known each other a lot longer – which is great! Everything has gone smoothly and Tory has been great in helping us to settle in.”
“I am thoroughly enjoying Canada and I plan to make the most of my time here. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all the help you have given me enabling me to come to Canada.”
“Everything went really well, starting with the transport from the airport and the Hostel, I really appreciate the help we got with the social security number and all the stuff with the Canadian offices. In short everything that could be arranged went well.”
“Life in Banff has been great. Such a beautiful place with such amazing people. The job is great and my colleagues are very nice, I’m learning a lot! Thanks so much for all the help!”
“I’ve settled in really well! We absolutely love it here, been skiing at Norquay and Lake Louise so far. Just want to thank you once again for the opportunity!”
“I really appreciate all of the arrangements that Jon made for my CSIA Level 1 instructor course in Whistler. The team on the ground in Canada are all very helpful and professional. The accommodation is in a great location and comfortable. My ski experience has seen a marked improvement!”
“Canada was a blast, and I do miss the people I met quite a bit. The course was well structured and the living situation was awesome!Everything was well organised beforehand and I had lots of contact with an Oyster rep. They set me up well for the course!”
“It was great, we were walked through this experience most of the way- I became independent, I learnt new life skills and had fun! Oyster work carefully to advise people on what they’re signing up for, and guide them along to their travels. It’s great that they interview people to make sure they’re aware and capable of doing the program they’ve signed up for. If you’re new to travelling or doing this on your own it’s a good place to start.”
“Guaranteed staff accommodation, which was affordable and very social, really helped my settle into the Whistler life. My advice, go for it, you’ll have an amazing time!”
“The highlight for me was knowing that my job and accommodation had been set up for me prior to my arrival in Canada so it made the whole experience less stressful.”
“Everything was taken care of, from start to finish. I never worried about a single thing and felt very supported with any questions I had. I have already recommended Oyster to several friends and would have no hesitation in doing so again.”
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for making the experience amazing! I had the absolute time of my life and have come out of it a much happier and more confident person. I am now currently backpacking Europe with the people I was roommates with!”
“Probably the best 6 months of my life so I would definitely recommend. The transition to living in Canada was so easy compared to other stories of people I have heard who did it on their own.”
“The help from Tory, our rep has been second to none. Anything I was concerned about she could help me with. The monthly meet ups were also a great bonding time.”
The people on the trip were amazing. It’s been an experience of a life time.
“Very good company, very helpful support when needed without being overly pressuring. It is fantastic to get the opportunity to work doing a job I live while living in a great resort! Enjoy your time here, it’s over far quicker than you expect!”
“Working with the kids and seeing them progress in their skiing was the highlight. Fill your time up with all the different things Whistler and the surrounding areas have to offer. Pack the whole season to the full.”
“I seemed to be a really smooth process, applying through Oyster, my emails were always answered really fast and all my questions answered before going abroad. One of the best parts of it for me was arriving in Canada already in a group, so I didn’t feel like I was moving to another country completely by myself. Just thank you for making the process of moving to Whistler by myself so much easier and less daunting than it could have been :)”
“Thank you so much for what was the best summer I will probably ever have, your support throughout the project was amazing and I have loved every second of the past few months. The experience was nothing I ever imagined, I had such an amazing time and got to know so many people from around the world.”
“I never expected my trip to be as amazing as this. It exceeded beyond my wildest expectations. Meeting the most down to earth and genuine people while living with them for a month and having amazing instructors who taught me so well and allowed me to successfully pass my level 1. This trip opened my eyes to a new world and other people should do it because you are able to do the one thing you love the most (ski or ride) everyday and at the same time chill with people from all over the world. The Whistler village itself is adorable and so convenient with great stores and nightlife. It broadened my beliefs and expectations. Definitely worth it. The most amazing trip. I shall never forget it.”
“Don’t worry or be nervous before you go, your going to have an amazing time and make friends for life. If you love skiing whistler is an amazing place to go for a season and working there was amazing, I would wake up every morning and want to go to work. Living with your friends was so much fun and I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I could.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my job as a ski instructor, loved the skiing in the resort and the people I went with on Oyster became my main friendship group whilst in Canada and a few have become friends for life. Definitely go for it! I was unsure whether having a gap year after doing my degree was a good idea but once arriving in Whistler I realised it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You will have the time of your life alongside making friends for life. Being a ski instructor meant I was able to pass my passion for skiing onto other young budding skiers. I felt like I did something worthwhile whilst having an immense amount of fun in one of the best ski resorts in the world. I have skied in many resorts in Europe but Whistler was on another level, I spent a whole season there skiing almost everyday and there are still runs that I haven’t skied! Thank you for providing this programme, I will definitely be recommending it to anyone and everyone who will listen”
“Excellent, my time in Canada far exceeded my expectations because you’ll have the best time ever!!!! Thank you for this opportunity.”
“It’s a great way to see another part of the world. It is unlike anything else, will create memories that will last forever.”
“I was nervous before about going so far away from home not knowing anyone so to anyone who feels like that I would say not to worry and that it’s an advantage not to know anyone because it allows you to meet so many new people and make loads of new friends. And the way that you live together means that your Oyster friends will become like your family out there. I had the most incredible six months in Whistler and made so many amazing friends. It was also such an amazing opportunity to be able to work for one of the best ski resorts in the world and be able to ski everyday as a job. Oyster made my experience so stress free and I always knew I had someone to contact if I needed anything. Also, going with the group made it so easy to make friends and made the first few weeks there so much less daunting.”
“This trip really helps you mature and is a great introduction into ‘Adult life’. Also a good preparation for university!”
“I really want to stay in Banff to see what it is like in the winter and will then move onto another part of Canada after the winter is done. I will be in Canada hopefully the complete two years of my visa. Thank you for your help to make this summer possible. I have had an unbelievable summer, one which I will never forget, hence why I have decided to stay for longer. It has been better than I could ever have dreamt it could possibly have gone.”
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“Whistler is great place full of young and interesting people. You will learn about yourself and grow as a person by travelling and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.”
“I met some amazing people and did things I would never have expected myself to do, such as bungee jumping. It is the best way to make some life long friends and get the most out of your experience in Whistler!”
“Thank you for this new reality! I can’t describe how cool it feels to say “I’m living in Canada”!!! It’s astonishing how much of an emotional rollar coaster the first couple of weeks are, one minute you’re ecstatic that you’re finally here, the next you’re sat in a heap wondering what the hell you’ve got yourself into; but once the jetlag has warn off and you settle in with new friends and routine it’s an incredible experience, even after a super hard day at work today, I found myself walking back home grinning like an idiot because “hey I’m actually doing this! This was once a dream! It’s crazy but it’s awesome!”
“Oyster made the process of getting to Whistler and living there so easy. I met such a great group of people through the programme. It wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t gone with Oyster. I couldn’t have asked for a better season – I had an absolutely incredible time!”
“I can’t recommend a gap year highly enough – best decision I ever made, twice! You get a chance to work abroad in a great and beautiful country and get to work in a ski resort which is great fun!”
“It is such a great experience, not only having a gap year but moving across the world and starting an amazing job! You get to meet so many people from all over the world and you get to grow and develop as a young adult with people who become friends for life. Plus it’s a great and unique point for your CV.”
“If you love skiing or even the outdoors there is no better place to go! You meet amazing, like-minded people and get the experience of a lifetime that all your friends stuck back home are jealous of! I want to go back!!”
“This has been the best year of my life. You won’t regret it.”
“The Oyster programme is very good value and you have so much support throughout, even after the programme has finished!”
“Skiing everyday and living in probably the most friendly and scenic environment in the world, why would you not want to do this?!”
“This is a great opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. The experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable and you’ll leave with a shed load of memories. Thanks for all of your help to make a great gap year experience!”
“My time in Canada enabled me to become a lot more mature. If you have never lived away from your parents before, this prepares you 100% for doing so. It’s an amazing adventure and I’ve made friends for life.”
“I’ve just returned from Whistler and I can definitely say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my life (so far..!). For my first time leaving home and travelling, I’d say Oyster were the best company to go with, as we later found out that other programs didn’t offer the support that we were guaranteed OR a job confirmed. I’ve made friends for life and can happily say I’ll be returning to Canada, all thanks to Oyster!”
“Best six months of my life and being with Oyster made it so much better, organised and socially so good!”
“Everything went smoothly whilst abroad. Oyster Worldwide gave me the correct amount of help without being too protective. When problems needed to be sorted they were always either a phone call or email away any time of the year that I was away.”
“Being in the Canadian Rockies and being able to do lots of amazing things in my free time was excellent. Also meeting so many different people from all different cultures and now having friends all over the world from Japan to Germany.”
“Just wanted
“Spending all day on the mountain in Whistler teaching skiing was a fantastic and life-changing experience. The help and organisation from Oyster made the process incredibly easy and I would definitely recommend it to everyone that loves the snow! I know I’ll be going back some day soon!”
“I would like to thank everyone at Oyster who have put such a lot of effort into the organisation of our trip. You are amazing people and you are fantastic at what you do! My season in Whistler has changed my life!”
“The job was one of the best in Whistler as you get to ski, even at work! The lifestyle of skiing and going out was perfect. Everyone in Whistler has the same mentality and is there for the same reasons so it’s really easy to get along with people.”
“Very helpful and proactive organisation of my gap year. Had a fantastic time and all logistics went so smoothly! Very reassuring to have Oyster Worldwide behind me as I flew to Whistler.”
“Just want to say thank you for all your help, you made my arrangements to get to Canada very easy and my journey smooth and stress free.”
“The best part was that once I had arrived and settled in I was left largely to my own devices to do as I pleased but if I needed any help or support it wasn’t far away.”
“The programme lived up to my expectations and much more! The group got on well and made friends straight away, the work was really good and the supervisors were easy to talk to. I didn’t have any problems while I was there, but it was reassuring to know that Tory was there if we needed some backup.”
“I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU! I had the most amazing time last year and even though I’m enjoying Uni now, it just does not compare to my experience in Whistler There is not one person I didn’t get along with and still today, we still speak regularly. It was the time of my life. Nothing will ever compare and I met some of the loveliest people ever! Thank you so much for making it possible for me.”
“I would like to thank you and the Oyster team for everything you have done. By coming out here I have opened a door I didn’t even know was there.”
“I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you a million times over for the amazing work you do, especially for organising my placement in Whistler. Summer is, if possible just as epic as winter in Whistler, the five lakes provide an amazing range of activities and the weather is gorgeous. I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done and could never have done it without you.”
“I settled in quickly and found everyone in Whistler very friendly and welcoming.
“Oyster sent me on my first adventure to Whistler, and I have been hooked on travel ever since. I had the opportunity to be part of the Oyster team and then, after a placement in Australia and a couple of yGot a question or want to chat to Project Manager Sami who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0)1892 771976or email: – [email protected].
