Your next dream job might be at a ski resort in Japan: here’s who’s hiring
Japan is in the midst of a tourism boom, with 2024 set add almost 44.6 trillion yen to the economy – a 5.7% increase on 2019’s contribution. The upshot is that ski resorts around the country are now preparing for a bumper 2024/25 season, and that competition for good quality staff has never been so high. It’s an attractive market for job seekers, who can focus on looking for companies with strong reputation, fair salaries and great perks.
Of course, securing seasonal work and moving across the world can be a daunting process, and if you can find an employer who can help guide you through each stage then it will make life a lot easier.
We highly recommend looking for reputable companies with experience hiring and managing seasonal teams. Here’s where you can begin your search.
Nozawa Hospitality
Location: Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Hospitality is a highly rated hotel and property management company located in beautiful Nozawa Onsen, with a diverse portfolio of properties from luxury hotels to traditional ryokan and guest houses.
Nozawa Hospitality staff
The company’s success has come thanks to a razor focus on its staff and their well-being, many of whom have gone on to become year-round residents of the village. This has translated into an exceptional experience for its guests, for whom the local knowledge and genuine love of the village really shine through.
Besides the many perks of working for the company (including free housing and a season-end bonus), the best part of job is undoubtedly the opportunity to be based in Nozawa Onsen, which is time and time referred to as a favourite destination in Japan by our readers. The resort has everything you could ask for in a Japanese winter destination, from its world-class powder skiing, thriving dining and bar scene, to its famous piping hot public onsen.
Nozawa Onsen
Staff perks
- Great team working environment
- Free, comfortable housing in single and double occupancy rooms
- Excellent real world experience in the hospitality industry
- Great powder skiing and boarding
- Free wifi, laundry and meals
- Shared ski pass for use on days off
- Completion bonus to defray travel costs or fund post season adventures
- Job specific training program
Jobs currently listed
Applicants must be eligible for Working Holiday Visa (learn more here)
General Staff
Front Desk Team
Breakfast chef & Staff meal chef
Kitchen Hand
Club Med
Location: Tomamu, Kiroro, Sahoro (also Chinese resorts Beidahu, Changbaishan, Yabuli)
About Club Med
Many of our readers will likely be familiar with Club Med, who are based in three Japanese ski resorts: Sahoro, Tomamu and, most recently, Kiroro. The global brand is famous for its all-inclusive accommodation packages, which typically include dining and drinking in the multiple bars and restaurants, ski and snowboard lessons and rental, daily entertainment, activities, and a very popular kids’ club.
Many of these perks extend to Club Med’s staff (uniquely referred to as “G.Os”), who benefit from free onsite accommodation, meals and drinks, and access to resort facilities. As a G.O. at Club Med, staff have a primary role – e.g. ski instructor, bar tender or receptionist – as well as other responsibilities within the hotel, like socialising with resort guests at the end of a day skiing, or even performing in a show.
For those who are less experienced with seasonal work, one of the major benefits of a Club Med placement is the visa support and travel reimbursement. Club Med have thousands of staff worldwide, as well as dedicated HR teams to support movement to and between resorts, so the assistance you’ll get is second to none.
G.Os hang out with the guests in their free time, meals, evenings and enjoy the same perks the guests have on offer!
Club Med also has a strong presence in China, with ski resort operations in Beidahu, Changbaishan, Yabuli. For job seekers looking for a truly unique experience, or even those who have already used their Japanese working holiday visa, this presents as an exciting option.
Club Med Beidahu, China
Staff perks
- Return flights reimbursement support
- Full visa support
- Onsite accommodation
- All meals and drinks
- 100% work insurance
- Training and development opportunities
- Mountain pass and full access to resort facilities (onsen, gym, classes, activities etc)
- Monthly salary
Jobs currently listed
Qualified Ski & Snowboard Instructors
Qualified Ski & Snowboard Instructors – Work in China
Active Life Japan
Location: Madarao
Active Life Japan owns and operates and operates two hotels in Madarao, all within walking distance to the ski slopes. The company also runs an international ski school, a retail and rental business, as well a several bar and dining venues, making it one of the resort’s largest employers.
If you’re not yet familiar with Madarao, then all you need to know is that a season at the resort will have you riding more powder than you can imagine; it was considered a “hidden gem” not long ago, but is rapidly developing an international reputation thanks to its powder-friendly approach to grooming (60% of the resort is ungroomed) and great tree skiing.
Active Life Snow Club. Image: Active Life Japan
In our minds, that’s reason enough to spend a season there, however a seasonal job with Active Life comes with many other benefits – not least staff accommodation that is just a short walk to the slopes.
“We offer an immersion into the Japanese winter resort lifestyle and a working-holiday unlike anywhere else. Many seasons of employing staff have helped us learn and improve in every aspect as an international employer.”
STAFF PERKS
- Staff accommodation near the slopes
- Competitive wages
- Experienced operator
Jobs currently listed
All rounders
Ski and Snowboard rental technicians
Ski and Snowboard Shop retail sales
Chefs and Sous Chefs
Snow Clearing and fleet drivers
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