wrxskier18 0 Posted October 28, 2007 Share Posted October 28, 2007 I posted this on epicski so hopefully there are different people here...anyways So I graduated college in May and am currently between jobs. As I have been searching for jobs I came across a job and it got me thinking. There are 2 things that I have always wanted to do before I am tied down: Live in Japan and be a ski bum. I think now is the best time to do these and I figured maybe I can do both of these at the same time. I am a Japanese citizen but have lived in America for most of my life. I can speak Japanese, but cannot read very much kanji. Does anyone have experience working at a ski resort in Japan as a instructor or something? I'm talking about working full time at the ski resort and living on the mountain. I have never given lessons, but have been a ski patroller for 3 years. Does anyone have experience working outside of a resort and just skiing on your time off? I have a degree in Molecular Biology and a minor in business (I know, kinda hard to get a job if I don't live there and read/write well). I really want to make this happen and have been talking to a few ski school type places that specifically hire english speaking people. The only two things holding me back are the fact that most positions are already taken and money. I cannot afford to pay to do this so I need enough money to cover plane tickets, ski passes, food, and lodging. If you have ANY input, please post. Even general experiences in Japan would be helpful. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
SnowJapan Admin SnowJapan 178 Posted October 28, 2007 SnowJapan Admin Share Posted October 28, 2007 Hello and welcome. Here's some experiences: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/features/features-snowboard-instructing-in-japan.html http://www.snowjapan.com/e/features/features-gala-experience.html http://www.snowjapan.com/e/features/setting-journals-29.html And some places to possibly contact: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/resorts/jobs-available/index.html Link to post Share on other sites
wrxskier18 0 Posted October 28, 2007 Author Share Posted October 28, 2007 thanks, your website is awesome. Unfortunately I have read all of that. I applied to every job on there, too. Do you think it's too little too late? oh, and i thought i posted this in the OT. please move it if it is the wrong place. Link to post Share on other sites
SnowJapan Admin SnowJapan 178 Posted October 28, 2007 SnowJapan Admin Share Posted October 28, 2007 Thank you for the comments and good luck with everything. (I moved the thread to this forum when I initially saw it, by the way). Link to post Share on other sites
Roger's head 0 Posted October 30, 2007 Share Posted October 30, 2007 I would have thought places were well filled for things like jobs now. There must be so many people looking for that kind of thing. Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites
boardbaka 3 Posted October 31, 2007 Share Posted October 31, 2007 you could try active ski school based in Hyogo ken - near (ish) Osakas You'll have to do a net search maybe in Japanese as I've tried and failed in English - They are a good set-up - i have done five seasons there teaching skis to JHS and HS kids- You'll have a good time if you go for it but I wouldn't expect to save much - The skiing down there is actually very verey good for a few moths of the year- good luck ! Link to post Share on other sites
wrxskier18 0 Posted November 1, 2007 Author Share Posted November 1, 2007 yes, it is a little late, but some places are still hiring. So far, i might have opportunities in Hakuba47, Evergreen Outdoor center (hakuba), SAS (Niseko), Gala Yuzawa, and Naeba ski academy. I am a little overwhelmed with what to do. It seems like there are so many other places that I could be applying to, but no one has their e-mail addresses on their websites! I'm looking for a mountain with the best ski area as well as the best atmosphere. I would rather work somewhere where most people are Japanese because one of the reasons I want to go is to get better at japanese. Anyone have any input on those places? Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 you party much down at the harbor? love it there Any of the above moutains are great. What kind of terrain are you looking for? I've done a season in Niseko and it rocks, incredible snow, good vibe, sweet onsens, and the best night skiing in Japan bar none. There are a couple of Aussies there from what I hear but I was fortunate enough to be there before the invasion Hakuba, best area Ive been to. Love everything about it - restaurants, people, snow, terrain, BC, slackcountry, onsens, etc. Aussies are coming here too But the mountains, resorts in the valley can handle it, whereas I know Niseko cant. Havent been to Yuzawa, maybe SJ#1 or somebody else could comment. Im sure many of the Tokyo people can also give advice on Naeba too. Link to post Share on other sites
wrxskier18 0 Posted November 1, 2007 Author Share Posted November 1, 2007 Actually...no. I just moved here recently and I live in the suburbs I'm looking for some steep terrain and bumps. Just had an interview with Boobooski.com they told me that Niseko is almost like Australia...so I don't think I'll be going there. It seems like Hakuba or Yuzawa are my top 2 choices. Link to post Share on other sites
EustabiaChiq 0 Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 Don't know how the jobs stack up but Naeba better for a season than Gala IMHO Link to post Share on other sites
wrxskier18 0 Posted November 2, 2007 Author Share Posted November 2, 2007 Has anyone skied at Hakuba47/Goryu? It seems a lot smaller than Happo-one. Anyone know how it stacks up against Yuzawa? Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 contact me off SJ wrxskier18 I need someone Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Patrol there suck. Fockers the lot of em. I know somebody looking in Hakuba wrx, email me through this site Are you on TGR? Link to post Share on other sites
wrxskier18 0 Posted November 3, 2007 Author Share Posted November 3, 2007 I can't seen to contact anyone...my PM box is not working. creekboy, where does patrol suck? What's TGR? My 2 most logical options seem to be Hakuba47/goryu or Gala Yuzawa. Skiing in the hakuba area seems nicer, but 47/goryu seems decently smaller than Yuzawa. Yuzawa asked me to ski patrol exclusively, which i don't think i want to do...cooler people are elsewhere usually...but it pays the best. At 47/goryu, my main focus would be ski instructor and they said I could probably patrol a day or two a week, which would be nice combo. What do you guys think? Link to post Share on other sites
soubriquet 0 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 You don't have enough posts to be able to PM. It's an admin thing, to stop spammers. Ask SJF nicely on Monday, and I'm sure he will adjust your settings. Alternatively you can check out this page and email Nick directly: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/hotel/viewhotel.php?hotid=108 Link to post Share on other sites
wrxskier18 0 Posted November 24, 2007 Author Share Posted November 24, 2007 So I decided to go to Gala Yuzawa. Anyone know about when the season ends in Japan (Niigata area)? I'm trying to figure out my return date. Thanks for everyone's input. Link to post Share on other sites
SnowJapan Admin SnowJapan 178 Posted November 24, 2007 SnowJapan Admin Share Posted November 24, 2007 Gala Yuzawa usually closes in early May, but they may well be working with less staff for the last month or so. You'd better ask them directly. Link to post Share on other sites
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