holmes_5000 0 Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Hi, Im working in Niseko this winter. Ive done 2 seasons before in France, so know what to expect in terms of the work. I ski, and wondering if anyone has any advice or tips for working in Niseko, as I will be travelling alone, and its a long way etc!!! Ill have alot to bring etc, and will be bringing my ski boots, but need to buy/rent skis for the season. Is this easily available for the season. Also does anyone know what NISADE are like to work for. Thanks Dave. Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Go Native 70 Posted September 11, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted September 11, 2012 Hi Dave I used to be the reservation manager with the company you've mentioned and I enjoyed working there. And from what I could tell the seasonal staff all seemed to have a great time. The company managed one of the more popular bars in town which holds the winter darts competition. I'd advise getting involved in that as a good way to meet people from other companies and also a whole lot of the guys who live and work there year round. Skis can be bought pretty cheaply in Japan. And if you're getting there late Nov to early Dec you should be able to pick up some excellent deals on any leftover last season stock. There's a few retail stores around the village and one down in Kutchan. Niseko is a party town in winter. If you're into partying you'll have a ball. Overall I'm sure you'll have an awesome time. I spent around 7 years in Niseko and love the place. If you're anything like me you'll never want to leave after your first season there. And it will probably totally redefine your definition of powder. If you have any more specific questions I'll be happy to answer them. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Nisoko 6 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Advice - get ready for having a fantastic time! Link to post Share on other sites
holmes_5000 0 Posted September 12, 2012 Author Share Posted September 12, 2012 Thanks for the response! Would you be able to tell me a little more about NISADE?? The only impression I have are from their website and from my Skype interview. Are they a reputable company? How many foreign staff do they employ? I will be doing mainly driving duties and porter/concierge work. Is this a good job for them? Yes I have heard about the nightlife one of the main reasons I applied for Niseko, cant wait to go! Any advice on ski insurance for any accidents on the mountain? Is it best to buy in Japan or before I go? Is there a good social aspect to working with them, as when I worked my seasons in France, everyone is mainly there to ski/drink and have fun, which Im sure is the same as Niseko. Thanks very much Dave. Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmer 2 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 I haven't found skis in to Japan to be very good value, best to buy a pair left over from last year in the UK, than rely on being able to get them in Niseko. I have seen some ok deals on some skis, but in limited sizes and types of ski. +1 on getting involved with darts, lots of fun. I've met a fair few of the Nisade crew through darts, and they seem to be a decent company to work for. If you haven't got flights already, I just got a good deal on Virgin, and they are one of the few companies that still give you free ski carriage. See you there. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 +1 on Jimmer's advice about skis. BMC for insurance. NISADE are a reputable company and you'll have no problems so long as you get the work / play balance dialed. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Haylee 0 Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 Hi, Im working in Niseko this winter. Ive done 2 seasons before in France, so know what to expect in terms of the work. I ski, and wondering if anyone has any advice or tips for working in Niseko, as I will be travelling alone, and its a long way etc!!! Ill have alot to bring etc, and will be bringing my ski boots, but need to buy/rent skis for the season. Is this easily available for the season. Also does anyone know what NISADE are like to work for. Thanks Dave. Hey Dave, myself and my boyfriend are also coming out to Niseko this Winter Season from the UK. So excited! We also got a job with Nisade, or at least we think we have, we got offered jobs but still haven't received out contract and had no response to our last couple of e-mails. Just wondered if you'd received yours? I'm also considering whether to buy or rent ski's at the moment, really not sure what will be for the best! Link to post Share on other sites
minus 1 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 If you are there for so long, surely buy? Link to post Share on other sites
anything 6 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 I haven't found skis in to Japan to be very good value, best to buy a pair left over from last year in the UK, than rely on being able to get them in Niseko. I have seen some ok deals on some skis, but in limited sizes and types of ski. skis in niseko are very expensive, and renting is quite expensive too. in any case, they cater to the tourists, so they usually dont have the good stuff in stock but i have found that buying skis online from Tokyo to be just as cheap as when I was living in USA Link to post Share on other sites
seemore 66 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Tip #1 Learn Australian and Chinese Tip #2 Learn to ski deep pow. Tip #3 Learn to Party. You will have a geat time I am encouraging my kids to do the same and MB has her kids working over there. Nisade seem fine I have dealt with them with accomodation. Seemore PS I don't know about skis but wouls think to bring some from home. Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 ......and MB has her kids working over there. actually there has been a hiccup on this.He is on a wait list. Something about the jobs available did not require the higher board qualification, which made him too expensive... At this stage in a holding pattern, if there is no offer, he is likely to go for a month in Jan/Feb, and see if he can pick up casual instructing work. (which is what they have recommended). It's no biggie as he earns a lot more per hour here in Perth anyway. It's just not the lifestyle he ultimate wants. Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmer 2 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 ......and MB has her kids working over there. actually there has been a hiccup on this.He is on a wait list. Something about the jobs available did not require the higher board qualification, which made him too expensive... At this stage in a holding pattern, if there is no offer, he is likely to go for a month in Jan/Feb, and see if he can pick up casual instructing work. (which is what they have recommended). It's no biggie as he earns a lot more per hour here in Perth anyway. It's just not the lifestyle he ultimate wants. That's weird, which school!? Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmer 2 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 I haven't found skis in to Japan to be very good value, best to buy a pair left over from last year in the UK, than rely on being able to get them in Niseko. I have seen some ok deals on some skis, but in limited sizes and types of ski. skis in niseko are very expensive, and renting is quite expensive too. in any case, they cater to the tourists, so they usually dont have the good stuff in stock but i have found that buying skis online from Tokyo to be just as cheap as when I was living in USA Where have you found good value skis? I always have a browse on Rakuten, but they are still hilariously overpriced, and typically too small. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 I haven't bought skis in Japan for about 10 years now. Usually bring them back from trips to U.S., but think you could order from here and even with the shipping pay much less. Keith O'Meara told me he can ship Praxis skis to Japan for about $90, and with the deals he offers that's far better than you can do in Jimbocho. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Well talking snowboards for a min, I bought 2 boards from the states that cost just a little over what it would've cost to buy 1 board in Japan....including tax n shipping Link to post Share on other sites
tokabochi 9 Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Thats a heck of a difference Link to post Share on other sites
anything 6 Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Where have you found good value skis? I always have a browse on Rakuten, but they are still hilariously overpriced, and typically too small. so far I've used Rakuten several times to find & buy stuff. My set purchased last year (line pollards opus) were for the same price as online in USA, from websports.co.jp (well, maybe slightly more). But the shipping made it cheaper, plus they were offering a deal on bindings and brakes at the same time. Off the top of my head, about the equivalent of $700US. short for some, but 185 was long enough for me. i admit its pretty long for a Japanese store to stock, but they had many other longer skis also at comparable prices, so theyre obviously catering to westerners. Link to post Share on other sites
Wizz 11 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I find local shops to be very helpful and keen to get the sale as well. I got good price + some other stuff added in when I bought. Waxed up and ready to go as well. Link to post Share on other sites
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