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You might just want to join the ranks of the many foreign ski instructors in Japan. Naturally, you might not like the idea of working while being surrounded by the amenities of a top vacation resort. Then again, you might just reconsider this option if you realize just how fulfilling resort jobs in Japan are.

As a teacher during the winter season you can expect to be required to work from December to February. Prime spots to find skiing-related occupations are resorts in Hokkaido which is an internationally popular vacation destination because of the excellent snow that is just perfect for skiing. Hokkaido is also the best place to find work because this is the top spot in Japan where ski instructor jobs have high salary rates. You can expect to get anywhere between 1000 and 1500 yen per hour specifically to teach skiing in a Hokkaido resort.

The kind of pay that you get in establishments outside of Hokkaido is not as high. In Nagano for example, the maximum pay is usually no higher than 750 yen per hour. This should not discourage you though. Despite the low rate, you can still enjoy a lot of employee advantages. In general, winter resorts offer free meals and living quarters to foreign instructors. So even if you get a low rate, you can expect to keep most of it for your personal shopping or savings.

Be mindful though that the free options for ski instructors are often communal in nature. This means you have to live, eat and sleep in shared facilities. You will most likely be with fellow foreign instructors and Japanese staff in dorms, cafeterias and even communal baths. This might make you a bit shy at first but sharing facilities for ski instructor jobs in Japan is a great way to gain a better understanding and appreciation for a thoroughly enriching culture.

The only thing demanding about teaching skiing are the work hours. In Japan, tremendous stress is placed on diligence and efficiency. You need to work for about 8 hours a day starting from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon for 6 days a week. You may sometimes be asked to work beyond the regular shift. During work hours, employees are expected to put all their energies into teaching and not in hanging around.

Although the demands of work can be a bit stiff, ski instructor jobs in Japan are still excellent choices. One good reason is that you are in the position to have as much fun as you like on the snow after your shift is over. You can also look for other forms of diversion outside of your resort at your own expense.

There are no strict language requirements. You will however most likely be able to land a higher paying job to teach skiing in Hokkaido if you know a bit of Japanese. It is therefore a good idea to at least take an informal language course before applying for a high paying slot.

It is a fact that ski instructors in Japan don’t always have things easy when it comes to work hours. Obviously though, general work conditions are fairly excellent. Where else can you earn and enjoy at the same time?