Work with us

Our professional guides at Japan Ski Tours bring years of experience to the table. They are encouraged to be independent, to make judgement calls about where to ski each day on their own and to make the best decisions given the constantly evolving group dynamic that comes along with these trips. Since JST trips usually sell out by June, our guides' schedules are 100% confirmed months in advance and since we're responsible for the guests whether lifts are moving or not, our guides don't experience work cancellations. 

In addition to a competitive pay rate, our guides are given free rent, visa sponsorship (for qualified guides), a personal season pass, daily meal stipends, compensated client dinners and a profit-share program. While our guests move around in a road-trip fashion, our guides stay based in one of two areas; Furano or Otaru, where they stay for the duration of the season and specialize in the 5-7 ski hills nearby where they take our guests. 

Rather than just managing on-mountain guiding, our guides take a holistic view of our guests' needs, using their best judgement to accommodate the group. We have backup plans if we get shut down due to weather (ie sake breweries, etc), we manage expectations, we communicate what will happen before it happens, and we take turns hosting evening activities for our guests at one of our specially selected local restaurants in town. 

Most of our staff are long-term returning guides who bring years of experience with them to JST. Our guides enjoy the autonomy of being able to use their best judgement to make the right calls without having to deal with the politics, drama and micromanagement that can come with working at a mass-appeal guide outfit. The ability to think critically, to make best-judgement calls on the mountain, to operate independently and to communicate clearly with staff and guests are highly valued, along with competence and risk management on the mountain.

Out of our 2-month season, our guides are guaranteed at least 52 days of work without the risk of cancellation. 

Preference given to those which fit below categories:   

• Local to either the Furano or Otaru regions
  
• Fluent in English and Japanese
  
• Previous work experience in Hokkaido or Japan
  

 Employment Package Details   

• Time Frame: End of Dec 2024- Beginning of March 2025
  
• Location 1: Otaru or Furano
  
• Location 2: Tohoku, Iwate
  
• Location 3: Anaba Lodge, Ani Ski Resort, Akita
  
• Accommodation: Provided if necessary. 
  
• Salary: ¥25,000-¥40,000 per guiding day. Salary will be determined based on previous experience and qualifications of applicant.