Japan Ski Resort Job Program

Imagine spending your days off work gliding through Japan’s legendary powder at the country’s top ski destination. On our Japan Ski Resort Program, land a guaranteed ski resort job in Japan and enjoy JAPOW every day!

Start Dates

mid-November - April

Duration

6 - 24 Months

Cost

CAD $1199

Program Overview

Our team of experts will find you a ski resort job in Japan, help you arrange your accommodation and apply for your work permit. We work with you every step of the way, from revising your resume to prepping you for the interview and setting up your medical coverage and residence permit.

We'll guarantee you a Japan ski resort job at the #1 ski resort in Japan!

What’s Included

Pre-departure

  • Guaranteed paid job at a ski resort in Hokkaido
  • Resume review and revision
  • Subsidized staff accommodation
  • Interview Preparation
  • Step-by-step support obtaining your Japan Working Holiday Visa
  • Help booking flights and travel insurance
  • Group pre-departure orientation to help you make friends
  • As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not from these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!

In Country

  • Pick up from the train station
  • Staff welcome party
  • Paid job training
  • Assistance with foreigner registration and government paperwork
  • Personal trip coordinator
  • Tax return assistance
  • As needed support from our team in Canada and Japan prior to and throughout your entire trip

The Fun Stuff!

  • Lift pass
  • Staff shuttle for getting to work
  • Gear rental and ski/snowboard lessons
  • Staff excursions around Hokkaido & cultural events
  • High-speed wi-fi
  • Holiday discounts for family and friends
  • Regular staff events, activities, and parties

What’s Not Included:

Flights, medical insurance, visa and/or work permit application fees, local transportation, food & rent.

Let's Get Started!

Did You Know?

As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not from these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!

Apply now for our Japan Ski Working Holiday Program and book a call with a travel expert! Applications close May 30th, 2025 as the Japan Ski Season recruitment runs from June – July. Start planning now before it’s too late!

What Will I Do?

We work with reputable employers in Japan to find you the right ski resort job relevant to your skill set. Positions are limited so we recommend you apply early. In the event you do not land your first choice role, staying open to other jobs will ensure you get a spot in the upcoming season.

Possible Japan Ski Resort Jobs

  • Ski Instructor (must be certified CSIA/CASI Level 2)
  • Shuttle Bus Driver
  • Snow Clearing
  • Guest Services & Front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Chefs & Cooks
  • Servers & Baristas

Want More?

Japan Kickstart Package

Start your Japan Working Holiday with two weeks in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Fukuoka! Take Japanese language lessons and uncover the city with fun social events before starting your ski resort job in Niseko.

Australia Working Holiday

Combine an epic ski season in Japan's pow with the white sandy beaches and laid-back vibes of Australia for the working holiday experience of a lifetime!

Travel Insurance

We know that travelling with a peace of mind is important to you. That’s why it’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something unexpectedly goes wrong while you’re abroad.

FAQs

What visa do Canadians need to work a ski season in Japan?

There may be a variety of visas available for Canadians to do a ski season in Japan, but the most popular one by far is the Working Holiday Visa!

The Working Holiday Visa is meant for Canadians to live and work in Japan for up to 2 years, with the primary purpose to enjoy the country and travel around while making money at the same time. Pretty cool concept, eh?

When does the ski season start in Japan?

The ski season in Japan generally starts in November and ends at the end of March every single year! You must be available for the full season from November to March. Short-season contracts may be available at some resorts, but we only accept applicants who can commit to the full season so that we can get you the best job offers possible.

How long in advance should I start my registration for this program?

The ski resorts host their interviews starting in June, so registering before that will maximize your chances of getting first dibs to all the available jobs for the upcoming season! We recommend signing up with us before the interviews start sometime in May or June.

Are you able to submit my Japan Working Holiday Visa on my behalf?

As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not From these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!

Do I need to speak Japanese to be hired? Are the job interviews in Japanese?

Nope, not at all! You do not need to speak any Japanese, as all the jobs we advertise are English-based. The interviews will also be held in English and done online from Canada via Zoom, Google, Meet, etc. For this reason, you will have to be extra careful with the time difference between Japan and Canada! 

However, we do recommend you to learn some basic Japanese before you arrive, so that it can help you on a day-to-day basis, such as getting on the local bus or grocery shopping!

Should I get my working holiday visa first and then apply for the Ski Resort Program in Japan?

No, our Japan Ski Resort program helps you secure a job first, so you’ll know the exact date you need to be in Japan. This ensures that your job and accommodation are arranged before you apply for your visa. However, if you’d prefer to get your visa first and fly to Japan earlier, we can discuss that option too! Just let us know if you plan to arrive before the ski season starts.

How much money should I have saved to work at a Ski Resort in Japan?

The Japanese consulate needs to see at least $3,500 CAD if you have round-trip tickets booked or $4,500 CAD if you don’t have both tickets booked at the time of your visa application. Once you get to Japan, your first paycheck won’t be until your first month is completed as Japan pays monthly, so please budget accordingly!

What does staff housing look like for Canadians working in Japan’s Ski Resorts?

Staff housing in Japan varies depending on the ski resort where you work. You could share a room with up to three roommates for as little as $50 CAD/month, or enjoy the privacy of your own room! Be sure to ask about housing options during your interview to get all the details.

How can Stepabroad help me stand out in the application process?

During the Admissions Consultation Call, we’ll discuss your job preferences, assess your chances of placement, and provide tailored advice to help you land a role at one of Hokkaido’s iconic ski resorts. By the end of the call, you will have all your questions answered with all your expectations set! Furthermore, we have a well-established relationship with highly esteemed ski resorts in Hokkaido, where our ski resort partners trust that our participants are qualified, committed, and awesome!

How much money can you make when working at a Ski Resort in Japan?

This varies according to your job position and your employer, but the average hourly salary is $13-18 CAD. 

In Japan, you get paid monthly. Your subsidized accommodation and taxes will be automatically deducted and reflected on your paycheck. Please budget accordingly so that you have enough money to last until your first official paycheck!

 

Did you know that you can now live and work in Japan for up to 2 years?

Yes! Recent changes allow you to stay in Japan for up to 2 consecutive years—perfect for experiencing back-to-back ski seasons. Imagine making the most of Niseko’s world-renowned powder two years in a row!

Why Is This Year So Competitive?

New visa rules mean many international workers from previous seasons may be returning, leaving fewer openings for new applicants. This is why we have introduced a FREE Admissions Consultation Call to guide you through the process.