JOBS IN HAKUBA

How to work in one of the best ski resort

villages in the world

WHAT TYPE OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?

• SKI RENTAL SHOPS The best method to get a job at one of these is just to contact the shops directly by the links on their web pages. Some of the bigger shops include Hakuba Central Snowsports, Spicy and Rhythm. Some jobs such as ski technician will usually require experience, others such as Guest services Assistant or Driver won’t. Jobs vacant are usually posted on their web pages. • CAFE/RESTAURANT STAFF If you are a chef you will be able to pick and choose your job but there are also many jobs for other staff. • SKI/SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTORS If you are a qualifed instructor then best just to contact these companies directly. Biggest companies in Hakuba are Evergreen, Hakuba Snowsports and Hakuba Ski Concierge. • HOTEL/LODGE POSITIONS Jobs here include front desk, housekeeping, drivers and kitchen staff. Housekeeping is the least popular of all jobs in the ski industry so if you lack the necessary skills /experience for other positions this may be your best bet.

WHAT TYPE OF PAY CAN I EXPECT?

In Japan the normal pay for casual unskilled staff is between 900- 1,200/hour. In Hakuba foreign staff are usually paid between 1,000- 1,500 an hour (though ski instructors are usually paid per lesson).

IS ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS PROVIDED?

That depends on the position and the company. In general though accommodation is usually included with your position HOWEVER it is usually not free. Rent will be deducted from your salary (normally between 10,000- 20,000/week for a bed in a twin room. If accommodation is not included then it can be very hard to find a bed at a reasonable rate. Meals are usually not included but some jobs in hospitality (hotel/lodge/restaurant) may include one or more meals.

BEST SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR VACANT

POSITIONS

• The best source by far is the HAKUBA BUY SELL & JOBS FACEBOOK GROUP. Most companies will post their vacant positions on this page. • Emailing companies directly. • Working holiday visa and international drivers license required.

WHAT DO I NEED IN THE WAY OF VISAS?

• Most jobs will require you have a working holiday visa and often an international driving license just in case they need you to do the occasional driving job. To get a working holiday visa you normally have to be between 18 & 30 yrs of age, and you apply at the closest Japanese embassy near you. Here is more information. If you are older than 30 yrs old you will generally need to get sponsored by a company to get a work visa and since the sponsorship is an expensive process for the employer they will generally only do this for jobs they find it harder to fill otherwise. Chefs and ski instructors are 2 such positions.