Employment

Niseko Zen is looking for a few more legendary humans to join the team for the 2026-2027 winter season!

We are a tight-knit crew of snow-loving freaks, some of us are lucky enough to call Niseko home year-round, while others join the annual migration just in time for the legendary pow season.

If you’re a professional who wants to work hard, share the stoke, and join the crew as a Guide, Snowsports Instructor or as part of our Operations team, drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you!

Job Opportunities

Niseko Zen Powder Guiding

Contract for guides:

Full Time Seasonal

4 month contract
Contract Start date: December 1
Contract End date: March 31

Backcountry Guide

Job Summary:

We are looking for certified professionals who possess a calm temperament under pressure, a commitment to safely managing risk and a commitment to delivering a seamless, world-class mountain adventure.

Qualifications/Certificates:

Snow safety certificate: A3 Pro 1, CAA Ops 1 or equivalent avalanche terrain management qualification.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR 80 hours).
Eligibility for work Visa (Working holiday visa or experience/qualifications for a sponsored Visa).

Position Requirements:

2 seasons Guiding experience, ideally in Hokkaido.
Multiple years of backcountry ski or snowboard experience.
High/Expert-level skiing or snowboarding.
Advanced English.
Some basic Japanese preferred but not essential.
Driver’s license and an International Driver's Permit (IDP) or Japanese license.
Understanding of risk management frameworks.

Benefits:

Opportunities to progress through Pro 2/Ops 2 into forecasting.
Continuing Professional Development sessions.
Staff housing.
Niseko United season pass.
Sponsored working visa.
Discounts with our retail partners.
Social activities and team trips.

Junior Guide/ Tail Guide

Job Summary:

As a junior guiding entering the industry you already possess a high level of backcountry skiing or snowboarding experience and a structured approach to moving in the mountains and managing personal risk. In this role you will be assisting one of our lead backcountry guide in safely managing larger groups through avalanche terrain.

Qualifications/Certificates:

Snow safety certificate: A3 Pro 1, CAA Ops 1 or equivalent avalanche risk management qualification.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR 80 hours).
Eligibility for work Visa (Working holiday visa or experience/qualifications for a sponsored Visa).

Position Requirements:

Multiple years of backcountry ski or snowboard experience.
Minimum 2 years relevant work experience.
High/Expert-level skiing or snowboarding.
Advanced English.
Some basic Japanese preferred but not essential.
Driver’s license and an International Driver's Permit (IDP) Or Japanese license.
Snow & Weather analysis.

Benefits:

Gain guiding experience under structured mentorship.
Continuing professional development training provided.
Staff housing.
Niseko United season pass.
Discounts with our retail partners
Social activities and team trips..

Avalanche Forecaster

Job Summary:

We are looking for Guides that have Pro 2 or Ops 2 or equivalent avalanche risk management certifications and several years of industry experience in a forecasting role to help facilitate the daily operation of our snow safety program in both Niseko and Central Hokkaido. The AM/PM forecast is run through the CAA InfoEX International platform with daily AM guides meetings conducted through video call.

Qualifications/Certificates:

A3 Pro 2, CAA Ops 2 or equivalent avalanche risk management qualification.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR 80 hours).
Eligibility for work Visa (Working holiday visa or experience/qualifications for a sponsored Visa).

Position Requirements:

2+ years avalanche forecasting as part of a structured snow safety program.
Intimate knowledge of Hokkaido's weather patterns.
Previous experience facilitating daily hazard analysis meetings.
AAI Pro 1 instructor highly desirable.
Advanced English.
Some basic Japanese preferred but not essential.
Driver’s license and an International Driver's Permit (IDP) Or Japanese license.

Apply

Niseko Zen Snowsports School

Ski Instructor & Snowboard Instructors

Job Summary:

As a Niseko Zen Instructor, you are more than a coach ; you are a local ambassador dedicated to taking care of the guests on and off the snow.

Your day revolves around creating a tailored, safe and fun learning environment.

You are responsible for delivering a high end experience, which includes door-to-door guest transport, providing expert gear advice, and utilizing your local knowledge to find the best snow and lunch spots.

We look for instructors who have experience, technical skills and recognized certifications.

Contract:

Full Time Seasonal

4 month contract
Contract Start date : December 1
Contract End date: March 31

Qualification/ Certificates:

Ski, snowboard, or dual certified instructors.
Minimum of a Level 1 internationally recognized instructors certificate.

Position Requirements:

Driver’s license and an International Driver's Permit (IDP).
Eligibility for Working holiday visa or experience/qualifications to gain a skilled labor visa.
Advanced English.
A minimum of 2 seasons of relevant work experience.

Benefits:

Niseko United season pass.
Staff accomodations.
Discounts at our retail partners.
Social activities and team trips.

Apply

Niseko Zen Operations

Operations Manager

Job Summary:

As the Operations Manager at Niseko Zen, you are the backbone of our guest experience and the leader of our front-line team. You will oversee the Guest Services crew, working closely with guides and operations to ensure that our high standards are met every single day. From managing complex logistical puzzles and booking systems to supporting your team through daily operations, you ensure that the entire machine runs smoothly so every group experiences an epic day in the mountains.

Contract:

5 month contract (Potential year round role opening in the future)
Contract Start date: November 1
Contract End date: March 31

Skills/Characteristics:

Team Leadership: Ability to motivate, manage, and support a small team.
English Fluency: Written and verbal English is mandatory, as you will be communicating with global guests and managing team correspondence.
Japanese Language: Preferred but not essential; highly valued for local vendor coordination.
Advanced Logistical Coordination: High proficiency in booking systems. You will oversee complex scheduling for private lessons, guiding tours, transports, and act as the primary problem-solver when schedules shift.
Prior Guiding Ops Knowledge: An understanding of how a backcountry guiding or ski school operation functions behind the scenes.
A valid License with International Driving Permit (IDP) or Japanese license.

Experience:

Relevant work experience.
At least 1 season of experience in a supervisory, team lead, or management role.

Position Benefits:

Staff accommodation.
Discounts at our retail partners.
Social activities and team trips.
Niseko United season lift pass.

Apply

Guest Services representative

Job Summary:

As the first point of contact at Niseko Zen, our Guest Services team sets the stage for adventure. By working closely with guests and guides, you will manage everything from initial inquiries to daily logistics, ensuring every group experiences an epic day in the mountains.

Contract:

Full Time Seasonal

4 month contract
Contract Start date: November 15
Contract End date: March 15

Skills/Characteristics:

English Fluency: written and verbal English is mandatory, as you will be communicating with guests from around the globe.
Proficient computer skills.
Good time management and organization skills.
Logistical coordination and quick thinking.
Valid Licence with International Driving Permit (IDP) or Japanese license.

Experience:

Relevant work experience.

Position Benefits:

Staff housing.
Discounts at our retail partners.
Social activities and team trips.
Access to hourly lift passes for Niseko United and Rusutsu.

Apply

General Maintenance Technician

Job Summary:

We are seeking a proactive, hands-on individual to ensure our winter operations run smoothly by bridging the gap between guest services, logistics, and facility maintenance.

You will be the go-to person for keeping and ensuring our vehicle fleet stays road-ready (fluid levels, tire pressure, and general cleanliness), our property clear of snow ((shoveling, blowing, or plowing), but also fit, tune, repair our small specialized rental fleet (touring skis/splitboards) as-well as general maintenance tasks.

Contract:

Part Time Seasonal