Work Ski Play - Japan

Are you on the lookout for a truly authentic experience – a vastly different culture, language and lifestyle? Imagine coming home from a day of serious calving on the slopes to a warm bowl of Miso Soup and fresh Sushi. Sound enticing? Perhaps you should consider a season in Japan this Australian summer.

The combination of dry powder, spectacular terrain and heavy snowfall makes Japan an appealing option to any serious skier/rider. In fact, resorts in the Niseko region of Japan often receive an annual snowfall almost twice that of most resorts in Canada and the USA.

Letz Experience Japan Season

Before deciding on Japan as your destination you must consider not only the phenomenal snow conditions, but also the difference in culture, language and customs. Japan is a fascinating and enthralling country, with a rich history and friendly people. Living in Japan however will also come with its fair share of challenges.

For those of us not fortunate enough to speak fluent Japanese, it will be welcoming to know only a beginner to intermediate level Japanese language is required. For students who studied Japanese at high school or university, this program is perfect for you. However, if you are not confident in your language ability, it will be comforting to know that due to the growing popularity of Japan as a world-class skiing destination, expatriates and the English language have become commonplace at most ski resorts.

For those of you seeking to learn Japanese when you are over there, you will be excited to know that Letz Experience and your employers will encourage you to do this. In fact, if you currently study Japanese or would like to, then working a season in a ski resort would allow you to drastically improve your level and understanding of the language, as you would have the opportunity to interact with Japanese co-workers, friends and customers everyday.

What does it include?

• Employment contract at leading resort 

• Employee Housing Every resort or hotel that works with Letz Experience in Japan provides employee housing

• Visa assistance The visa process for any country can be quite tedious and difficult. Letz Experience will help you through this process every step of the way ensuring that no one is left in Australia. There is a different visa process for obtaining a visa to each country so specifics will be given to participants once they apply. 

• 24/7 in-country support We will have a Letz Experience representative in Canada, Japan and the US at all times, should you wish to contact them if any untoward situation arises. 

• Overnight orientation upon arrival Once you arrive in your country of destination you will attend an overnight orientation held by Letz Experience. Accommodation will be provided. This is a great opportunity for participants to meet other young Aussies and Kiwis working at the same or nearby resorts.

• Help obtaining an alien card  Every person working in Japan must obtain an alien card. Letz or its resort partners will escort participants to the government office and make sure they have all the documents that need to obtain this card.

• Help setting up a bank account Letz Experience or its resort partner will walk you through the process of setting up a bank account in a foreign country which can be a complicated procedure.   

The Japanese are extremely polite and respectful people, and when in their country, it is expected that you act appropriately. As the old adage goes, ‘When in Rome….’. This is not to say that you can’t layback, relax and enjoy their hospitality - just be aware that some things considered acceptable in Australia may not go down so well in Japan.