Hokkaido Vibe Jobs
Welcome to the Hokkaido Vibe jobs page — please check back regularly for updates and new opportunities.
NEW OPEN – Lead Guide – Ops/Forcaster
NEW OPEN – Bookings Manager
Ongoing – Snowsports School Instructor/guide (Applications end May 30th for following winter)
Ongoing – Vibe Full Freedom Member (Applications end May 30th for following winter)
All applications should be sent to hello@hokkaidovibe.com.
Email should include:
Email subject: “Job title” application.
Attached: CV and covering email or letter
Attached: For Snowsports positions Videos of skiing/snowboarding.
Backcountry Forecasting, Operations Coordinator & Lead Guide
Lead Guide
Vibe is seeking an experienced mountain operations professional to help lead safe, efficient snow and backcountry operations across Hokkaido, Japan.
This hands-on leadership role combines mountain operations management with guest-facing guiding, focused on daily forecasting, terrain safety, operational planning, staff development, and backcountry coordination. You’ll work closely with managment to strengthen systems, elevate safety standards, and colabrate with our local and trusted team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily operational and safety briefings
- Conduct weather, snowpack, and avalanche forecasting
- Manage terrain safety, hazard controls, openings, and closures
- Coordinate lift-access and backcountry operations
- Oversee SOPs, operational logs, GPS tracking, and communication systems
- Support incident response and emergency management
- Train, mentor, and develop mountain staff
- Deliver lift-access, private, and full backcountry guiding experiences
Required Qualifications
- Avalanche Operations Level 2+ (CAA/A3/Arm6, or equivalent)
- Current Wilderness First Aid/Responder or equivalent medical certification
Preferred
- ACMG / IFMGA / CSGA or equivalent certifications
- Heli, cat skiing, or advanced backcountry operations experience
- Experience operating within Hokkaido
What We’re Looking For
Strong operational judgement, calm decision-making, leadership, team player, great communication, and the ability to build reliable systems in demanding winter environments.
Package
Compensation is flexible and based on experience, qualifications, and role structure — whether you are bringing personal clients or seeking a formal salaried position.
Bookings & Guest Experience Coordinator – Hokkaido Vibe
Bookings Manager
Vibe Snowsports is looking for an organised, reliable person to manage bookings, guest communication, and scheduling across our lessons and guiding operations in Hokkaido.
This role can be winter seasonal (December–March) or year-round, with training provided in Oct /Nov. Winter is full-time with long, flexible, and often unpredictable hours. Summer is flexible, part-time, and focused on admin, systems, and future planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage guest enquiries (Email & WhatsApp)
- Convert enquiries into bookings
- Coordinate lessons, guiding schedules, and daily logistics
- Keep guests informed and supported throughout their experience
- Handle changes, issues, and operational problem-solving
- Maintain accurate booking, payment, and internal systems
What We’re Looking For
- Organised, dependable, and proactive
- Clear communicator
- Calm under pressure
- Comfortable working independently
- Ready for long winter hours and able to respond quickly to enquiries as needed
Required
- Strong ski or snowboard industry knowledge
- Solid Niseko / Hokkaido knowledge
- Snowsports certifications
- Long-term interest in building or continuing a career and a life in the Niseko area
Location
Winter – Niseko
Summer – flexable options.
Package
Compensation is flexible and based on experience, qualifications, and role structure (full time or seasonal) — whether you are bringing personal clients or seeking a formal salaried position.
Hokkaido Vibe Snowsports School Applications - Currently accepting applicants
Snowsports Instructor / Guide
We’re looking for confident, self-directed instructor / guides with real experience navigating Hokkaido’s unique terrain and culture. At Hokkaido Vibe, our Snowsports School team sets the tone — combining technical skill, professionalism, and a deep respect for the environment and community we operate in.
We welcome instructors who are:
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Professionally certified in ski or snowboard instruction
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Experienced in Niseko or similar alpine environments
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Independent, responsible, and safety-focused
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Culturally aware and great with people
Essential Qualifications:
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Minimum Level 2 Ski or Snowboard Certification (or dual Level 1/2)
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First Aid certification (14+ hours)
Preferred:
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Higher-level certifications in both Ski and Snowboard
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Guiding credentials (e.g., AMGA Pro 1, Canadian Ops 1, or equivalent)
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Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or similar advanced medical qualification
Positions are selective and limited — we aim to build a small, capable team that reflects our core values and commitment to excellence.
Hokkaido Vibe Full Freedom Membership Application
Full Freedom Membership
Hokkaido Vibe’s Full Freedom membership is open only to those who are endorsed by an existing member and meet our strict professional standards. Reserved for experienced, trusted professionals who share our values. This pathway is designed for those deeply rooted in the local community, committed to long-term life in Japan, and who demonstrate professionalism, cultural understanding, and strong industry credentials.
We welcome applications from individuals who:
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Have a solid reputation within both the snowsports and local Niseko communities
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Operate independently and responsibly, with long-term commitment to life in Japan
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Are fully self-sufficient and professionally accredited
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Possess strong local knowledge and meaningful experience in the region
Applications are reviewed carefully and accepted only when all essential criteria are met. Alignment with our standards and values is essential to maintain the integrity of our network and culture.
If you’re interested in applying for Full Freedom Membership, please read the following carefully:
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Applications must be submitted by the end of May for consideration for the following winter season.
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Only apply if you genuinely meet all Full Freedom criteria — the process is detailed and time-consuming, so we ask that only serious, qualified candidates apply.
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We receive a high number of applications each year, and while many applicants are at the top of their game, we cannot guarantee a place for everyone.
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We are also intentionally limiting team growth to protect the culture and values that make Hokkaido Vibe unique.
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If you’re still developing your experience, we recommend applying to join our Snowsports School — it’s a proven pathway toward Full Membership and gives the team a chance to get to know you, which is a significant advantage.
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All applicants must be endorsed by an existing Vibe member who can vouch for your professionalism and alignment with our ethos.
To begin your application, please email: hello@hokkaidovibe.com
join us on the mountain
Tailored ski and snowboard lessons to guided backcountry adventures and mindful snowshoe journeys, our expert guides and instructors lead and teach—helping you build skills as you explore. Improve, discover, and immerse yourself this winter.
Feel your Hokkaido Vibe