Backcountry Guide Full Time

Summit Ski School & Guiding are looking for Resort and Backcountry Guides to join our Niseko and Furano teams Winter 2026/27.

MUST HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

Resort Guides: AST 2 and/or Level 3 instructor and accompanying avalanche safety course.

Backcountry Guide: OPS 1/ AVY PRO OR EQUIVALENT or be IFMGA OR EQUIVALENT

We are a small school of around 40 snowsports staff split between Niseko and Furano. Summit are looking for an experienced and qualified guides to take day tours and multi day tours over the Hokkaido prefecture. Basic duties of this role aside from guiding would include attending morning guide meetings, taking weather forecasts, ensuring guide safety standards are met, communicating with your team about conditions and location, exploring new areas for guides, driving clients to and from the zones.

With a blend of new and seasoned instructors and guides from around the globe, Our team ranges in expertise in skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, racing, guiding and touring. We conduct training events over the winter to help motivate and excel our staff in opportunities to further develop their riding skills and teaching knowledge.

we strive to be known as an exceptional place to work and the top choice for booking lessons. We understand that satisfied instructors provide the best experiences, so we ensure all our staff are not only highly skilled but also personable, engaging, approachable, passionate, and well-informed.

Additionally we are looking for a Head Guide (IFMGA ONLY) who holds the leadership skills to manage a small team of 5-6 guides whilst being able to carry out their own guides on a daily basis. Basic duties of this role along side guiding would include holding staff training, running guide meetings, ensuring guide safety standards are met. Pay rate Negotiable for the right candidate.

  Our company prides its self on customer service and ensuring our clientele get a holiday experience like no other. If you are looking to further your guiding career in japan please ensure you meet the following criteria listed below.

Criteria

• minimum of CAA Operations 1 or equivalent (backcountry guide)
• AST 2 or equivalent (Resort Guide)
• previous winter guiding experience
• current 40 hour First Aid certificate or equivalent
• Eligible for a Working Holiday Visa or  Japanese work permit/visa
• International Driving Permit
• Fluent in English
• Punctual, Organised and self motivated

We offer competitive pay opportunities, bonus, include your season lift pass and can help secure accommodation. Successful candidates will be based in Furano or Niseko, Hokkaido with the opportunity to explore many resorts and backcountry zones around Hokkaido. To get more of a feel please check our instagram @summitjapan

Please send your CV, cover letter and qualifications to Makenzie@summitski.jp

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Tagged as: guide, ski, snowboard