November 2018 marked a new milestone in Snowminds history. For the first time ever, approximately 100 Snowminds instructors departed from seven different countries to begin their NZSIA, SBINZ and APSI ski- and snowboard instructor courses in Japan. With three departure dates in November, these eager instructors waved goodbye to friends and family and set off towards the record-breaking snow mecca in the mountains of Japan.

 

Upon arrival in Japan, Snowminds instructors will be separated into three different resorts: Niseko, Rusutsu & Yuzawa. Over the course of three weeks, they will then be trained by top certified ski- and snowboard instructors in preparation to pass their Level 1 instructor course. In January, an additional team of Snowminds instructors will be trained to pass their Level 2 ski instructor course in Niseko. With a newfound instructor title in their back pockets, a full season of work awaits these instructors with a confirmed job at a local ski school. All the practicalities, such as housing, uniform and lift pass, have been arranged by Snowminds and only ski, fun and good times lies ahead.

 

Winter seasons in Japan are particularly long and well-known for the intense amount of snowfall during the season. While November is considered early in the winter season, some resorts in Japan have already claimed a snowfall of more than 50cm in less than 24 hours! Read more about Snowminds brand-new instructors courses in Japan here.