Rhythm JapanRental ShopNiseko (or Furano / Hakuba)
Resort & Backcountry Guide (Niseko) — Winter 2026/27
OpenSeasonalWinter 2026/27Posted 10 days ago
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- Pay
- Not stated
- Ask the employer
- Employment
- Seasonal
- Season & start
- Winter 2026/27
- 1 Dec 2026 – 11 Apr 2027
- Role type
- Ski & snowboard
- Workplace language
- English OK
- Japanese
- Not required
- English
- Business
- Visa support
- available
- Housing
- Subsidized
- Perks
- Ski pass
- Area
- Niseko (or Furano / Hakuba) · Niseko Hirafu
About the role
Rhythm is hiring Resort and Backcountry Guides for winter 2026/27, based in Niseko for all guiding products, or in Furano or Hakuba for lift-accessed backcountry and touring only. You will plan and lead in-resort, slackcountry and backcountry trips, brief guests on safety, choose safe routes as conditions change, drive guests to trip locations and teach when required. The contract runs 1 December 2026 – 11 April 2027 (±3 days). Choose between full-time guide, or part-time guide and snowsports instructor. Salary depends on experience. Subsidised staff accommodation is available.
Responsibilities
- Plan trips with the Lead Guide around guests' goals, ability and snow conditions
- Run safety briefings and make sure guests understand basic rescue procedures
- Choose and navigate safe backcountry routes and adapt to changing snow, weather and mountain operations
- Communicate plans and changes clearly to guests and management
- Drive guests between their accommodation, the Rhythm store and tour locations
- Give snowsports instruction and private lessons when required
Requirements
- OPS 1 / OPS 2 or equivalent, or IFMGA guide
- Native or fluent English
- Full driver's licence and able to obtain an International Driving Permit for Japan; comfortable driving in snow
- Able to guide and teach guests of a range of abilities
- Fit enough to work on snow for long days in all conditions
- Legal right to work in Japan, or eligible to receive a work visa
Nice to have
- Bilingual Japanese/English (highly regarded)
Benefits
- Subsidised staff accommodation and housing assistance
- Free snowsports or bike demos and store discounts
- Staff social events and the Rhythm Wellness programme
Ski pass
Housing
Housing subsidized
Subsidised staff accommodation and housing assistance available.
Language & work eligibility
- Workplace language: English OK
- Japanese: Not required
- English: Business
- Visa support available
What is listed here is the employer's statement, not legal advice. Whether you can work on your status is covered in the visa guide.
How applying works
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Compiled from the employer's own published listing. Original listing
About the employer
Rhythm Japan
Rental Shop · Niseko Hirafu · From public information
Founded 2005 by Matthew Hampton and Mick Klima; acquired by Seattle-based evo in 2022 (retains its management team and Oyuki apparel brand). Employs 500+ winter staff in Niseko alone across rental/retail, fitting, warehouse, guest services, ski school and cafe, with subsidised staff accommodation and a subsidised winter lift pass.
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