Hakuba Valley
Hakuba · Nagano · Japan
1,071m
Vertical Drop
137
Runs
56
Lifts
900 ha
Skiable Area
1,100 cm
Avg Snowfall
Dec 2025 – May 2026
Season
Nearby town
Where workers live near Hakuba Valley
Closest first — click to see jobs & living info.
About
Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics alpine and ski jumping events, Hakuba Valley encompasses 10 interconnected resorts in the Northern Japan Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Known for deep powder, dramatic alpine scenery, and a growing international community, Hakuba offers everything from gentle beginner terrain at Hakuba Goryu to expert steeps at Happo-One and Cortina. The valley is one of Japan's top destinations for international seasonal workers.
Terrain & Mountain Profile
Run Breakdown
Summit
1,831m
Base
760m
Vertical Drop
1,071m
Lift Breakdown
4
Gondolas
42
Chairlifts
10
Surface Lifts
Employment & Recruitment
Estimated Seasonal Staff
1,500–2,500
Main Employers
- Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort (Shirouma Kanko Kaihatsu)
- Evergreen International Ski School
- Hakuba Goryu / Hakuba 47 resort operations
- Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
- Phoenix Hotel Hakuba
- Hakuba Springs Hotel
- Sierra Resort Hakuba
- Snowbeds Hakuba (accommodation provider)
- Morino Lodge
- Local izakayas, bars, and restaurants
Common Seasonal Jobs
Languages Required
- Visa Requirements
- Working Holiday Visa available for citizens of Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand, France, Germany, South Korea, and many other countries. Valid for 12 months with option to work. Japanese language ability is very helpful for most roles, though English-speaking positions exist in international hotels and ski schools. Employer-sponsored work visas are possible for specialized roles.
- Recruitment Timeline
- Major employers and ski schools begin hiring in August–September. English-speaking instructor positions fill early (September–October). Hotel and hospitality roles continue hiring through November. Some walk-in hiring occurs in early December.
Worker Amenities & Living
Staff Housing Available
- Cost of Living
- JPY ¥15,000–¥25,000 (food, transport, basics)
- Public Transport
- Hakuba Valley shuttle buses between resorts (free with lift pass). JR Oito Line train from Hakuba Station to Matsumoto and Nagano. Highway bus to Nagano Station (1 hr) and direct buses to Narita/Haneda airports. Local taxis available.
Staff Perks
- Discounted or free season pass
- Staff meals at some employers
- Discounted onsen (hot spring) access
- Pro deals on ski/snowboard gear
- Subsidized staff housing
- Free resort shuttle use
Local Life & Community
- Après & Nightlife
- A vibrant and growing après scene centred around Hakuba Happo-One and Echoland. Popular spots include The Pub (Echoland), Hakuba Taproom craft beer bar, Mocking Bird (cocktail bar), Jack's Sports Bar, and Roots Bar. Traditional izakayas like Sharaku and Mimizuku serve yakitori and local sake. Hakuba's 13 natural onsen are an essential après experience — Hakuba Happo Onsen and Mimizuku Onsen are local favourites.
- Healthcare
- Hakuba Clinic for minor injuries and illness. Hakuba Orthopaedic Clinic for ski injuries. Azumi General Hospital in Ikeda (30 min). Shinshu University Hospital in Matsumoto (1 hr) for major emergencies. National health insurance or travel insurance recommended.
- Shops & Services
- A-Coop supermarket in Hakuba village, Lawson and 7-Eleven convenience stores, multiple ski rental shops (Rhythm, Spicy Rentals), gear shops, pharmacies, and ATMs (Japan Post, 77 Bank). Echoland area has restaurants and nightlife.
- International Community
- Large — Hakuba is Japan's second-largest international ski community after Niseko, with significant populations of Australians, Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. English is widely spoken in the tourism sector.
Outdoor Activities (Non-Ski)
Nearby Towns
Hakuba
0 km awayHakuba Village hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is Japan's most famous alpine area outside Hokkaido. The village IS the resort — multiple ski areas line the valley with accommodation scattered throughout.
Open Positions
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Browse all jobs at Hakuba Valley →Season
Dec 2025 – May 2026
Climate & Snow
- Winter Temps
- -10°C to -1°C
- Snow Reliability
- high
- Snowmaking
- 5% of runs
- Avg Snowfall
- 1,100 cm/yr
Location
36.6983°N, 137.8322°E
Nearest town: Hakuba