Why you should work a winter season in Niseko with us!
June 6, 2018

Why you should work a winter season in Niseko with us!

Meet our Seasonal Team that stuck around a little longer...

For some people, being a seasonal worker is carved in their destiny. They just know deep down inside that they'll be chasing winter seasons around the world for the rest of their life, with nothing more than their trusty snowboard or pair of skis. For others, they come across the seasonal life by accident. They "take a break" from their normal routine, decide to work a season just to "see what it's like". Quickly however, the accidental seasonal worker is enchanted by a lifestyle centred around epic snow and good times. For the MnK team members you're about to meet below, it's a mixture of both. But what they all have in common is that they stayed a little longer than just one season. Find out what kept them here in Niseko, Japan, and why YOU should consider working a winter season with MnK Niseko as well.

Say G'day to Adam

Adam falls into the second category. After never having snowboarded or skied in his life, he decided to try working a winter season in 2016/17. He has since become the Operations Manager for The Orchards, and absolutely loves what he does everyday.

Why was being a seasonal team member for MnK so awesome, and why did you stick around?
From the get go, I could tell that MnK was a company I'd enjoy working for. They have a really relaxed and friendly vibe. Everyone still works hard to get the job done, but the difference is we just have a fun time doing it.

What makes Niseko such a unique place?
Obviously the snow is incredible in winter. Last winter was one of the best recorded seasons for snowfall ever! But in my opinion, summer is just as amazing. There's something for everyone here.

What pearls of wisdom would you offer to this year's upcoming winter seasonal team?
I would say, when it gets busy on the local mountain, try and get into some backcountry skiing and snowboarding. If you have never tried it before, there are plenty of people who work at MnK who would love to introduce you to some really fun terrain. Once you start though, you'll be hooked!

Meet Ben a.k.a. Swami

Swami first came out to Niseko in the winter season of 2009/10, and continued to return for several seasons after this. As a lover of extreme sports and the outdoors, it's fair to say he was always destined to wind up in a place like Niseko.

Why was being a seasonal team member for MnK so awesome, and why did you stick around?
When I began my first season for MnK, it was clear that they understood why we all wanted to be there. There was always plenty of time to ride as the management team were flexible, and in general everyone was friendly. People who work a winter season are usually there for the same reasons.

What makes Niseko such a unique place?
I had worked a season in Nozawa Onsen and 3 seasons in Canada, but there's nowhere that has the sheer abundance of powder quite like Niseko. You never have to go too far to ride great powder! In summer, there's easy access to mountains for hiking and camping too.

What pearls of wisdom would you offer to this year's upcoming winter seasonal team?
Grab the bull by the horns! I'd recommend taking opportunities when they show up, instead of just sitting on your hands and waiting for things to come to you. Just do it.

Hello there, Nicole

After a short trip to Hakuba, Nicole decided working a winter season in Japan sounded like a great idea. Friends of hers, who had worked for MnK previously, couldn't have said better things about the experience. With that, she was off.

Why was being a seasonal team member for MnK so awesome, and why did you stick around?
My first winter season was 2016/17. Everyday I got to wake up in this incredibly beautiful place, and the experience introduced me to so many amazing, like-minded people who will be lifelong friends. It's here that I learnt how to snowboard and where I went for my first summer hikes.

What makes Niseko such a unique place?
To say that it's a pretty special place would be an understatement. Niseko experiences such a contrast between all four seasons, it's amazing to watch the landscape change. And for sure, winter is incredible, but it's the summer that has kept me here a little longer.

What pearls of wisdom would you offer to this year's upcoming winter seasonal team?
This will be an adventure you look back on as one of the best times of your life, soak up every little moment. And keep your plans after the season open, because who knows you might end up staying a little longer than expected.

Moshi Moshi, Laurie Desu (Hello, it's Laurie)

Laurie arrived in Niseko in the winter of 2014/15. A former ski instructor, he's a snow lover through and through. These days you'll find him working with our future property owners with the development of their new homes.

Why was being a seasonal team member for MnK so awesome, and why did you stick around?
When I started, MnK seemed like a young, relaxed company. I felt like the beliefs and values of the business closely matched my own. It was a perfect fit, and to this day, still is.

What makes Niseko such a unique place?
This snow is insane! In the summer, the activities are endless and right on your doorstep. Everything is but a short drive away. Plus, the food is amazing all year round as well.

What pearls of wisdom would you offer to this year's upcoming winter seasonal team?
Quality snow boots are a must. Explore beyond Niseko and Hirafu village, and take part in as many cultural events as possible to get to know the area and the people better.

This is Luke, Luke is a legend

Luke made his way over to Niseko in the winter of 2013/14 as a seasonal worker. He is now the Brand and Marketing Manager for MnK. Plus, he loves dogs. Like we said, what a legend.

Why was being a seasonal team member for MnK so awesome, and why did you stick around?
The job offered a good mixture of hard work and play. I saw an opportunity to help the company grow and also grow as a person myself.

What makes Niseko such a unique place?
Having only ever done seasonal work in North America prior, the food and snow is consistently more awesome here. The terrain isn't generally anywhere near as big, but Niseko is growing fast. It is still a fairly young resort compared to those you'll find in Europe and North America. The local Japanese crew are also exceptionally nice and welcoming.

What pearls of wisdom would you offer to this year's upcoming winter seasonal team?
If you haven't lived in Japan before, come with an open mind, be respectful and watch and learn the subtleties of how Japanese people interact with each other. Also, if you live in a big staff house together, make sure to snow shovel/clean together.

If this all sounds like music to your ears and you're interested in joining our seasonal team for the upcoming winter season, we have a range of positions available. The best part is, those who join our team don't just get a job. Benefits include subsidised staff accommodation in the heart of Hirafu village, access to shared ski lift passes for Hirafu and Hanzono, eligibility for monthly seasonal incentives and rewards, discounted tours and activities from local suppliers, assistance with all your paperwork and more powder than you can handle! See full position descriptions and information on how to apply here. Applications close 14 July, 2018. We look forward to hearing from you!

Visit our employment page and apply for the job of your dreams here!

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