Accommodation & Food
All our accommodation is in Myoko. Our accommodation is 3 star and includes twin rooms. Breakfast and evening meals are included in the price (you will grab lunch on the mountain). Just wait until you taste the delicious Japanese local soba noodles and sasazushi!! (a unique style of sushi using local bamboo leaves) There will be Western style and international food available also.
The hotel is ideally situated in Myoko only a 4 min bus ride from the main lift station. There's a choice of Western or Japanese style rooms and the hotel boasts its own hot springs. What could be better than a hard day in the powder then coming back to relax in the onsen with a crisp Asahi beer in hand?
The Resorts
Winter riding options in Myoko's powder are almost endless. It's not uncommon for it to dump down over a metre of snow during the night in Jan and Feb! In October 2007 Myoko was voted as one of the best ski resorts in Japan.
The Myoko Ski Area is made up of nine mountains:
Myoko Akakura -We love the Akakura Onsen with many Ashiyu (foot bath) spots where vendors will come out and serve you beer and snacks.)
Ikenotaira Onsen - This resort has Japan's premier park suitable for beginners to pros
Myoko Suginohara - which boasts the longest ski run in Japan at 8.5km
Seki Onsen - due to its snow and location, this is one of the best places to get your powder high.
Kyukamura - perfect slopes to practice your teaching skills.
Myoko Ski Park- a leisurely day out.
Myoko Pine Valley - a small resort with 4 lifts and a half pipe
Madarao Kogen - waist deep powder and you're likely to have the run to yourself.
Tangram Ski Circus - spectacular views all around. From the top of the mountain you can see the Sea of Japan, off in the distance.
One of the extra special delights of Japan is the night skiing. This is on offer in most resorts....
just picture it...flying through the trees at 9pm. You can ski and ride for almost 12 hours a day!
Now do you see why we picked Myoko?
The Town
Myoko City is on the border of Nagano and in surprisingly easy reach of Tokyo. There's plenty to do in the area. Take a walk along the snow-walled streets and see the local artisans producing sake. There are more than 40 restaurants, so if you don't want to eat sushi everyday, don't worry, there's plenty of places offering a wide variety of food.
Nightlife in Japan is unique! Karaoke, reggae and laid back partying (all night long!). Look out for "Nomihodai" you pay an entrance fee and then drinks are free all night...... Don't miss the Firework Festival and the Festival of Lights during the course.
There's plenty to entertain you in Myoko and the surrounding area, from having a go at noodle making to watching sumo-wrestling, have a go at falconry, go wine tasting, visit the massive Myoko Kogen Beer Hall and see the moutain shrines and temples. The cultural experience waiting for you in Myoko is second to none.
The language barrier is nothing to fear... the Japanese people are so friendly you will always be complimented on your attempts and they make an effort to understand your Japanese! So try and learn the basics. It's a really friendly place where you will feel like a local in no time.
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Qualifications and Certs...
In Myoko we are offering BASI Level 1 & 2 Ski or Snowboard Instructor qualifications. The BASI qualifications are amongst most respected and in-demand qualifications in the world.
Acheiving the BASI Level 2 will open up a huge number of opportunities for you in the world of snowsport instructing! As part of the BASI qualification you will complete an Emergency First Aid course - very handy.
During the course in Japan you can also obtain a level 3 award in leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management (this is an optional extra). Great for the CV. There will be the opportunity to complete the Snowsport Scotland Alpine Leader Award - again adding to your huge list of qualifications. With all this you will be a real catch for any ski/snowboard school!
Job Opportunities
When you are finished your Peak Leaders course and have your BASI Level 1 & 2 certificates the world will be your oyster! Many of our trainees go on to work in Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand and of course Japan. Getting a work VISA for Japan is fairly inexpensive and straight forward so it is worth considering staying on after the course - even just to do a bit of travelling! For more VISA info click here. We will do everything we can to point you in the right direction for finding work as an instructor.
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