Guide
Winter 2025–2026 (Seasonal Position)
Location: Hokkaido and Honshu
Mint Tours is currently accepting applications for experienced and qualified guides to join our team for the 2025–2026 winter season. We’re looking for passionate professionals who can lead small groups through resort or backcountry terrain with a strong focus on smart decision-making, effective risk management, and delivering safe, rewarding days in the mountains.
This is a seasonal guiding role working as part of a small, close-knit team of international and local guides, media, staff, and hosts. You’ll be supported by our dedicated operations crew, with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and creating the best possible mountain experience for our guests—whether you’re on-mountain or in town, managing logistics and guest care.
Why Work With Mint
We’re a passionate crew of professionals who love what we do. Most of our guide team has been with us for years—and there’s a reason for that. One of the biggest benefits of guiding with Mint is the guests. We attract great people—passionate snowboarders who are here for a good time, looking to ride deep snow and connect with like-minded crew. Most of our guests are advanced riders, which makes for fun, fast-moving days on the mountain. Our head office team puts in the work behind the scenes to qualify every guest’s ability, experience, and expectations. That means well-matched groups, smoother days on-mountain, and more time spent riding terrain that matters.
Guide Overview – What’s Expected
Professionalism, adaptability, strong leadership, and a passion for the mountains are essential. As a Mint Tours guide, you’re responsible for delivering a seamless and memorable experience both on and off the mountain. Each tour follows a structured weekly itinerary, with five consecutive days of on-snow guiding (Monday to Friday), plus logistical and hosting duties on arrival and departure days (Saturday and Sunday).
On-snow, your role includes guiding a small group, monitoring weather and snow conditions, and adapting plans to ensure safety and the best possible experience. You’ll be expected to proactively manage safety at all times, using sound judgment and clear communication to guide decision-making in dynamic environments.
Off the mountain, you’ll host guests throughout the week—sharing local knowledge, coordinating onsen visits, cultural insights, and group dinners, and helping manage expectations and logistics. It’s a rewarding role that comes with a high level of responsibility and minimal downtime. Your main free time is typically from 11 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday, between weekly guest changeovers.
Key Responsibilities
- Guide small groups in resort or backcountry terrain
- Monitor weather, avalanche forecasts, and snowpack to inform daily plans
- Communicate clearly with guests, support crew, and transport partners
- Lead daily safety briefings and manage guest expectations with professionalism
- Provide terrain awareness and basic instruction when needed
- Manage safety protocols, terrain decisions, and emergency response if required
- Help maintain group cohesion, energy, and overall experience
- Leading multi-day, multi-destination itineraries
- Be part of the Mint crew—reliable, experienced, and great to ride with.
You Must Have
- The ability to connect naturally with guests and other guides
- Guiding Certification (IFMGA, AMGA, ACMG, NZMGA, JMGA or affiliate)
- Current Wilderness First Responder
- High level of fitness and endurance
- Strong leadership and communication skills with a calm, professional presence
- Valid Japanese or International Driver’s License
Bonus Points For
- Familiarity with Japan’s snowpack, terrain, and logistics
- Previous experience working in Hokkaido
- Japanese language skills
- Coaching or Instruction certifications.
Pay & Perks
- Training at the start of your contract
- Pay rate discussed during the interview, based on experience
- Subsidized travel and staff accommodation
- Exposure to global brand partners and guiding visiting professional athletes
- Strong team culture, be part of a trusted, experienced team delivering world-class snow experiences
Season Dates
2 January – 28 February 2026
We’re flexible on start and end dates. Work hours and start / end dates may vary depending on weather, guest bookings, and how the season unfolds—so a flexible attitude is key.
Still working toward certification?
If you’re currently on the pathway to becoming a certified guide and have relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you. We occasionally have assistant roles available—perfect if you’re looking to get a start in the industry. Get in touch and tell us about your background.
How to Apply
Please email your CV, detailing certifications, and a cover letter telling us about your background and why you’d be a great fit for Mint Tours.
[email protected]