Bringing decades of instructor training experience to Japan
We’ve been running season-long instructor programmes for 20 winters in Europe (including Andorra) and 2026/27 is our first season running the full programme in Niseko, Japan.
Our training philosophy comes from 20+ years of specific instructor training experience — which is very different from coaching recreational riders. The goal isn’t “ride better”. The goal is to ride and teach to the BASI standard, in a real mountain environment, over a full season.
Japan BASI Snowboard Level 2 at a glance
✓ Location: Niseko, Japan
✓ Duration: 3 months training/riding + BASI exam
✓ Lift passes: Niseko-wide season pass + separate Moiwa pass
✓ Accommodation: Hirafu / Kutchan (bills included)
✓ Extras: Airport transfers, transport on training days, video feedback, shadowing sessions
✓ Option: NEW Work & Learn / work permit route (extended stay)
✓ Price: £POA
The Japan Experience (it’s not just the snow)
Japow is real. When Niseko turns on, the snow is light, dry and deep — and it’ll level up your riding fast.
The weather keeps you honest. You’ll get bluebirds, but you’ll also get proper winter days (snowfall, flat light). If you can ride well here, you can ride well anywhere.
Food is next level. Sushi is unreal, but the real season staples are ramen, curry and easy, affordable meals that make cooking feel optional.
Onsens = recovery cheat code. Hot springs after training days will save your legs and make the season feel properly Japanese.
You become part of the scene. A season in Niseko isn’t a quick holiday — you get into the local rhythm, favourite spots, and the whole winter village vibe.
Japan BASI Snowboard Level 2 Programme
3 Month Training + Exam / £POA
This Level 2 instructor course takes place in Niseko, Japan. This place needs no introduction — the record snowfalls of winter 2025 were all over the news, and it’s the reason “Japow” became a thing.
We offer everything you need to be with us for 3 months in resort including a full area Niseko season pass as well as a Moiwa pass so you can literally ride everything the area has to offer.
We do everything ourselves — training and exams are delivered by our in-house SBC crew — which is one of the reasons we’ve been able to stay the most cost-effective season course provider for years.
Who is this for?
- Open to BASI Level 1 qualified instructors
- You must be a fully paid BASI member and have Level 1 before arriving
- Candidates from other systems (CASI, AASI, NZSIA etc.) are welcome — your Level 1 may allow crossover, contact us and we’ll advise.
Shadowing hours (important)
During the winter you’ll need to log additional shadowing hours. This can be done in resort, but we strongly recommend arriving with as many as possible already completed, so you’re not trying to do everything at the same time.
Tim (Season Level 2 & 3 Week Course)Hear it from our riders
"Having narrowly missed out on the technical side of my Level 2 Instructor course in 2018, I decided to return in 2019 to do the season option combined with the 3 week option. The prep week before the exam was invaluable for putting myself in the right place for the start of the exam. I’m delighted to say, that this year I got the BASI handshake and a pass."
Jo (Season Level 2 Course)Hear it from our riders
"Ash and his crew guided us through every element of our training, setting us up well for the exam. Coaching sessions were well structured, with plenty of clear guidance and drills to practice in our own time. It was a fantastic course, with great coaches and a superb resort to be in....Thanks to Snowboard Coach for making it happen."
Jonas (Season Level 2 Course)Hear it from our riders
"I’ve learned so much and developed my riding massively doing the Level 2 season programme with Ash and the Snowboard Coach crew..... I’ve done a lot of seasons including the big name resorts, but this one was one of the best. I’ve met so may amazing people and had such a good time in resort. Thanks Snowboard Coach for such an amazing season. Keep up the good work and ride on!
Tony (3 Week Level 2 Course)Hear it from our riders
"Absolutely loved my 3 weeks doing my Level 2. Ash and Snowboard Coach make everything easy so all you have to do is ride, learn and have fun... You get excellent focused feedback that improves your riding day by day. Then at the end, I got the handshake, big smiles and super happy to say - the pass... Thanks to all the crew at Snowboard Coach for making this possible."
Beth (Level 2 season course)Hear it from our riders
"I had the best time training and riding with Ash and Chris and the boys on the L2 course. I learnt so much over the course and the frequent video feedback was super beneficial. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy but the hard work was fun and worth it when I looked back at my progress over the season and seeing how far Snowboard Coach had helped me come."
Jemma (Level 2 season course)Hear it from our riders
"The coaching was superb and really prepared me for the exam. Living alongside others on the course built a great supportive team. Would definitely recommend this training - challenging but ensures you reach your full potential and fully prepares you to be a damn good instructor in the years to come! Thank you Snowboard Coach!"
Dan (Level 2 - 3 Week Course)Hear it from our riders
"Behind those goggles is a tearful eyed but so very happy BASI Level 2 Snowboard Instructor... Thank you to Snowboard Coach and Lyndon for the knowledge bombs and guidance and for making a little bit of wee come out.....Seriously though I wouldn't be here today without you guys."
What’s included in Japan?
Your 2027 Japan Level 2 package includes:
- Hirafu / Kutchan accommodation with bills included
- Airport transfers on specified start/finish dates (Sapporo / Chitose)
- Niseko-wide season pass (valid every day)
- Moiwa season pass (valid every day)
- All riding + teaching training costs
- Private transport to the slope on training days
- BASI Level 2 course + exam fees
- Mountain shadowing experience with Arc Snowschool
- Stay in resort up to 31st March 2027
- Potential employment opportunities for future seasons
- Discounts on extra coaching (UK + Japan) if you need it
- Sponsor kit discounts (up to 35%)
- SBCoach exclusive Japan Edition Team T-shirt + sticker pack
- Support from the SBC crew all season
What’s NOT included
- International flights to Sapporo (Chitose)
- Food + drinks
- Travel insurance
- Spending money
Pre-requisites (what you need to do before Japan)
To attend the winter programme you’ll need:
- BASI Level 1 (we’ll help organise this)
- 2-day First Aid course
- Safeguarding Children module (via BASI once registered on the Level 1)
- Snow school shadowing hours (do as many as possible before arriving = more time to train and ride pow – but we have plenty of opportunity in Japan to top up)
Accommodation for UK courses is not included.
Don't have your Level 1 yet?
Our season Level 2 programme requires you to be Level 1 first — but we make this simple. We help candidates complete BASI Level 1 in the UK between April and November, with partner venues including Tamworth SnowDome and The Snow Centre, Hemel.
We do it this way because it focuses you earlier on what’s required to become an instructor — and it closes the gap that traditional “turn up in resort and hope” programmes create. Find out more on our UK Snowboard Coaching page.
Training schedule (what your season actually looks like)
Constant input doesn’t work — you need time to practise. This is why we run it like this:
-
Week 1: Welcome + getting to know Niseko
- Welcome meeting after arrival on 3rd Jan 2027 for non-work candidates
- 3x 3-hour sessions
- Orientation around Niseko + Moiwa
- And yes… introductions to a few of our favourite local spots
-
Weeks 2 onwards: Training blocks
- 3 x 5-hour sessions per week (3 hours morning + 2 hours afternoon)
- Regular video feedback
- Teaching practice sessions
- Shadowing begins with our partner school
-
Chinese New Year period
- No formal training
- Work option: you’ll likely be working
- Non-work option: ideal time to complete remaining shadowing hours
- By the end of this week you must have the minimum shadowing/work hours logged
-
Exam period
BASI Level 2 exam: 22nd Feb – 3rd March 2027
-
After exams
Ride, work, travel… whatever you want, before leaving end of March.
Accommodation (Hirafu/Kutchan)
We use modern apartments in Hirafu or Kutchan:
- Hirafu: closer to lifts, more expensive to eat/drink
- Kutchan: working town vibe, cheaper day-to-day, easy access to lifts
- Training days: transport is provided so everyone is on time
We don’t cram people in. You won’t be 4-to-a-room. Accommodation is 2 per bedroom (couples together). Bills are included.
NEW Work & Learn option (Work and Earn)
If you fancy taking our work option, you can gain real teaching experience and earn money during peak periods (Christmas/New Year + Chinese New Year).
- Potential to earn £3,000+ (and possibly more)
- Work visa route can allow an extended stay beyond the 90-day tourist rule
- Application process can take up to 3 months — ideally start by September 2026
Important visa note: Japan visa requirements can mean additional qualifications are needed for the work route. We’ll guide you through what’s required and how to plan it.
Your responsibilities (the honest bit)
This course is not a guaranteed pass. We’ll give you the tools, coaching, structure and feedback — but the effort, practice and professionalism is on you.
Be punctual, be respectful, use your time wisely, and don’t turn up to training hanging out of your backside. You’re training to represent BASI in a real resort environment.
NEW Japan BASI Snowboard Level 3
3 Month Training + Exam / £POA
NEW for 2027 we’ll also be offering the chance to do BASI Level 3 training and exam in Japan, as well as our OG resort of Arinsal, Andorra. Everything you need for 3 months is included — accommodation, training and exam fees.
There’s a lot to this course, so download the brochure for the full breakdown.
Ready to book or have questions?
We're happy to help, and can customise packages to suit your needs.