Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a winter teaching skiing in Japan? For Isabella, what started as a search for the perfect gap year turned into an unforgettable season filled with deep powder, lifelong friendships, and experiences she never imagined.
Looking for Something Different
After finishing her A-levels, Isabella knew she wanted to take a gap year, but she wasn't sure what that would look like.
"I'd always wanted to do a gap year, but I didn't really know how to do that with a whole ski season and everything."
As she explored her options, she discovered that Brexit had made finding work in Europe more complicated. That's when she started looking into ski instructor qualifications and came across SnowSkool.
What stood out immediately was the support she received before she'd even signed up.
"Before we even paid any money, there was lots of communication involved if we were concerned about anything, which was really good."
From speaking with programme organisers to connecting with instructors already working in Japan, Isabella felt confident that SnowSkool genuinely cared about helping participants make the right decision.
Why SnowSkool Stood Out
Like many future instructors, Isabella compared SnowSkool with other providers before making her choice.
For her, the biggest difference was the size of the programme.
"Some of the others are really big companies where you're one of 300 people. SnowSkool was a lot smaller, and we actually got to know everyone."
That personal approach continued throughout the entire season, creating a close-knit community both during training and once participants arrived in Japan.
A Winter in Hokkaido
Isabella spent her season at Kamui Ski Links in Hokkaido. Before arriving, she had some concerns about the size of the resort compared to the larger ski areas she was used to in Europe.
Those worries quickly disappeared.
"Having done the season, it's very different out there in Japan. I wouldn't change it for the world."
While Kamui may be smaller on paper, the famous Japanese powder snow opens up huge amounts of additional terrain beyond what's shown on the piste map.
"The snow opens up kind of double the amount of terrain that's actually on the piste map."
Combined with Japan's unique culture and atmosphere, the experience felt completely different from anything she'd experienced before.
Living in Japan
Rather than living directly at the resort, Isabella and her fellow instructors stayed in Asahikawa, around 25 minutes away.
The location turned out to be a huge bonus.
"We had the mall down the road, 7-Eleven around the corner, and we were only about 10 minutes from the city."
Being close to a city meant there was always something to do outside of skiing, whether that was exploring local restaurants, shopping, or spending time with friends.
SnowSkool and the ski school also encouraged instructors to make the most of their time in Japan, organising orientation activities and supporting trips to other parts of Hokkaido during quieter periods.
Teaching on the Slopes
Work levels varied throughout the season. December was particularly busy, with plenty of lessons during Christmas and New Year, while January and February were a little quieter than expected.
Even when teaching hours slowed down, there were plenty of opportunities to improve skiing and teaching skills through additional training.
The lessons themselves offered a huge variety of experiences.
"The youngest I taught was four or five, and the oldest I taught was in their seventies."
Many clients came from across Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. While not everyone spoke fluent English, Isabella quickly discovered that teaching skiing isn't always about words.
"You realise how much communication isn't verbal anyway. Demonstrations are so important."
Learning to communicate through demonstrations, body language, and patience became one of the most valuable skills she developed during the season.
Support Every Step of the Way
One of the standout parts of Isabella's experience was the level of support she received from her ski school.
Whether instructors needed help with lesson planning, skiing technique, training, or simply settling into life in Japan, there was always someone available to help.
"You could literally ask anyone in the ski school, and everyone wanted to help."
That support became especially important when Isabella suffered an ankle injury during the season.
"They were really considerate. They told me to take the time I needed and not rush back."
The ski school also organised staff dinners, bowling nights, night skiing sessions, and regular social events that helped create a strong sense of community.
More Than Just a Ski Season
For Isabella, the skiing was incredible, but it wasn't the best part of the experience.
"We've literally got friends for life now."
Between the friendships formed during training in Saas-Fee, the instructors she lived and worked with in Japan, and the clients she taught throughout the season, the experience created memories that will stay with her forever.
"Getting to work in Japan every day is very cool, but the people are definitely the best part of it."
Looking Ahead
After returning from Japan, Isabella is heading to Newcastle University to study Medicine. While she doesn't currently plan to become a full-time ski instructor, she definitely isn't done with skiing.
"I'd like to continue doing something with instructing. I wouldn't do it full time, but I'd definitely like to carry on."
Many of her friends from the programme have continued into additional seasons in New Zealand and Japan, while others have taken their qualifications into university ski clubs and future winter adventures.
Isabella's Advice
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering SnowSkool, Isabella's answer was simple.
"Just do it."
Her advice is to embrace every opportunity, ski as much as possible, meet as many people as you can, and make the most of every moment.
For Isabella, what started as a gap year became an experience that gave her new skills, lifelong friendships, and memories she'll carry for a long time.
Just finished A-Levels and looking for something new? Try a ski internship, such as the Ski Internship in Saas Fee, Switzerland, and Japan