Skip to main content

2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

EXTENDERS

Season
Opportunites

Lifestyle Extenders? What’s that you say? We here at Phat/Travel believe in living lifestyles, not living to work; that’s why we threw our life savings into setting up a life full of style here in the Northern Japanese Alps in Hakuba. We’re a relaxed and friendly bunch and we believe that those ethics are paramount to providing an amazing guest experience. We’ve received much praise over the years with guests commenting on how amazing our staff have been, so when we look for new staff each season we look for legends: people who are fun, love to travel, love the snow and love sharing that passion with others. If that sounds like you, and you want to come do a season in Hakuba you might just be what we are looking for. Do you want to be a lifestyler too?

They’re not jobs

They’re not jobs

They’re not jobs

They’re not jobs

They’re not jobs

Lifestyle Extenders

LOW

DOWN

There are several things to consider before you read ahead that may shape your decision to apply or not. Experience in any position isn’t a must – it’s sometimes preferable – but to be honest a hardworking ethic, adaptable ethos and an eagerness to please others who are trying to enjoy an epic holiday is all you really need (we’ll get you up to speed on the rest). Things that are a MUST for any job:

1.

A valid Working Holiday Visa or equivalent

A valid working holiday visa (or equivalent) valid until the end of March if you are not a Japanese national. If you have used your first and only Working Holiday Visa and/or are over the age of 30 then sponsored visas available on request for managerial positions. Please note this is not an easy process and we’d require someone committed to life in Hakuba more than just short-term and would need to have a suitable opening available.

2.

A valid drivers licence from your country as well as an accompanying International Drivers Permit

A valid driver domestic drivers licence, or a drivers licence from your home country with a supplementary International Drivers Permit is required for most jobs. For those is driving positions you’ll need a ‘D’ stamp on your IDP. For those applying for the bus driving position you’ll need a bus licence or equivalent from your home country (MR or above in Australia for example).

3.

A commitment to be available for the full season from Dec through to the end of March

A valid driver domestic drivers licence, or a drivers licence from your home country with a supplementary International Drivers Permit is required for most jobs. For those is driving positions you’ll need a ‘D’ stamp on your IDP. For those applying for the bus driving position you’ll need a bus licence or equivalent from your home country (MR or above in Australia for example).

4.

A passion for winter and the snow-sports community

You love the snow, snowboarding/skiing, the mountains and have a thirst for travel. You know the mountains are a special place and chasing that very first untouched line of powder is about as close to understanding the meaning of life as you’ll ever get. If it is your first time for any or all of the above you have an inquisitive nature and have felt the pull of adventure and want to try your hand in one of the snowiest places in the world.

5.

You need to smile often, enjoy life, be able to laugh and learn and LIKE people.

People is what we do. More than just heads on beds we sell brain souvenirs – memories that our guests take with them on the rest of their journey through life. More often than not the snow will take care of a lot of that but we put a lot of effort into ensuring that our guests have a holiday that is filled with friendly faces, excellent service and one that is hassle free. Ensuring you have a positive and friendly attitude is paramount to our operation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oTurM7gESE

FINER

DETAILS

Lifestyle Extenders? What’s that you say? We here at The Phat Packers believe in living lifestyles, not living to work; that’s why we threw our life savings into setting up a life full of style here in the Northern Japanese Alps in Hakuba. We’re a relaxed and friendly bunch and we believe that those ethics are paramount to providing an amazing guest experience. We’ve received much praise for The Phat House with guests commenting on how amazing our staff have been, so when we look for new staff for our new venture The Phat Packers we look for legends: people who are fun, love to travel, love the snow and love sharing that passion with others. If that sounds like you, and you want to come do a season in Hakuba you might just be what we are looking for. Do you want to be a lifestyler too?

Selling Brain Souvenirs Since 2025

NOT

JOBS

They're Lifestyle Extenders. If you want to extend your lifestyle in the stunning Japan Alps and create memories of a lifetime then apply to join us in the Hakuba Valley this winter. Please select the most appropriate position from the list below. If you do not seem to fit any of the roles specifically please apply for the 'Hotel All Rounder' position. Application open every year on June 1 and close the end of August. Once you have applied we'll be in touch about next steps.

Get in quick

Ready to make a booking?

The Phat Packers The Phat Palace The Phat House The Phat Shack Sheltered Inn