Recruit

Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions about Recruitment

What skills do I need to work in a mountain hut?

Since you'll be living on-site with other staff, teamwork and the ability to get along with others are essential.
This is also a customer-facing role, so good communication skills are important.
While having some mountaineering skills or experience is a plus, it's not always required. The level of difficulty varies depending on the hut, and some locations are suitable even for beginners.

What kind of jobs are available?

The work primarily involves hospitality tasks such as meal service, cleaning, reception duties, running the shop, and operating the cafe.
Unlike regular hotels, mountain huts often operate without a power grid, so staff may take turns managing generators. Supplies are delivered by helicopter, and you may help transport large quantities of food to freezers—unique tasks specific to working in a remote mountain environment.

What equipment do I need?

At a minimum, you'll need basic hiking gear such as hiking boots (trekking shoes are acceptable), rain gear, a backpack, and a pack cover.
※During the late snow season (May through June), you'll also need winter boots, crampons (light crampons are acceptable), and gaiters. After you’ve been hired, we will provide a list of recommended gear and personal items.

How do I get to Hakuba and the mountain hut? Do I have to hike alone?

Please use public transportation to get to Hakuba Village (private vehicles are also allowed, though parking is limited). Before your ascent, you will complete necessary procedures at our main office and stay one night in the company dormitory (free of charge). On the day of the hike, you'll climb with a group.
Beginners will not be hiking alone so don't worry.

Do I get days off?

This varies depending on the hut and the season.
Some schedules allow for one day off per week, others offer one every 1 days, or you may combine multiple days for longer breaks. We coordinate days off with other staff. Some people use extended breaks for thru-hiking.

Is there internet access?

Yes, there is staff-use Wi-Fi available. Even in locations with no mobile signal, you can stay connected via the hut’s Wi-Fi.

Can staff take a bath?

Yes. Staff can take a bath.
The frequency depends on the hut—usually once every 2 or 1 days. Since staff are involved in food preparation and customer service, maintaining personal hygiene is important, and bathing is part of that.

What is the staff living space like?

Staff typically share rooms. Basically private rooms are not available.
Each hut is different, but many open the dining hall after hours as a common space where staff can relax, chat, or enjoy their free time however they like.

What mountain huts are operated by Hakubakan?

Hakubakan operates the following seven mountain huts:
・Hakuba Sanso Lodge
・Goryu Sanso Lodge
・Oike Sanso Lodge
・Yari Onsen Hut
・Kiretto Hut
・Tsugaike Hutte
・Sarukura Hut/Hakubajiri Campsite

Hakuba Sanso Lodge, Goryu Sanso Lodge, and Kiretto Hut are located along the ridgeline of the Northern Alps.
Oike Sanso Lodge and ari Onsen Hut are nestled midway up the mountain, below the peak.
Tsugaike Hutte and Sarukura Hut are near trailheads and are easily accessible by car or ropeway.

I want to make use of my strengths. What can I contribute?

Each hut has its own unique culture, shaped by past staff members’ creativity and passion—whether it’s taking promotional photos, creating shop signage, improving notice boards, plating meals beautifully, or dedicating themselves to thorough cleaning.
If you have ideas on how to improve things, we encourage you to share them with the manager or team. By contributing your strengths and working together, we can create an even better mountain hut experience for everyone.