Backcountry Guide Operations Manager

Backcountry Guide Operations Manager
Reports to: CEO / Chief Guide
Location: Hakuba, Nagano, Japan
Term: December 5 – March 25
Position status: Full-time, seasonal
Direct reports: Guide, Guest Service and Dispatch Teams
About Evergreen Backcountry Guides
Evergreen Backcountry Guides, based in the Hakuba Valley, provides small-group, professionally guided backcountry ski and splitboard touring, heli-skiing, avalanche skills training, and adventure programs in Nagano’s world-class mountains. Our business is built on technical expertise, a culture of safety, outstanding guest care, and strong relationships within the local, international, and outdoor guiding communities.
Position summary
The Backcountry Guide Operations Manager is responsible for leading Evergreen’s winter guide team, managing all facets of backcountry and heli-ski operations, and upholding the company’s standards for safety, risk management, and guest experience. This position requires hands-on leadership, advanced guide certification (ACMG/CSGA/NZMGA/IFMGA), deep knowledge of the greater ski industry, and a proven record of risk-informed operational management in complex alpine terrain. Familiarity with Japanese operating protocols and the international ski market is an asset.
Key responsibilities
Operations management
Oversee all daily heli-ski, backcountry touring, and ski area off-piste guiding operations
Manage guide scheduling, roster management, and aviation/transport coordination as needed
Ensure compliance with Evergreen and Japanese safety, rescue, and environmental protocols
Oversee daily and seasonal record-keeping (guest waivers, incident reporting, route logs)
Manage inventory for safety, rescue, technical, and rental gear
Team leadership and development
Coordinate guide training, including avalanche risk, rescue, and local operating requirements
Mentor staff on Evergreen’s safety culture, decision-making, and guest interaction standards
Conduct performance reviews, participate in safety meetings, and document guide feedback
Foster an environment of continual learning and teamwork
Risk management and rescue readiness
Oversee daily risk mitigation, weather and avalanche assessment, and group field decisions
Supervise regular rescue drills and maintain readiness of rescue and communications infrastructure
Liaise with local authorities and rescue organizations as needed (translator present)
Guest experience
Uphold Evergreen’s standards of guest care, safety, and program quality
Coordinate guides to provide pre-trip safety briefings and field-based client education
Work closely with other Evergreen departments and local partners to deliver seamless, memorable guest experiences
Manage guest feedback, incident response, and satisfaction tracking
Strategy and stakeholder relations
Collaborate with the CEO and management on budgeting, capital proposals, and season planning
Represent Evergreen with Japanese authorities, industry partners (e.g., local helicopter, ropeway, rescue), and international organizations
Support marketing and outreach, and assist in developing Evergreen’s international client base
Qualifications
ACMG/CSGA/IFMGA ski guide certification
CAA/Japan Avalanche Network equivalent Level 2 or higher
80-hour Wilderness First Aid (current)
At least 5–10 years of guiding experience in ski or backcountry roles, preferably 5+ years in a supervisory or lead guide capacity
Expert knowledge of risk management, operational planning, alpine weather, and snow science
Proficiency in English (verbal and written); conversational Japanese a plus but not required
Experience with global mountain tourism markets
Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills
Ability to work the full season in Hakuba
Special requirements
Residency in the Hakuba area during the operating period
Able to ski or ride at an expert level in all alpine and backcountry conditions
Comfortable working long hours outdoors and lifting 20+ kg
Eligible to work in Japan (visa assistance provided)

Employment type
Seasonal (Winter) - Salary

Work arrangement
No