Welcome to the BEHIND THE SNOW RESORT series! This article shows you the behind-the-scenes of people supporting Hakuba Goryu.
The second job we are focusing on is the snow grooming operators (course creation).
Snow grooming operators drive snowcats across the resort, creating smooth, skiable courses. This work is typically done late at night or in early mornings, so guests rarely see the process. It's a technical job where the final quality of the slopes greatly depends on the operator’s skill. The depth of the job is reflected in the saying, "Grooming is like craftsmanship."
At Hakuba Goryu, around 10 snow grooming staff, some up to their 60s, work here. We spoke with three members of this team: HIDE, KEN, and YUZU.
Why Become a Snow Grooming Operator?
KEN, who has over 30 years of experience and has supported snow grooming at Goryu for years, explains he chose this career because he wanted to drive the snowcats.
KEN: "It's fun. Seeing guests glide smoothly on the trails I've worked on, making tracks in the morning, makes me feel great. It’s rewarding to see people enjoying the result of your work."
HIDE, with 24 years of experience, chose this job because of his love for skiing. However, he admits that he struggled in his early years.
HIDE: "I loved riding and I wanted to stay on the slopes, so becoming a snow groomer was the obvious choice. But in the beginning, the trails I made were far from satisfactory. "
Because I am a snowboarder myself, I take great pride in the slopes I create. I have spent many years honing my skills, and now I hope to pass this expertise on to the next generation. In response to this passion, young grooming operators are following in my footsteps.
YUZU: "It’s my fifth year at Goryu and my fourth season as a groomer. The conditions change daily, so every day brings a new challenge. This variety keeps the job interesting and prevents it from becoming monotonous."
The Fulfillment in Snow Grooming Work
Operating heavy machinery might seem challenging, but the job is more about the technical skill of finely tuning the snow surface. The quality of the course directly affects guest satisfaction, so attention to detail is crucial.
Snow grooming operators at Goryu find fulfillment in the intricate nature of their work.
KEN: "Seeing everyone enjoying the slopes, jumping and skiing well, makes me incredibly happy. I feel like I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do and am ready to move on and improve."
YUZU: "I’m thrilled to work with the machines every day. Learning from senior operators and improving my own skills keeps me motivated. There's always room for growth, which is a big part of what makes this job rewarding."
HIDE: "I believe that the most important aspect of a ski resort is the way the slopes are prepared and the lift operators. The behind-the-scenes work often has the biggest impact on the quality of service. I specialize in building parks, and seeing people land safely without injury makes me proud of the design I created."
Who Should Consider Becoming a Snow Grooming Operator?
Snow grooming is a technically demanding job, but the team at Goryu encourages those without experience to give it a try. It’s not reserved for a select few but is open to anyone interested in "creating things on snow."
HIDE: "I’d like to see more young people get involved. Grooming is craftsmanship. It’s not something you can master immediately, and experience is crucial, but we’re eager to pass on the skills we’ve developed. I hope young people will become passionate about this craft."
Even YUZU, who is in his third season, has gradually become more comfortable and confident in his role.
YUZU: "Initially, I thought snow grooming would be difficult, but with the help of my colleagues, I found that operating the machinery isn’t too hard. Learning the job takes time, but it’s a manageable process."
When asked what kind of people should try this job, the snow groomers mentioned "curiosity" as an important trait. If you enjoy skiing and crafting, and are looking for new ways to experience skiing and snowboarding, this job could be perfect for you.
The snow grooming operators at Goryu are driven by personal goals and a desire to achieve their ambitions. They aim to build a strong team, working together to pursue goals and achieve results in the ski resort.
Comments