Welcome back to our interview series highlighting the staff working at Hakuba Goryu. We're focusing on female employees in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, 2024. We spoke with women from various roles at Goryu to learn about their experiences and perspectives.
While the ski and snow industries still have a male-dominated workforce, Hakuba Goryu is no exception, with women making up only about 10% of the full-time staff (though this increases to 37% during the winter season). Despite this, there are strong and diverse women working across different roles.
We asked five women from different departments—Patrol, Marketing and Sales, Restaurant, and Lift Operations—about their experiences and thoughts on working in the snow industry.
"We hope to expand the number of female patrols and improve the quality for female patients"
Q. What do you like and find challenging about your job at Hakuba Goryu?
"Working at a ski resort allows us to see skilled skiers and enjoy a lot of skiing ourselves, which is a great perk. It’s fun to meet people we wouldn't usually encounter in daily life. The challenging part of our patrol duties is setting up numerous items straight and neatly. Additionally, busy days with many guests mean more incidents and injuries to handle, which can be demanding."
Q. On a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate gender equality in the snow industry? Do you think it would be beneficial to have more women in the snow field?
"While we can't speak for the entire snow industry, we’d rate Hakuba Goryu Patrol at 95! However, there are still few female patrol officers, and there are fewer options for women’s equipment. If more female patrol officers join, it could expand the range of responses to female injuries."
Q. What does the snow field mean to you?
"The snow field is a fundamental part of our winter life and our routine. We receive patient guidance from senior staff at Hakuba Goryu. Enjoy the slopes with safety, and we hope you don’t need to call a patrol!"
"Transforming the Snow Industry into a Global Game Changer"
Q. What do you like and find challenging about your job at Hakuba Goryu?
"I joined during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. At first, I struggled with Japanese and didn’t have a driver’s license, but I’ve improved in both areas and am happy about that! The best part of working at Hakuba Goryu is being surrounded by nature. I love commuting by gondola or lift and having meetings with breathtaking views of the Alps!"
Q. On a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate gender equality in the snow industry? Do you think it would be beneficial to have more women in the snow field?
"The gender ratio of full-time staff at Hakuba Goryu is about 10:1. No women have yet reached the management level, but we’re paving our own way. I’d rate Hakuba Goryu at 56 out of 100 😉. Moving away from male dominance in the snow industry is not only about achieving gender balance but also about creating positive impacts. Embracing diverse energy and dynamic gender flows will benefit everyone."
Q. As a foreign woman working in Japan's snow fields, what challenges and advantages do you experience?
"Overcoming language barriers and adapting to traditional Japanese corporate culture can be challenging. However, I find joy in the process. My advantage is having a positive attitude and a global perspective to tackle challenges."
Q. What does the snow field mean to you?
"I see the snow industry as a global game changer, not just a career but a lifelong connection with nature."
"Empowering Women Beyond Hospitality Roles"
Q. What do you like and find challenging about your job at Hakuba Goryu?
"Before coming to Hakuba, I barely knew Japanese, but improving my communication skills through interactions with others was incredibly valuable. The experiences and opportunities I've had here have been wonderful, and the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime. As a hospitality worker, I don’t interact with the entire snow industry, but I believe that extreme weather and climate change are significant challenges for the industry."
Q. On a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate gender equality in the snow industry? Do you think it would be beneficial to have more women in the snow field?
"I’d rate it at 45 out of 100. Many women are active in hospitality roles in Hakuba, but men still dominate roles like lift operations, rentals, and ski instructors. The ski industry attracts more men, reflecting the male-centric appeal of skiing and snowboarding. Increasing the number of women in the snow industry would bring more opportunities and diversity, positively impacting on men as well."
Q. As a foreign woman working in Japan's snow fields, what challenges and advantages do you experience?
"Working as a foreigner in Japan has its challenges, but they differ from those faced by Japanese women. If you’re not proficient in Japanese, it might be hard to be recognized as competent. However, people are generally accepting of language barriers and make efforts to bridge understanding gaps."
Q. What does the snow field mean to you?
"I think cultural exchange from the snow industry is crucial for its future, creating new opportunities for people across borders."
"Gender Equality Among Lift Operators: Perfect Score!"
Q. What do you like and find challenging about your job at Hakuba Goryu?
"There are language barriers as people from various countries come to the ski resort, but it’s enjoyable to make new friends and broaden my social circle. I rarely feel challenged or stressed. I love being able to discuss my passion for snowboarding with guests."
Q. On a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate gender equality in the snow industry? Do you think it would be beneficial to have more women in the snow field?
"I’d give it a perfect 100! In lift operations, gender equality is well maintained."
Q. What does the snow field mean to you? Any additional comments?
"Coming to Hakuba has been a significant turning point in my life, and it holds a special place in my heart. I hope that both beginners and experienced skiers feel safe visiting Hakuba Goryu, knowing that lift operators ensure a safe ride."
At Hakuba Goryu, female employees, whether full-time or seasonal, work with pride and dedication. While the workforce is still predominantly male, the workplace is increasingly fair for women. As we move forward, we aim to foster greater diversity and strive for a snow resort where everyone can proudly say, "Gender equality is a perfect 100!" ✊
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