Snowboarders who flock to Niigata have a new place to hang: Asagai' new bar/restaurant Sno Deck. They're looking for a fun group of buffs to join their staff. Maki Nibayashi talks to co-owner Kylie Gregory about available positions.

Please tell us a bit about your organization.

Sno Deck is a new bar/restaurant opening this season in the number one snowboarding hot spot in Japan, Asagai (located in Niigata). Sno Deck will be "the place" for snowboarders to eat, drink and hang out this winter. We also want to provide a warm and comfortable environment for those novices who need somewhere to escape the winter cold while their friends are busy throwing themselves down the slopes. In the evenings, Sno Deck moves up a gear with top DJs and a lively atmosphere giving people a chance to exchange stories about their experiences on the resorts--half-pipe, jumps, rails and boxes.

What's the theme of your restaurant?

The theme of our restaurant�Eadrenaline! We�re predominately marketing ourselves to young people who want to enjoy the winter months listening to great music and watching extreme sports videos while partaking of delicious food and drinks.

Can you tell us a bit about the area?

Asagai Snowboarding Fun Park is part of the Naeba ski resort in Yuzawa, Niigata. Naeba has been called the St Moritz of the East; it is a huge resort and has a turnover of more than 2 million visitors each winter. Asagai is easily accessible by a free bus service from Echigo-Yuzawa station. For a better idea of the of the location and facilities, check out the following websites: www.skijapanguide.com or www.princehotels.co.jb/bin/home.pl

 
What positions are you seeking to fill?

We�re looking for a few people who share our love for snowboarding and good music�people who want to be part of a fun team. Ideally, we would like Japanese nationals with basic English ability who are capable behind the bar, waitering and who are able to help out in the kitchen or with administrative work. Experience in these areas isn�t essential; however, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are. We�d love to find a few people who get on well and can be flexible in their work environment so that they can hit the slopes this winter and enjoy the season as much as possible.

Any details about the position and the responsibilities, salaries, experience, etc.?

We�ll be looking for an administrative person to start immediately and restaurant/wait/bar staff to start in early December. The administrative position requires communication in Japanese to talk to suppliers, clients, customers, and to do other administrative work such as filing, writing PR letters, etc. All jobs run until April 9. There may well be positions available in the summer at a different venue.

The salary will be in line with standard hourly wages in Japan. All meals, accommodations and season lift passes will also be included. It's a great opportunity for anyone who really enjoys the snow and who may want to get away from the city for a few months.

Contact information:

If you like the sound of working at Sno Deck, you can contact Kylie and Campbell at:

52-4 Oaza-Mikuni, Yuzawa-cho, Minami Uonuma-Gun, Niigata or