Women in snow sports face challenges ranging from a lack of media coverage to disparities in equipment and access to quality training. Despite these obstacles, women like Tayler Paulsen, a seasoned snowboarder from Tasmania, continue to shape the snow sports landscape.
Paulsen is a mom, an advocate for women’s empowerment in the world of winter sports and the founder of snowboard camps called “Yama Women” that cater specifically to the needs and aspirations of female snow enthusiasts.
After spending several seasons as a snowboarding instructor in Australia, New Zealand and Niseko, she embarked on a “reconnaissance” trip to Japan to scout for a holiday home. Drawn to Myoko and Madarao’s location and the affordable property market, she and her partner purchased Mt. Hut, a family-friendly lodge in Myoko where they have called home (at least in winter) since 2018.
Their first season was a challenging one learning about operating a small business in a foreign country and their adventure was cut short the following season due to the pandemic. Remaining optimistic, they managed the property from Australia with the help of local friends and returned as soon as they could to continue Mt. Hut and their second property, Sugi Chalet which they reformed into a luxury lodge.
How did your focus change from property management to programs for women?
Our latest ski and snowboard instructor programs and Yama Women, our all-women’s snowboarding camp, are endeavors we’re deeply passionate about and have been working towards for a long time. My connection to winter and snow sports has been a constant thread in my life and it’s an industry I’m consistently drawn back to, so I wanted to create opportunities for others to embrace the ski bum lifestyle and dream.
Over the years, I’ve noticed many people struggle to find the right guidance and resources to turn their passion for snow sports into a sustainable career. One of the most significant misconceptions we’re addressing is the belief that you need to be an Olympic-level professional to be a successful instructor. In reality, being an excellent instructor goes beyond technical skills; it’s about sharing your passion, having patience and finding joy in teaching. Witnessing those moments of “stoke” when a beginner links their first turns, conquers their first box or ventures off-piste for their inaugural powder run is what motivates us!
What courses are you offering?
Many instructor programs out there are expensive and demand a lengthy commitment of two to three months. This can be out of reach for most people. Our courses aim to provide an affordable and time-efficient alternative, condensing it into a manageable week-long program. We also offer extra pre-course training with two, five and seven-day options for those feeling they need extra time and guidance before the official start date.
We collaborate with other experts in the industry for our camps. Both our instructor courses operate in partnership with New Zealand Snowsports Instructor Alliance (NZSIA) who will fly in their high-level trainers to run the examination. The group size is capped at eight people, so participants benefit from extensive riding and teaching development under the guidance of expert trainers.
Yama Women is a collaboration with Shredology Freeride Founder, Lauren Powers, a seasoned big mountain rider and backcountry photographer from Canada.
Can you share more about Yama Women?
It is our women-only Snowboard Progression Camp, aimed at encouraging beginner to intermediate riders to elevate their skills in a supportive and intimate group setting. It stands out from other female-focused camps by placing a strong emphasis on park and freestyle skills. While we do offer backcountry options, Yama Women is about encouraging women to have fun and gain confidence in the park, an area that can often feel overwhelming and intimidating.
In snow sports, women deal with a bunch of challenges: not enough women in leadership roles, a gender gap among instructors and a need for more recognition of women’s achievements. That’s why it’s crucial to empower women in a predominantly male-dominated sport and provide an environment for those looking to venture into the park or apply freeride techniques on natural features.
This four-day, three-night camp will be held at Sugi Chalet. Lauren will oversee the day-to-day operations of the camp, and we’re looking forward to wrapping it up with our renowned backyard park competition, Yama Jam. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate these women and their new skills!
What is it like running a snow business in Myoko?
We face the typical challenges that come with being small business owners, but it allows us to be present for our two-and-a-half-year-old son, Finn, and share this unique mountain lifestyle with him as he grows up. It’s a source of great pride and happiness.
Having the opportunity to snowboard nearly every day during the season and enjoy the company of our fantastic crew is a significant perk! Running a business in a small, rural mountain town in Japan isn’t all about shredding pow and drinking beer. it comes with its unique set of challenges. It’s a fulfilling life, though, and we feel incredibly fortunate to live in the mountains and blend our passion with our livelihood.
Where’s your favorite resort in Japan?
Myoko Suginohara, without a doubt. It’s the crown jewel in my opinion. The slack country off the top chair is world-class, and there are a few drops over the ridge line that I just can’t get enough of.
Any future plans?
We’ve been steadily expanding our services since acquiring Mt. Hut and Sugi Chalet. We now offer snowboard rentals, lessons, guiding, in-house massages, and our programs and camps. We’re also venturing into something new this season with Two Pines, a pizzeria in Suginosawa Village. We have so many ideas and a strong belief in the potential of this area, so we’re genuinely excited to see what the future holds!
