Use our online booking system to provide us with the type of lessons and dates you would like, as well as some personal information, then we’ll contact you right away to confirm if that slot is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question?
See if we've answered it below or get in touch for more info.
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How do I book?
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How early should I book?
Over the busy period (Christmas, New Years and Chinese New Years) we fill up very, very quickly. We are often fully booked for these periods before the season has even begun. For other periods we have more availability, however please still try to book early to ensure you get the days and lessons you require.
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When do I need to pay for the lesson?
Lesson payment must be made as soon we have confirmed your booking. Your booking will not be held if we do not receive payment within 48hrs of the booking confirmation.
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What does the lesson price include?
The lesson cost is for the lesson only. Your lift ticket and equipment must be organised separately, however we can advise you on this, helping you to purchase the most suitable pass and equipment rental.
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How many people can be in each lesson and are there additional charges for extra persons?
Lesson fees are per coach, with up to a MAXIMUM of four people in each lesson to ensure our customers get the quality of tuition they deserve. For larger groups please get in touch and we’ll discuss the best solution for your needs. In cases where groups of more than 4 students are permitted , additional charges of JPY 3000 per student will apply.
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Can we have different abilities in the same lesson?
Yes, but only in full day lessons. For example, if it’s your children’s first time on skis but you have skied before, we would usually spend the morning teaching the kids to get them moving and enjoying the snow, then spend the afternoon improving your own skills – one booking for the whole day instead of two half day bookings.
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Can we have skiers and snowboarders in the same lesson?
No. While many of our instructors are able to teach both skiing and snowboarding, this is not possible due to the equipment they are on. You cannot teach skiing when on a snowboard, and vice-versa. That said, if you are mixed group of skiers and snowboarders it is possible for us to assign the same instructor over multiple days.
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Are the lessons in English?
Yes, all our Instructors are 100% fluent English-speakers.
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How old do children have to be to take lessons?
We take private kids classes from 3 years old for skiing and 7 for snowboarding.
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How many lessons will I need?
This depends on your level, fitness and goals. If you’re a beginner and in Niseko for a week or two, we recommend you take 3-5 half day lessons, spreading out the time in which you learn and allowing you to adjust to the physical demands. If you want to get moving quickly and catch up to your friends, take 2-3 full day lessons. Or if you’re experienced already and want to get to know the mountain quickly, 1 full day lesson or a few afternoons will do the job. Obviously, the more lessons you have the better you become, but don’t forget you need time to practice and, more importantly, have fun exploring the mountain on your own.
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What do the different levels mean?
Ski Snowboard Telemark First timer Never ever been on a pair of skis before Never ever been on a snowboard before Never ever been telemark skiing before Novice Have tried it once but still getting comfortable with wedge turns on green runs. Have tried it once or twice but still learning to link s-turns on green runs. Have tried it once but still learning to link tele turns together on green runs. Intermediate Can turn and stop with confidence on green runs, now learning to ski parallel on blue and black runs. Can link turns with confidence on green runs, now learning to ride blue and black runs and vary turn size/shape. Can link telemark turns with confidence on green runs, now learning to tele on blue and black runs. Advanced Skiing all groomed runs, now learning to ski off-piste in powder and trees. Riding all groomed runs, now learning to get off-piste or in the park. Telemarking all groomed runs, now learning to tele off-piste in powder and trees. -
What level of skiing do you teach?
We teach from beginners through to experts. We’ll teach you to make your first ever wedge turns, make the breakthrough to parallel, take a better line in the bumps, be more confident in the trees, or even ski a steep line in the backcountry. Ultimately, we love to teach people and see our students progress, so the level we are teaching on a particular day is irrelevant.
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What level of snowboarding do you teach?
All levels; from beginners through to experts. We’ll teach you to link your very first turns, learn to ride switch, hit steeper runs with confidence, slide a box in the park, be more powerful when riding powder, or even spin your first 360. Ultimately, we love to teach people and see our students progress, so the level we are teaching on a particular day is irrelevant.
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What level of telemark skiing do you teach?
Take a guess... that’s right, from beginners through to experts. We’ll teach you to make your first tele turn, become more fluid with your lead changes, gain more confidence on the steeeps or in the trees, slide a 360 on the snow or even hit a box in the park, or just get out into the backcountry where telemarkers belong. Ultimately, we love to teach people and see our students progress, so the level we are teaching on a particular day is irrelevant.
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Where do we meet on the day of the lesson?
Full day and morning premium lessons come with transport included. For these lessons, we pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off again after the lesson. Alternatively, we can arrange to meet you at one of the base areas in Hirafu (we suggest the ticket offices at the Dot-Base building next to the Ace Quad lift or the Gondola).
All half day lessons must meet at the ticket office at the bottom of the Ace Family lift (or ticket office at the bottom of the Gondola by special arrangement).
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How will I know who my Instructor is?
They will be wearing emerald green ski school uniform with Niseko Academy on the back. But don’t worry, if you’re in the right meeting they’ll find you.
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What will I need to wear?
Niseko is famous for its light fluffy powder snow. This means warm, waterproof clothing is required as the temperature is usually between -5 and -15 degrees c (depending where you are on the mountain of course). Warm, waterproof gloves and goggles are also required (rental gear is available upon request). Helmets are recommended as they are not only warm and waterproof, but protect you head. Bonus!
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What if I am running late for my lesson?
If you know you will be late please let us know if possible. Call us on +81 (0)90 3342 0831. Half day lessons have fixed schedules that cannot be altered, however, full day classes are much more flexible.
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What are the lunch arrangements for full day private lessons?
Lunch breaks are usually about an hour and are counted within the 6 hours of lesson time for the full day premium lessons. Your Coach will usually be more than happy to join you for lunch and be able to recommend a great restaurant or cafe. Lunch for full day private kids lessons can be arranged for an extra 1,500JPY per child (i.e you don’t have to pick your kids up at lunch time).
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What if I wish to cancel my lesson?
Please refer to booking terms and conditions.