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FAQ

First Timers

How long are the lessons? What does the lesson include?

We offer either a full day (7 Hours) or half day lesson (3 Hours). One of our friendly instructors will meet you on snow or at your accommodation at the start of your allocated time. For a full day lesson it is expected that there is a break at some point for lunch.

Where do we meet for lessons?

All our lessons start at either .Base Hirafu or beside Annupuri Gondola. Check out our locations page.

What lift pass do I need?
  • If you are a complete beginner (first timer) we recommend NOT buying a lift pass initially. During the lesson you will likely buy a local area lift pass or a points pass.
  • If you are a novice skiier we recommend buying the local area pass (Hirafu/Hanazono pass or Annupuri pass depending on start location).
  • If you are intermediate/advanced we recommend the full area Niseko United lift pass.
What do I need to bring for a lesson?

We anticipate you arriving with all the gear necessary to go out on snow, including:

  • Skis or Snowboard
  • Boots
  • Ski Jacket and Pants
  • Goggles or sunglasses
  • Helmet (Recommended!)
Its my first time and I’m unsure about…

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about anything including equipment, clothing, lessons, conditions, fitness… we will get back to you as soon as we can. We all started off as beginners once, and we are here to help make being on snow a safe and fun experience.

Bookings

If I book the full day lesson, can I start it at a different time?

Our lessons typically start at 8:30am to give us the most opportunity to ski in the best conditions, but we can be flexible if you’d prefer to start the lesson later.

Is it possible to change the location of the lesson on the day?

We cannot guarantee that we can alter the logistics of a lesson at late notice, but we will try to accommodate any requests for changes with reasonable notice (24hrs before).

I want to bring along my friend, but they aren’t in the lesson.

If we have have space in the car to accommodate a non-participant then we are happy to do so. Both Annupuri and Hirafu have some options for food and beverage and public rest areas to wait until the lesson is completed.

How do I book and pay?

Our bookings are all processed through a secure online booking portal linked here. Please get in touch with us via our email if there are any issues.

Can I cancel a lesson?

Please contact us and we will see what we can do.

Guiding

I haven’t skied much powder, should I book a guiding session?

Yes! All our guides are also instructors, and are more than happy to help you safely get the most out of the mountain at your ability level. We do ask that you are at least an intermediate skiier, Level 4+ on our ability level page.

We are a group of skiers and boarders, can we all go together?

Absolutely, bear in mind some areas may require strong traversing skills to access. This can be easier with poles.

How fit do I need to be?

Skiing or snowboarding in powder can be quite tiring! But our team is always here to help with advice on how to efficiently cruise down the mountain. We will always go at the pace of the least experienced member, and we are happy to take breaks as needed.

Will we need avalanche equipment?

If skiing or snowboarding outside of the resort, or within Niseko’s gates system – we will require all participants to have avalanche safety equipment (minimum of a backpack, transceiver, shovel and probe per person)

Avalanche risk within the boundary of the resort is well mitigated by ski patrol with closures and controlled releases, so equipment is not mandatory.

Can we just go under that rope?

We will always try our best to accommodate any specific requests during the guiding session but unfortunately due to weather conditions some areas may be restricted access. We will always abide by the advice given by Niseko ski patrol on any given day.