常見問題FAQ

Snowboarding and skiing each have their own learning process and appeal; neither is necessarily better, so choose whichever you prefer!

Snowboarding

Snowboarding looks stylish, but beginners need more time to get used to standing sideways and balancing on the board, so you may fall more often at first.

After a fall, there are no crossed skis to untangle, though getting back up still takes practice. Snowboard boots are relatively soft and light, making them more comfortable to walk in.

Skiing

Beginners usually find skiing easier to pick up because your feet can move independently, making basic balance easier and giving you a stronger sense of achievement early on.

However, if your skis cross when you fall, getting up and putting them back on can be more awkward. Ski boots are also stiffer and heavier, making walking less convenient.

A little tip: If you want to enjoy gliding sooner, consider skiing; if you like the style of snowboarding and do not mind spending more time practising at first, go for snowboarding!

We strongly recommend that beginners learn with an instructor!

Skiing and snowboarding involve moving downhill at speed, so if you do not know how to steer or stop, you could injure yourself or someone else.

For safety, we recommend that beginners book at least a half-day lesson with an instructor to learn basic stance, balance, stopping, falling and getting back up, as well as ski resort safety.

An instructor helps you avoid unnecessary trial and error and build good skiing or snowboarding habits. Once you have the basics, practise on suitable beginner slopes at a pace that matches your progress, so you can enjoy yourself with more confidence.

Absolutely! Our beginner lessons are designed especially for people with no experience!

Both skiing and snowboarding require balance. Standing still may seem easy, but once you start moving, you need to use your muscles to stay balanced and control your direction.

If you are new to board sports, unfamiliar movements may take more effort at first, so feeling a little tired is perfectly normal!

We recommend starting some simple fitness training a month before your lessons, such as squats, core exercises and balance training, to strengthen your legs and improve stability, helping you feel more comfortable on the snow and reduce your risk of injury.

Lessons include suitable rest breaks, and your instructor will adjust the lesson content as needed to match your progress and energy levels.

If you feel too tired, unwell, or have any questions, tell your instructor anytime!

Do not be shy; our instructors are friendly and approachable, and they will not bite!

It can be a little tiring, but do not worry too much! You can still enjoy skiing or snowboarding even if you do not usually exercise!

Skiing and snowboarding use your legs, core muscles and sense of balance, so beginners may tire more easily while learning unfamiliar movements, but regular rests and gradual progress will help you adapt.

Our experienced instructors adjust lessons to each person's age, fitness and progress. People of different ages, from children as young as 3 to adults aged 70, can enjoy skiing or snowboarding as long as their health allows!

We suggest considering skiing first for:

1. 1.Children aged 4–7: Coordination and muscle control are still developing, and skiing is usually easier to get started with.
2. 2.People who are very afraid of falling: Skiing lets you separate your feet to maintain balance, so beginners usually find it easier to learn basic stance and stopping.

Whether you are trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time or already have plenty of experience, you are very welcome!

Do not worry about being unable to learn or keep up; your instructor will guide you step by step, so you can enjoy the snowy world together!

It mainly depends on what you want to learn!

• 1 day | A first taste
  If you just want to experience the fun of skiing or snowboarding, one day of lessons is enough! You can learn basic stance, balance, stopping and simple gliding skills.
• 2 days | Strengthen the basics
  Suitable for beginners who want more practice, with repetition to make basic movements more familiar and gradually improve control of speed and direction.
• 3 days or more | More advanced skills
  If you want to learn more advanced skills, such as snowboard turns or skiing with your skis together (parallel skiing), we recommend at least 3 days of lessons to give you more practice time and more consistent control.

A quick reminder: Everyone learns at a different pace, and fitness, snow conditions and practice time also affect progress. There is no need to rush; a solid foundation will help you ski or snowboard more safely and have more fun!

If you just want to try skiing or snowboarding, 1 day of lessons is enough! But if you want to ski or snowboard independently, we recommend at least 3 days of lessons.

Several consecutive days of learning and practice help you become more comfortable with the basics, progressing from stumbling and trying to balance to controlling your stopping, turns and speed, while building the skills and confidence to ski or snowboard independently.

However, everyone learns at a different pace, and completing 3 days of lessons does not guarantee that you can ski or snowboard independently! Before practising on slopes suited to your level, you still need to assess your progress and make sure you can consistently control your speed and direction and stop safely.

Our instructors adjust lessons to each person's level and progress, helping everyone build a solid foundation step by step.

There is no need to rush your learning; safe, consistent control is where the real enjoyment of skiing or snowboarding begins!

Booking is easy! Click the [Book] button at the top right of the website to open our online booking system.

Follow the instructions to choose your lesson, date and number of participants, then fill in the booking details and submit!

Yes! All our ski and snowboard lessons require advance booking.

We recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are confirmed, especially for weekends, public holiday periods and peak ski season, as instructors can fill up quickly at popular times.

The earlier you book, the better your chances of finding a suitable instructor and your preferred lesson time!

We recommend booking in advance and avoiding last-minute bookings on the day!

Our ski and snowboard lessons use a VIP small-group format with advance booking, and instructors schedule their lessons and days off ahead of time, so they may already be fully booked or unavailable if you try to book on the day.

If you decide at the last minute that you would like a lesson, you are still welcome to contact us and ask! We will do our best to arrange a lesson around the instructors' availability that day, but cannot guarantee a place!

Sorry, one instructor cannot teach skiing and snowboarding at the same time!

Although all our instructors can teach both skiing and snowboarding, the equipment and teaching methods differ, so they cannot teach both at once in the same lesson.

If some friends want to ski while others want to snowboard, we recommend booking a separate instructor for each discipline so everyone receives suitable guidance and a full learning experience!

Yes, but learners at similar ability levels will get more out of sharing a lesson!

If there is a large gap in ability, the instructor will prioritise learners with weaker basic skills to make sure everyone can learn safely.

However, more advanced learners may spend more time waiting and have less opportunity to practise skills suited to their level.

We recommend separate instructors for friends with very different abilities, so everyone can learn at their own pace, spend less time waiting and enjoy a better lesson experience!

Yes! Lift tickets are not included in the lesson fee and must be bought separately!

You will need to take the lifts to reach the slopes during your lesson; you cannot be expected to walk all the way uphill on your own two feet every time just to ski or snowboard back down!

Remember to buy your lift ticket before your lesson starts, either at the resort's ticket booth on the day or in advance through the resort's official website or a travel platform.

Some ski resorts offer early-bird tickets, so buying ahead is usually better value and can save you time queuing for tickets on the day!

A quick reminder: Check which ski resort your lesson is at before buying the appropriate ticket!

To help everyone enjoy a safe, smooth lesson, please note the following before you arrive:

1. Lesson fees and insurance

• Lesson fees do not include equipment rental, lift tickets or insurance, so please arrange these yourself before your lesson.
• Skiing and snowboarding involve some risk, so we strongly recommend buying travel or sports insurance suitable for skiing and snowboarding in Japan before departure, and checking that it covers accidents on the snow, medical treatment and emergency rescue.

2. Preparing your equipment

• Book ahead: Some rental shops accept online reservations, which can save time queuing and collecting equipment.
• Check what is available to rent: Some items may not be available at the ski resort, so check with the shop in advance and buy them in Taiwan beforehand if needed.
• Make sure equipment fits: Choose equipment suited to your body size and make sure you wear it correctly. If anything does not fit or is faulty, tell your instructor or rental shop immediately and have it adjusted or replaced.

3. Health and safety on the snow

• Check your health: Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding and involve some risk. Make sure you are physically and mentally fit to take part; if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, a recent injury or other health concerns, we recommend consulting a doctor beforehand to check whether skiing or snowboarding is suitable for you.
• Understand the risks: Falls, collisions and other sports injuries can happen, so make sure you understand the risks and take part according to your abilities and health.
• Follow safety rules: Follow ski resort rules and your instructor's guidance, and do not enter slopes beyond your ability or attempt dangerous moves.
• Speak up immediately if you feel unwell: If you feel unwell, exhausted or suffer an injury during a lesson, tell your instructor immediately and stop skiing or snowboarding, with help from the resort's rescue staff to get medical attention if needed.

A quick reminder: Safety always comes first! Do not push yourself to keep up with others, and tell your instructor whenever you have a question so you can enjoy yourself safely!

Yes! Arrive at the rental shop early and allow enough time to prepare your equipment so you do not delay your lesson!

Allow the following time, depending on the rental shop's location:

• Rental shops at the ski resort: Arrive 30–60 minutes early.
• Rental shops in Yuzawa town: Arrive at least 1 hour early, and allow extra time to travel to the ski resort.

This time is mainly for queuing to collect equipment, trying it on, adjusting sizes and changing into your ski jacket and pants.

Some rental shops in Yuzawa town offer transfers to the ski resort, which usually need to be booked in advance; if yours does not, you can take the resort shuttle bus, but remember to check the timetable and allow time for the journey!

A quick reminder: Your instructor will be at the agreed meeting point when your lesson is due to start, so please finish renting and putting on your equipment beforehand and arrive on time to make the most of your time on the snow!

Please arrive at the agreed meeting point on time so you do not lose lesson time!

If you expect to be late, contact us or tell your instructor as early as possible so we can help adjust the lesson.

Except in cases of force majeure, we cannot make up or extend lesson time lost due to lateness for personal reasons.

Plan your transport and equipment rental time in advance so you can enjoy your full lesson!

Skiing and snowboarding are outdoor sports, so you may encounter rain, snow or strong winds; your instructor will adjust the lesson as needed based on the day's weather and ski resort operations.

1. What if it rains?

Rain is possible when temperatures are higher, but lessons will still go ahead as long as the ski resort is operating normally and the weather allows!

Bring a lightweight raincoat before your lesson and wear it over your ski jacket to keep it from getting soaked and reduce the discomfort of being cold and wet. Instructors dress in a similar way when it rains!

2. What if strong winds stop the lifts?

If strong winds stop the lifts from running, your instructor will help adjust the lesson to the conditions and, if needed, arrange for it to take place at another operating ski resort in the Echigo-Yuzawa area.

Ski resorts usually announce lift operating status on their official websites that morning, and your instructor will keep an eye on updates and notify the lesson group chat as early as possible so you can adjust your transport and plans.

A quick reminder: In extreme weather or if the ski resort closes completely, we will put students' safety first and notify you separately about lesson arrangements and next steps.

For rules on lesson changes, cancellations or refunds caused by weather, please see our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Do not worry too much about changes in the weather; we will do our best to help everyone complete their lessons smoothly and enjoy skiing or snowboarding safely!

Yes! Most ski resorts have paid lockers, so there is no need to worry about where to leave your things!

When skiing or snowboarding, travel light and bring only the essentials! Small items that fit in your ski jacket pockets, such as your phone, a little cash, chocolate or an energy bar, are usually enough.

Japanese ski resorts usually have drink vending machines, and some sell hot drinks, which are a real treat on a cold day! Resorts also have restaurants, so there is no need to carry a big bottle of water around; just remember to drink when you take a break.

If you have other belongings to store, locker prices at ski resorts typically start at around JPY 300–500 per use, depending on the resort and locker size.

A quick reminder: We really do not recommend skiing or snowboarding with a large backpack! It can affect your balance, and even walking through the snow with it is tiring enough to make you want to ditch it after a short while!

Carry less, feel lighter and enjoy your time on the snow!

If the lift suddenly slows down or stops while you are riding, stay calm! This is quite common!

Lifts are operated by professional ski resort staff, who may slow or stop them to keep everyone safe if a passenger has trouble boarding, needs more time to get on or off, or there is another safety concern.

Keep these points in mind when riding a lift:

1. 1.Stay seated and still: The lift may sway slightly when it stops suddenly, so remain seated and do not stand up or deliberately rock it.
2. 2.Do not raise the safety bar at will: Keep it lowered during the ride until you reach the unloading area, then raise it as instructed.
3. 3.Keep your body inside the lift: Avoid leaning too far forward, twisting around or sticking your arms or legs out, as this can be dangerous.
4. 4.Hold onto your equipment and belongings: Keep phones, gloves and other items from falling, and do not make dangerous moves to retrieve them.
5. 5.Never get off by yourself: Even if the lift has stopped for a long time, do not try to jump down or leave it yourself; wait patiently for staff instructions.

A quick reminder: If the lift does not restart for a while, stay calm, remain seated and pay attention to announcements and staff instructions.

It is usually just a brief pause, and the lift will soon start moving again!

Remember! A stopped lift does not necessarily mean danger; staff often stop it precisely to keep everyone safe!

Do not worry too much! Learning with an instructor and taking safety precautions can reduce your risk of injury!

Falls are part of skiing and snowboarding, especially for first-timers who are still learning to balance and stop, so falling is perfectly normal!

We strongly recommend that beginners wear a full set of protective gear, such as a helmet, padded impact shorts, knee pads and wrist guards for snowboarding, to reduce the impact of falls.

Lessons start with the basics, including how to fall safely, get back up correctly, control your speed and stay safe at the ski resort, with your instructor guiding you throughout and choosing practice activities suited to your level.

An instructor can usually help you avoid unnecessary risks more effectively than learning on your own, but cannot guarantee that you will not get hurt!

These are outdoor sports, and besides falling yourself, you may face unpredictable situations such as another skier or snowboarder losing control and colliding with you, so sprains, fractures and other injuries are still possible.

A quick reminder: Protective gear does not make you invincible! Stay within your limits and follow your instructor's guidance; we also recommend arranging insurance that covers skiing and snowboarding beforehand.

There is no need to rush to go faster or master advanced skills; learn to protect yourself first so you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding with confidence!

Both carry a risk of injury, but the ways you tend to fall and the body parts affected are different!

Snowboarding

Both feet are fixed to one board, and you need to coordinate your feet and body weight to stay balanced.

Beginners are more likely to lose their balance at first and usually fall more often than when skiing, especially forwards or backwards, so wrists, shoulders and buttocks need particular attention.

Skiing

Each foot controls a separate ski, and you can move your feet apart to adjust your balance, so beginners usually find it easier to stay balanced and may fall less often.

However, skiing is not injury-free! If a ski catches during a turn and twists your knee, it can cause a knee joint injury.

What makes injuries more likely?

How you ski or snowboard and your approach to safety matter more than which one you choose!

• Chasing speed and thrills: Going fast or attempting difficult moves before mastering the basics can increase your risk of injury.
• Learning without an instructor: Beginners who rent equipment and practise alone may get hurt because they are unfamiliar with stopping, speed control and safe ways to fall.
• Trying slopes beyond your ability: Unfamiliar terrain or slopes that are too difficult can lead to accidents if you cannot control your speed.
• Pushing through fatigue: Skiing and snowboarding take a lot of energy, and tiredness can slow your reactions and affect your balance, so take a break when you need one!

A quick reminder: Whether you choose skiing or snowboarding, we recommend wearing suitable protective gear and learning with a professional instructor.

Learning to stay in control matters more than being the fastest! Progress gradually and avoid pushing yourself into moves beyond your ability to reduce the risk of injury and enjoy your time on the snow!

Skiing and snowboarding do involve some risk, but taking safety precautions and learning the correct techniques can greatly reduce the chance of an accident!

These sports involve moving downhill at speed. Beginners who head onto slopes before learning to stop, control their direction or understand resort safety rules can put themselves in danger.

You may occasionally see news reports about serious skiing or snowboarding accidents, but there is no need to be overly afraid! What matters is understanding the risks and learning how to protect yourself.

We strongly recommend that first-timers start by learning with a professional instructor, practising basic stopping, speed control, safe ways to fall and ski resort safety to avoid accidents caused by unfamiliarity with the techniques.

A quick reminder: Even if you already know how to ski or snowboard, follow resort rules, wear a helmet, avoid slopes beyond your ability and keep an eye on other people around you.

Skiing and snowboarding are not completely risk-free, but fear does not have to stop you enjoying these fun sports! Prepare well and stay within your limits so you can enjoy yourself with more confidence!

Having fun matters, but safety comes first!

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has set out 10 safety rules that every skier and snowboarder should follow to protect themselves and others.

The 10 essential safety rules

1. 1.Respect others: Pay attention to people around you and avoid behaviour that could endanger or injure them.
2. 2.Control your speed: Adjust to your ability, the terrain, snow conditions, weather and crowds, and always stay at a speed you can control instead of simply rushing downhill!
3. 3.Choose a safe route: Skiers and snowboarders coming from behind must avoid those ahead and choose a route that will not cause a collision.
4. 4.Keep a safe distance: Whichever direction you overtake from, leave enough space for the other person to move safely.
5. 5.Look before entering a slope: Before starting, rejoining a slope or moving uphill, check above and below for other skiers and snowboarders so you do not cut across their path and cause a collision.
6. 6.Avoid stopping in the middle of a slope: Try not to stop in narrow areas, where visibility is poor or where collisions are likely. If you fall, move to the side as soon as it is safe to do so.
7. 7.Walk at the edge of the slope: If you need to walk uphill or downhill, keep to the side as much as possible so you do not get in others' way.
8. 8.Follow resort signs: Observe warnings, restricted areas and safety instructions, and do not enter closed slopes.
9. 9.Help after an accident: If you see someone injured, offer appropriate help while keeping yourself safe, and notify resort staff or the rescue team.
10. 10.Provide identification after an accident: Whether you are involved in or witness a collision or other accident, give your name and contact details to help with follow-up checks and handling.

A quick reminder: What matters most is being able to stay safely in control, rather than how fast you go!

Remember that skiers and snowboarders ahead have priority, and those coming from behind must give way! Whether you are a beginner or experienced, always pay attention to your surroundings.

Following the safety rules together helps everyone enjoy their time on the snow and return home safely!

Do not worry too much! Open slopes at ski resorts are normally managed by professionals, so the risk of avalanches is relatively low!

Resorts arrange daily grooming according to snow conditions, and staff patrol regularly to monitor the snowpack and avalanche risk. If they identify a danger, the resort will put safety controls in place and temporarily close some slopes if needed.

However, the risk of avalanches is not completely absent! Closed slopes, restricted areas and backcountry terrain outside the resort may carry a higher risk.

A quick reminder: Follow resort signs, do not enter closed slopes or restricted areas, and do not head outside the resort just to chase a thrill!

Following resort rules and using open slopes suited to your ability can greatly reduce the chance of encountering danger, helping you enjoy your time on the snow with confidence!

Stay calm! Japanese ski resorts usually have professional rescue teams (Ski Patrol) who can help after an accident!

1. If you have an instructor with you

If an accident happens during a lesson, your instructor will help contact the resort's rescue team and arrange the next steps according to the situation.

Other students in the group should not leave on their own; follow the instructor's directions and wait or help in a safe place so the injured person can receive assistance sooner.

2. If you do not have an instructor with you

Remember these 5 steps to get help in an emergency!

1. 1.Step 1 | Check the area is safe
   Check your surroundings to prevent other skiers or snowboarders from colliding with you, and if needed ask friends to warn people approaching from behind while standing somewhere safe.
2. 2.Step 2 | Do not move the injured person unnecessarily
   If you suspect a fracture or a head or neck injury, do not force the person to move or stand up unless there is immediate danger.
3. 3.Step 3 | Make sure someone stays with them
   Leave at least one friend with the injured person to keep them company and warm while others help contact rescue, and never leave them alone on the slope.
4. 4.Step 4 | Contact the resort's rescue team immediately
   Look for an emergency phone number on your lift ticket, slope map or nearby signs, or go to the nearest lift station and ask staff to contact Ski Patrol.
5. 5.Step 5 | Wait for professional help
   Clearly explain the injured person's location and injuries, wait for help as instructed, and do not try to force them down the mountain yourself.

3. How can I call for help if I do not speak Japanese?

Do not worry! Simple English and a translation app can help you explain that you need assistance.

Clearly explain these 5 points when asking for help:

If you are unsure where you are, look for nearby slope names, lift numbers or map markings to help rescuers find you.

4. Important! Do not wait in these situations

If the injured person is unconscious, breathing abnormally, bleeding heavily or in another life-threatening condition, call for help immediately!

Japan's emergency ambulance number: 119

Call 119 immediately, ask someone to notify the resort's rescue team at the same time, and follow the operator's instructions to provide any necessary first aid.

A quick reminder: Keep the injured person warm while waiting for rescue, do not force them to get up or continue skiing or snowboarding, and do not delay help to collect equipment or take photos.

The priorities after an accident are to stay calm, make sure the area is safe and contact professional rescuers as soon as possible! Do not try to manage alone or force the injured person down the mountain; leaving it to professionals is the safest approach!

Apart from falling, one of the biggest worries on the snow is your phone or belongings suddenly deciding to run away!

Before boarding a lift, check that all the pocket zips on your ski jacket and pants are closed! If your phone, wallet or another small item falls out, getting it back can be tricky!

If you want to take photos on the lift, we recommend a phone lanyard to stop your phone taking a free fall if it slips from your hand. Always put safety first and follow the lift rules!

1. What if something falls from the lift?

Stay calm! Never jump down to retrieve it or enter the area beneath the lift or a closed area without permission!

Try to remember where it fell, including:

• Lift number: Which lift were you riding?
• Tower number: Roughly which lift tower was it near?
• Nearby landmarks: Are there distinctive trees, buildings or slope signs nearby?
• Item description: What did you drop? What colour is it, and what does it look like?

Tell lift staff or your instructor as soon as you reach the lift station; the more precise the location details, the better your chances of getting it back!

If you lose something in a restaurant, rest area or elsewhere, ask at the resort's service centre or lost property office.

2. Worried about losing things? Try a tracking device!

If you are worried about losing your wallet, backpack or other valuables, consider an Apple AirTag or an Android-compatible Bluetooth tracker!

Apple users | Find My

• You can use Apple's Find My app to locate a lost iPhone or AirTag.
• AirTag uses the Find My network of nearby Apple devices to help report an item's approximate location.
• With an iPhone that supports ultra-wideband technology, you can also use Precision Finding to see distance and direction, making it easier to find a nearby AirTag.

Android users | Find Hub

• You can use Google Find Hub to locate a lost Android phone.
• Some Android devices can be located with help from nearby Android devices even when offline.
• You can also buy a tracker that supports the Google Find Hub network and put it in your backpack or other important belongings.

A quick reminder: Not all phones can still be located when offline, switched off or out of battery! This depends on the phone model, battery level and settings enabled beforehand. Check that the finding feature is turned on before your trip.

3. What if I think something has been stolen?

If you cannot find an item, as well as asking at the resort's service centre, we recommend the following steps:

1. 1.Use location tracking: Check the item's last known location and enable your phone's lost mode or device protection features.
2. 2.Notify resort staff: Give the time and place it went missing and a description of the item, and ask for help.
3. 3.Report it to Japanese police if needed: If you suspect theft, visit a nearby police box (koban) for assistance.
4. 4.Protect your personal data: If your phone or wallet is missing, check whether you need to suspend or strengthen protection for accounts, credit cards or payment services.

If tracking shows the item at an unfamiliar location, do not go after it yourself or confront anyone suspicious; ask the police to help.

One last reminder: Check your zips and keep valuables secure before skiing or snowboarding! A phone buried in deep snow is much harder to find than one that has slipped down the sofa at home!