Frequently asked questions
Everything below reflects our published terms. If something is not answered here, email us and we will add it.
How much is a private lesson?
One price covers the whole group of up to 4 people. At Niseko a full day (6 hours) ranges from ¥75,000 in Low Season to ¥98,000 in Peak Season; a half day (3 hours) ranges from ¥48,000 to ¥72,000. Rusutsu and Kiroro are full day only. Every figure is published on our Prices page and includes 10% consumption tax.
Is the price per person or per group?
Per group. Up to 4 people are covered by the one price. From the 5th person onwards it is ¥10,000 more per person, per lesson.
How are the seasons defined?
The 2026/27 season runs 28 November 2026 to 6 May 2027 and is split into four price tiers. Low Season: 28 Nov–10 Dec and 15 Mar–6 May. Regular Season: 11–14 Dec, 11–19 Jan and 2–14 Mar. High Season: 15–20 Dec, 2–10 Jan, 20 Jan–4 Feb and 11 Feb–1 Mar. Peak Season: 21 Dec–1 Jan and 5–10 Feb.
What is included in the price?
Instruction only. Lift passes, lift tickets and equipment rental are not included and you arrange those yourself. Lesson time includes breaks and equipment fitting, and a full day includes one hour for lunch.
Can I request a specific instructor?
Yes. Requesting a Level 1/2 instructor costs ¥6,000 for a half day or ¥7,000 for a full day. Requesting a Level 3+ instructor or examiner costs ¥15,000 for a half day or ¥20,000 for a full day. The fee is charged for each lesson it applies to and is listed as its own line on your quote. In return that instructor teaches your lesson and their time slot is held for you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Peak Season bookings cannot be refunded once booked. In Low Season, cancelling 30 or more days before the lesson refunds 70%, cancelling 15 to 29 days before refunds 50%, and cancelling 14 days or fewer before the lesson is not refundable. Refunds go back to the original payment method less bank or payment platform fees of 5–10%. The full terms are on our Terms and Conditions page.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If Niseko United officially announces the resort is closed, affected lessons are refunded in full. If the resort stays open but conditions are poor, or some lifts stop running, lessons run as booked and are not refunded.
What if someone is injured before the lesson?
If you are injured before the lesson starts and provide medical documentation, we can move the lesson to another date in the same season or hold the value for the following season. We do not refund in this case.
Where do we meet the instructor?
We email you the meeting point for your resort, along with your instructor’s contact details, the day before your first lesson. Please arrive 30 minutes early so you can get dressed and buy your lift pass before the lesson starts.
Do you offer hotel transfers?
Yes, between your accommodation and the resort, return. Niseko is ¥5,000 per person and Rusutsu is ¥7,000 per person. Transfers must be booked in advance and departure times depend on driver scheduling.
How young can children start?
The minimum age is 4 for skiing and 5 for snowboarding. For children under 7 we recommend one-to-one lessons. Please tell us about any health conditions or special needs when you book so we can arrange the lesson safely.
What languages do you teach in?
Our instructors teach in Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Japanese. You choose the language when you book and we match an instructor who teaches in it.
Which resorts do you teach at?
Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Annupuri, Rusutsu and Kiroro. Rusutsu and Kiroro are full day only. You can use different resorts on different days within the same booking.
Can we book several days in a row?
Yes. You can book a run of days and mix half days and full days however you like — for example an afternoon on the first day, full days in the middle, and a morning on the last day. A family can also split into groups, each with its own instructor, within the same booking.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You need your own travel insurance covering skiing and snowboarding, including injury, illness, lost baggage and cancellation.
The complete cancellation and booking terms are on our Terms and Conditions page.