Frequently Asked Questions

Bookings

  • Hit the Book Now button at the top of this webpage and book via our online form. If you’re having trouble, have further questions, or are after a lesson within the next 2 days, contact us by email, phone +81 (0)136 542 533,  or WhatsApp + 817043904988. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can! We also love the powder, so during the ski day we might be neck deep in the Niseko powder ourselves. We will get back to you!

  • Private ski and snowboard lessons for adults, kids, and families. Full-day or half-day packages are available, all tailored to your pace and goals.

  • As soon as you can, however we recommend at least two weeks in advance, especially for peak season periods of December to February.

  • All lessons are private, and include up to 4 people – the pricing does not change for up to 4 guests.

    We are focused on you and your experience, so for lessons with more than one person, consider the abilities of everyone in your party. We will be tailor the lesson to the group member with the weakest ability and/or experience. It may be possible to split the lesson up across a day to cater for families – i.e. weaker skiers for the morning and more advanced for the afternoon, however you will need to contact us in advance.

  • Up to four people per instructor. This is ideal for families or small groups of friends at a similar level. Remember that for safety and progression, we need to cater our lesson to the group member with the weakest ability, so be careful when making a booking with multiple people.  

  • Yes, but the lesson will follow the lowest level of ability and experience. We suggest separate lessons if there is a large difference in abilities and experience between group members. One option in this case may be to split your group into a morning and afternoon group – speak to us before you make your booking to see if this would work in your case.

  • Absolutely - we’ll do our best to match your request, subject to availability.

  • Yes - we have certified instructors for both skiing and snowboarding.

  • Expert instruction, guidance, and on-mountain support. Lift passes, gear, meals and transfers can be arranged as an add-on. See below FAQ’s for further details.

  • We provide a full refund for lessons cancelled 14+ days before, or a 50% refund within 7-14 days. Lessons are non-refundable when cancelled under 7 days prior to lesson start.
    Moiwa’s beginner and intermediate terrain remains open throughout all but the most extreme conditions, however in the case of lift closure, we will do our best to make suitable alternative arrangements. We will try all we can, but sometimes nature takes control. In the unfortunate case we need to cancel due to lift closure, we will happily reschedule (subject to availability) or provide a refund.  

    We will not cancel a lesson due to cold weather, though we will always do our best to make sure you’re warm and comfortable. Heat packs are a godsend in cold weather!

    In the rare case of lift closure whilst a lesson is being conducted, and there is no suitable lift available, we will refund pro-rata the lesson cost that was abandoned. No refunds are provided for the Food & Transport option. Once used, Moiwa lift tickets are non-refundable.

    As always, we try our best in good faith to be honest and open with what we expect each day in regards to weather and snow conditions. If we think a lesson will not be worth it, or if we think your on-snow experience will not live up to what we would expect to deliver, then we will let you know as early as we can.

  • Yes - multi-day lessons are popular for consistent coaching and faster progression.

Preparng for
your lesson

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    At The Chairman’s Lounge, our on-snow base in Moiwa Resort. We’re in the Mongolian yurt at the bottom of the blue magic carpet.
    Click here for a location -  https://maps.app.goo.gl/PxNsh5hDcXKrx5QN8

  • We want to maximise your time on-snow. Make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your lesson so that we can get the formalities out of the way. That means 8:45 am for morning lessons and 11:45 am for afternoon lessons. Allow some extra time if you want to enjoy Niseko’s best coffee or a tasty snack from The Chairman’s Lounge beforehand.

  • Yes. Moiwa Resort lift tickets can be arranged through us in advance, or purchased from us when you check in for your lesson in the morning.

  • All your ski/snowboard gear, warm clothing, goggles, gloves, helmet, lift ticket, water and any snacks for your pocket. We do have the option at the end of each run to go into Chairman’s Lounge to pick-up/drop-off gear, so if you think you might need it, bring it along!

  • In short, Yes. If you don’t have your own gear, it is best to pre-arrange rental gear before your lesson – otherwise it may eat into your lesson time. Regardless of whether you have gear pre-arranged or not, or if your rental company is running late, or whatever other disaster may occur,  your lesson will start on time.
    We can assist with suggestions on gear rentals, so just let us know you will need rental gear on your booking form when booking!

  • You’ll need to sort this out before your lesson! Most local rental shops can adjust or swap gear subject to availability. Take the time when renting gear to ensure it fits right the first time!

    Worst case, there is a rental shop at the base of Moiwa Ski Resort that can assist with gear rentals – subject to availability.  

  • Yes, helmets are recommended for everyone and mandatory for kids under 18 years.

  • Waterproof outerwear, warm base layers (multiple thin layers are better than a couple of thick layers), gloves, goggles, and a neck warmer for powder days.
    It’s always better to err on the side of being too warm. If you need to delayer, you can leave these at The Chairman’s Lounge at the end of any run. Just remember to collect them at the end of your lesson!

  • Snow is all part of the fun! If lifts close due to extreme weather, we’ll try to make alternative arrangements, we’ll reschedule or refund. See our safety and weather FAQ’s below for more information.

  • Of course. Lessons include breaks for morning/afternoon tea, snacks, or lunch depending on the session length. Your lesson is your time, so if you want to take a break, just let us know. Chairman’s Lounge is at the bottom of every run, so it’s easy to keep warm, hydrated and fed.

    We will not cancel a lesson due to cold weather, though we will always do our best to make sure you’re warm and comfortable. Heat packs are a godsend in cold weather!

    In the rare case of lift closure whilst a lesson is being conducted, and there is no suitable lift available, we will refund pro-rata the lesson cost that was abandoned. No refunds are provided for the Food & Transport option. Once used, Moiwa lift tickets are non-refundable.

    As always, we try our best in good faith to be honest and open with what we expect each day in regards to weather and snow conditions. If we think a lesson will not be worth it, or if we think your on-snow experience will not live up to what we would expect to deliver, then we will let you know as early as we can.

Getting to
Moiwa Resort

  • ‍Moiwa is about 5 minutes from Annupuri and 15 minutes from Hirafu. You can drive, take a local taxi, bus or arrange a transfer through us!

  • Yes, transfers can be arranged for collection anywhere in the Niseko area when you include our Transport & Lunch package upon booking. Ensure you provide the correct accommodation details and we will be in touch to confirm a collection time!

  • Yes, there is tons of free parking available at the resort base near The Chairman’s Lounge.

  • Absolutely. Local taxis and shared shuttles operate regularly between resorts. We can help with directions if needed. Please note any delay due to transport will eat into your lesson time, so try to be early.

  • Pick-up can be arranged on request for full-day lessons when a Lunch & Transport package is selected upon booking. Subject to availability, we may also be able to provide the Lunch & Transport package for half-day lessons – ask us when booking.

  • Aim to arrive at Moiwa by 8:45 am for morning lessons. This means you need to be earlier if you also need rentals or want a coffee before your lesson begins.

Lunch and Breaks

  • No, however it can be included with our Lunch & Transport package. We’ll coordinate this when confirming your booking.

  • The Chairman’s Lounge Café, they pour Supreme Coffee, produce next-level toasties and pies (including Vegetarian and Gluten-Free), and always have a few sweet treats up their sleeve!
    They are also a fully licenced bar, so if you want to get a little loose, the option is there!
    (fine print: consumption of alcohol is not recommended for those still in their lesson!).

  • Absolutely - just let us know in advance so we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten or other allergy-friendly options.

  • Yes, our instructors will stay with the kids through the lunch break for all-day lessons.

  • Of course! You’re welcome to meet your children or group for lunch at The Chairman’s Lounge.

  • Definitely. Every lesson includes short breaks - perfect for warming up, resting tired legs or grabbing a quick bite!

LIFT TICKETS AND PRICING

  • No. Moiwa Resort lift tickets can be arranged through us in advance, or purchased when you meet your instructor in the morning – we have tickets for Moiwa resort with us, so no need to see the ticket counter yourself.

  • ‍You can find the Moiwa Resort Lift Pass pricing here: https://niseko-moiwa.jp/lift-pass/

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  • Yes: half-day (3 hrs) and full-day (6 hrs). Pricing varies - for more information visit Adult Lessons or Kids Lessons pages.

  • Yes, you can share a lesson with up to 3 other people (max. of 4 guests per instructor). Always keep in mind that the lesson will be tailored to the group member with the lowest ability and/or least experience. As always … choose your powder friends wisely!

SAFETY AND WEATHER 

  • Lessons go ahead in most snow conditions. Moiwa’s beginner and intermediate terrain remains open throughout all but the most extreme conditions, however in the case of lift closure, we will do our best to make suitable alternative arrangements.

    See our cancellation conditions for more details on what happens in inclement weather.

  • All instructors are internationally certified with first-aid training, and many have avalanche certifications.

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  • Absolutely! We ALWAYS recommend anyone travelling to ski or board holds travel insurance that covers for any injury in the snow. Japan’s health system is expensive, so you’re crazy if you don’t have insurance!

    Whilst the snow is generally soft in Niseko, injuries can and do happen. Give yourself peace of mind and make sure you’re insured.

    If you’re a beginner/intermediate, you would not expect to be off-piste or ‘backcountry’. In the case you are advanced, you should consider what you will be doing in Niseko before taking out insurance. If you are contemplating stepping ‘out of the gates’, or going ‘side-country’, you should also make sure your insurance covers for ‘off-piste’ or ‘backcountry’ skiing.   

KIDS AND FAMILIES 

  • The minimum age is 5 years for private kids’ lessons. Younger children may join a Family Private if appropriate.

    See our cancellation conditions for more details on what happens in inclement weather.

  • Up to four kids per instructor - perfect for siblings or friends of a similar level.

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  • Lunch at The Chairman’s Lounge  is included in full-day lessons. For half day lessons, lunch packages are optional.

  • Absolutely. You can stay nearby or relax at The Chairman’s Lounge, however we do find that lessons are more successful when mum and dad are not hovering over their kids.

    It’s always amazing to see the development in kids’ skiing when they are left to learn and have fun without parental oversight. Let us do what we do best. You’ll be amazed at your child’s progression.  

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out at info@nisekoskiclub.com or message us on WhatsApp before your arrival. We’re happy to help tailor your day on the mountain.