Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Private ski and snowboard school in Niseko, Rusutsu and around Hokkaido, with qualified, English-speaking ski and snowboard instructors!

japan ski class
japan ski class
ski instruction

WHY IMAGINE

Whether you’re an advanced rider looking to refine your technique, to a family with mini shredders bursting with energy, we bring the human touch to the experience of developing your ski or snowboard skills. We understand that a great week in Hokkaido is about more than drills and exercises. You want to enjoy the holiday and everything Niseko has to offer.

On our premium services, your instructor doubles up as your local guide, giving you top tips on how to make the most of your stay. Want a recommendation of the best restaurant or onsen after your lesson? We’ve got you covered. Forgot your gloves and need to pop back to the hotel? Ask nicely and your instructor might even give you a lift back to fetch them! Need help choosing or adjusting your gear? We’re on hand for that too.

Whatever it takes to make your experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish, we strive to do all we can towards that goal. With an Imagine instructor, you are not only booking a lesson; you are securing your own personal guru of good times!

ski trip and lesson japan
nozawa onsen group trip
group ski class japan

WHICH RESORT?

Lessons typically begin at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Annupuri or Rusutsu. Guiding covers many resorts and mountains around Hokkaido. If you have a preference or question, please enquire. Alternatively, check out the guiding page to experience an epic backcountry tour! 

Rusutsu and Lake Toya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOGISTICS

Our lessons with van pickup service include transport from your accommodation to the slopes and back each day! After booking, we’ll be in touch to arrange this with you. Of course, you can always meet your instructor directly on the slopes if preferred, as a great value option.

japan group ski trip

LANGUAGES

While everyone speaks English, some members of the team can teach in various languages, including Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, German and others. Just enquire if you have a preference! 

EXAMPLE PROFILES

The full team is updated each season, but here you can see examples of some core members of the team: 

Rhys

Rhys Imagine Ski Instructor Profile Pic
  • From Australia, living in Niseko since 2009
  • Ski School Director, lead trainer at some of Niseko’s leading ski schools since 2012
  • Instructing skiing and snowboarding since 2007
  • Backcountry Guide in Hokkaido since 2012
  • APSI Ski L3
  • Avalanche Canada AST L1 & L2
  • APSI Adaptive L1
  • Native English, conversational Japanese
  • Business Owner of Ezo Tourism Services 合同会社 – operating property management, accommodation, ski school
  • Mission: our lessons focus on your goals, not the instructor’s. Exclusive service and memorable experiences.

 

Pete

Pete Imagine Ski Instructor Profile
  • From UK, living in Hokkaido
  • Instructing skiing and snowboarding since 2007
  • Austrian ‘Alpinkurs’ (equivalent to approx. international L3) – Snowboard
  • Austrian Ski Landeslehrer 1 ( = int. L2.5)
  • SBINZ Snowboard Instructor Level 3 Workshop
  • Austrian Dual Anwärter Ski & Snowboard ( = int. 1.5)
  • Avalanche Canada Avalanche Skills Training L1
  • Avalanche Canada Avalanche Skills Training L2
  • NZSIA Children’s Teaching Cert
  • Double Gold Medallist (Snowboard) at British University Snowsports Championships
  • Previously sponsored by Flow Snowboards
  • WMAI Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
  • WMAI Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • Native English, fluent in Mandarin Chinese, conversational Japanese & German

Francis

  • From Singapore, living in Australia and Niseko.
  • Ski guiding and instructing in Niseko since 2006.
  • TAJ Telemark Ski Association of Japan L3
  • APSI Telemark Ski L3
  • APSI Alpine Ski L2
  • APSI Cross-country Ski L2
  • ISIA International Ski Instructor Association stamp
  • Avalanche Stage 1 (Professional) NZ Mountain Safety Council
  • ASPA Australian Ski Patrol Association Advanced Emergency Care
  • Wilderness First Aid since 2010
  • Bachelor in Sports and Outdoor Recreation, PG Honours in Education
  • Fluent in English and Mandarin 

PRICES

Premium Full Day

Full dedicated service with one of our most experienced and highest-qualified instructors, including optional transport from hotel and assistance with anything you need for the perfect day! Start at Niseko Annupuri, Grand Hirafu, Rusutsu or let your instructor recommend a location. Everything is flexible, from participant numbers to start and finish times, start location and lesson level. Advanced riders may even explore the off-piste ‘gates’ areas and side-country powder!

Peak season: 120,000 JPY

Off-peak: 100,000 JPY

(Same price for both Niseko and Rusutsu)

Standard Full Day

A full day of lessons with one of our enthusiastic, qualified instructors. Includes optional free transport from your hotel and help with ticketing, rentals, finding restaurants etc. Times are flexible, up to around 8 hours with the instructor including logistics. Best suited to beginner and lower-intermediate levels. 1-4 participants. Start locations are Niseko Annupuri, Grand Hirafu and Rusutsu.

Peak Season: 80,000 JPY

Off-peak: 70,000 JPY

For Rusutsu: Add 8,000 JPY

Standard Half Day

A half day with one of our enthusiastic, qualified instructors. Includes optional free transport from your hotel and help with rentals if needed. Best suited to beginner and lower-intermediate levels. 1-4 participants. Start locations are Niseko Annupuri and Grand Hirafu (enquire for other locations). Up to 3 hours with the instructor, including any transport, ticketing, rental and break times. Optionally meet on the snow, for maximum ski time.

Peak Season: 50,000 JPY

Off-Peak: 40,000 JPY

Beginner 2 hours

A 2-hour lesson with one of our enthusiastic, qualified instructors. Best suited to beginner and lower-intermediate levels. 1-4 participants. Start locations are Niseko Annupuri and Grand Hirafu. Meet on the snow, ready to go. Select from our set start times on the booking page. 

Peak Season: 25,000 JPY

Off-peak: 16,000 JPY

Please note: these are reference prices based on the time of writing. Prices may change throughout the year. For the most up-to-date and accurate prices and a full range of lesson types, please click ‘book here’ below.

ENQUIRE

Lessons & Courses