Winter Private Lessons FAQs

Up to six guests of similar ability can join the same lesson. There can be no more than two ability levels in difference between lesson participants e.g. levels two & three could take a lesson together, but levels three and five could not.

The prices displayed are the total, and not affected by the number of people who join.

Children seven and older are welcome to join lessons with adults on the basis that all participants are of a similar ability level. 

For children six and younger, we recommend that you book a separate private lesson, or split your lesson into a half-day adult class and half-day kids class. Younger children learn in a different way to adults and progress at very different speeds, subsequently lessons with these challenges rarely meet expectations. 

Please feel free to contact our guest services team, should you wish to discuss what is best for your family.

No. Privates Lessons are available for the discipline booked only.

A full-day private can be split into a maximum of two sessions. All guests in each group must be of the same or similar ability level. Please contact our guest services team to discuss what is best for your group.

Absolutely, please check our skills guide that assigns you a level based on your current ability, potential group goals & the terrain accessed for each level. If you still require assistance please contact our guest services team at rides@rhythmjapan.com.

We are passionate about introducing kids to skiing and snowboarding young. However, due to the physical and developmental differences between young children and adults we are unable to cater to a combined lesson. You are, however, welcome to watch your child enjoy their first day. We recommend that you do so at a distance, this will allow your little one to bond with their instructor and enjoy their day without distractions.

For children 6 and under we recommend the following maximum lesson sizes:

• 5-6 years old - 3 children max

• 4 years old - 2 children max

• 3 years old - 1 child max

*We do not offer lessons for children under 3 years old. 

Yes! We are happy to take requests for instructors. Our guest services team will check availability for your requested instructor at the time of booking and will let you know if they are available. 

Please note that there are occasions outside of our control when an instructor who has been confirmed on your booking is no longer available. 

These include:

• Sickness and injury

• Visa issuance and work eligibility (for bookings received prior to the season commencing & our team’s arrival in Japan)

Yes, if you have a multi-day booking we will generally always schedule the same instructor for each day of your booking. If we are unable to do this, we will let you know at the time of your booking.

The earlier you book the more likely it is that we can confirm the same instructor for your whole booking.

During the booking process you can choose a start time between 8:30am-10:00am. The lesson is six hours long with five and a half-hours of instruction and a 30 minute lunch break. Please note that lunch itself must be purchased at guests’ own expense.

Rental equipment is not included in the lesson. This must be booked separately.

Included in your Premium Private Lesson:

• Guaranteed ISIA Level 3 or equivalent certified instructor with local expertise

• Flexible Location, choose from Niseko United, Kiroro or Rusutsu

• Access our priority rental experience for customers also renting gear from Rhythm Hirafu

• Private transport with pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation

• 9-hours total experience including

  • 6 hours of on-snow tuition

  • 1 hour lunch break

  • 2 hours of additional premium service experience of your choice

Not included in your Premium Private Lesson:

• Rentals

• Food and beverage purchases

• Onsen entry

The Priority Rental Experience is a service available to those who have booked a Premium Private with Rhythm Rides and gear rental at our Rhythm Hirafu store only.

This service includes access to a dedicated fitting queue and early rental pick-up. As a Premium Private and Rhythm rental customer you can choose to either:

Visit our Rhythm Hirafu store the day before your rental booking begins using our complimentary shuttle service or self-transfer to get fitted with your rentals from 1pm onwards. When you first arrive check-in with the Rhythm Rides team next to the entrance on the upper floor. They will then escort you to our dedicated rental lane. 

OR

When your instructor picks you up from your accommodation on the morning of your Premium Private they can immediately drive you to our store for your rental fitting in our dedicated rental lane. This service is available from 8 am. Please note, when getting your rentals fitted on the morning of your lesson this will count as part of the two hours of off-mountain experience time.

We recommend collecting your rentals the day before your Premium Private lessons begin to ensure you make the most of your on- and off-mountain time on the day!

Our Premium Private Lessons are a fully-tailored experience that opens up a range of opportunities for your trip. 

Compared to a Niseko Private, your Premium Private also includes an extended lunch, pick-up and drop off, your choice of the resort of the day and one of the following:

• Onsen Experience

• Video Analysis Session

• Off Snow Services

If I book multiple days of Premium Privates - can I book a different experience each day?

Absolutely! Your Premium Private is completely customisable to your goals.

If you’re interested in booking a multi-day package we recommend checking out our Experiences.

The ISIA is an independent body that reviews and regulates minimum standards for each association’s top level of certification. By having an ISIA-level instructor it means your pro has completed the top level of training and certification from their association. In your Premium Private, we commit to providing you with an instructor who has completed this certification, with a breadth of experience. Your pro will also possess a deep knowledge of Niseko and is passionate about sharing the best local spots with you.

There are so many amazing resorts in our region that it is possible to visit from Niseko. We are able to customise your trip to visit Rusustu, Kiroro, Teine, Kokusai and other hidden gems in our region.

Our guest services team or your instructor will be happy to make a recommendation based on your ability level and goals for the day!

Resort requests are required to be booked a minimum of 24 hours prior to your lesson day. If you would like to change your resort request, we recommend contacting our guest services team to make arrangements or discussing this directly with your instructor if you are with them over multiple days.