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Find Out How your Riding ranks up

Explore by discipline

To ensure you are booking the right gear, or are taking the appropriate lesson and activity, use the following information to determine your ability level.

Snowboard Ability Chart


LEVEL
MY CURRENT ABILITY
MY TERRAIN
Level 1 - BeginnerI would like to start from the beginning or I need help to stop.I'm on flat green terrain.
Level 2 - Learning to TurnI can confidently glide & change my direction on both edges.

I am comfortable on flat green terrain & use the beginner terrain accessed by lifts.

Level 3 - Refining TurnsI can link my turns on green terrain.
I am confidently turning on any green terrain.
Level 4 - IntermediateI can link turns on all red/ blue runs & learning to ride in a variety of conditions.I can ride all blue/red terrain & easy off-piste.
Level 5 - AdvancedI can ride in a variety of conditions, including black runs & off-piste terrain.
I ride challenging red and black runs, off-piste terrain.
Level 6 - ExpertI ride in a variety of snow conditions/terrain at speed. I like to challenge myself & am experienced in powder.
I can snowboard aggressively & in control in a variety of off piste conditions & at varying speed.

Ski Ability Chart


LEVEL
MY CURRENT ABILITY
MY TERRAIN
Level 1 - BeginnerI would like to start from the beginning. I cannot stop or glide.
I'm on flat green terrain.
Level 2 - Learning to Turn

I can confidently stop in a snow plough on flat slopes & can make single turns in a Snowplough.

I am comfortable on flat green terrain & may venture onto beginner terrain accessed by lifts.
Level 3 - Refining Turns
I can confidently link turns and control my speed
I am comfortable on green runs accessed by the lifts and ready to explore more challenging terrain 
Level 4 - IntermediateI can make parallel turns & a variety of turn sizes. 
I can ski most red/blue terrain and easy black terrain
Level 5 - Advanced

I am able to ski in control in a variety of conditions/terrain in parallel turns with a pole plant

I can ski in control in expert terrain, both on & off piste in a variety of conditions.

Level 6 - ExpertI ride in a variety of snow conditions/terrain at speed. I like to challenge myself & am experienced in powder.
I can ski aggressively & in control in a variety of off piste conditions & at varying speed.

Rental Gear Ability Chart


LEVELMY CURRENT ABILITYRECOMMENDED SKI GEARRECOMMENDED SNOWBOARD GEAR
Beginner
Level 1 - 4 
You have never skied / snowboarded before 
OR; You have skied / snowboarded before but you’re not yet confident
on a gentle green run using snowplough turns / edges in both directions.
You’re still working on linking turns and nailing chairlifts.
Premium allows you flexibility to access ski's for any conditions. When learning it's important to have the right ski's for your learning conditions to make progression as easy as possible.We recommend the standard gear option for beginners. Standard boards are designed to help you effortlessly change edges and will be best to support you in the early stages of snowboarding. 
Intermediate
Level 5 - 6		You are now confident on greens and blues, can confidently link turns (snowboard) / make parallel turns (ski).
You are in control    on a variety of terrain, and chairlifts are a breeze.
Premium allows you flexibility to access ski's for any conditions. You'll likely want to have the freedom to swap you gear as conditions change to give you maximum progression.Premium allows you flexibility to access boards for any conditions. You'll likely want to have the freedom to swap you gear as conditions change to give you maximum progression.

Advanced
Level 7+

You’re shredding. You understand your gear set-up. You’re confident on blacks runs, potentially in park.

Premium all the way. You'll likely want to have the freedom to swap you gear as conditions change to give you maximum progression.
Premium all the way. You'll likely want to have the freedom to swap you gear as conditions change to give you maximum progression.

Summer MTB Ability Chart


LEVELMY CURRENT ABILITYMY TERRAIN
Level 1 
Discovery - Beginner

I would like to start from the beginning. I can ride at medium speed on easy terrain, I am comfortable breaking and balancing on the bike.

I am comfortable riding on public roads & paths, flat gravel paths and green trails. I do not yet ride trails with obstacles or jumps/drops.

Level 2
Intermediate 		The space around my bike is getting more familiar. I`m balanced on my bike, but I`m tentative about any new difficult challenges. I can stand up on my bike, brake progressively, I want to try new features, but I prefer riding cautiously.

I am comfortable on green trails and learning to ride blue terrain. I sometimes get off my bike if the terrain is too challenging.


Level 3
Advanced

I enjoy riding my bike everywhere, I like crossing obstacles, and I do jumps sometimes. I adapt my technique to different turns and trajectories. 

All terrain with variable conditions, with some technical features. I can go for a session with multiple uphill and downhill tracks. Vertical drops don't scare me. I ride safely on all terrain.

I challenge myself on more difficult technical features.

Summer Skateboard Ability Chart


LEVELMY CURRENT ABILITYMY TERRAINLESSON GOALS
Level 1

I have never tried skateboarding and need a refresher. 


Skate park, flat terrain only.

Learn to push and turn on a skateboard.
Basic stance and balance
Intro to tik tack.
Level 2 I can push and turn on a skateboard.

Skate park, flat terrain only
Progressing to use ramps & flat banks.

Kick turn on a quarter pipe.

Drop in on a flat-bank.

Drop in on the quarter pipe.

Level 3 

I am attempting to learn basic skateboard tricks, eg, ollie, rock to fakie, boardslide.

Skate park, introducing  small ledges, obstacles & low flat bar.

Small Mini ramp, or outdoor quarter pipe.

Learn basic tricks, like pop shuv it, boardslide, rolling ollies.

Quarter Pipe/Mini Ramp - 50/50 stall, frontside kick turns.

Level 4I am attempting to learn various intermediate-level flat ground ramp & ledge tricks.
All park features - ramps, ledges, rails, manual pad.

Learn intermediate tricks like - flatland kick-flip, 50/50 grinds, manual.

Quarter Pipe/Mini Ramp - Working on vert, frontside ollie, smith grinds, nose grinds.

FIND THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE

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Niseko
Private Lessons

For All Levels

Flexible Times

Private Instructor

Rhythm Rides offer private lessons for everyone. Whether it's your first time on snow, or you’re comfortable ripping blacks, our lessons are tailored to meet all ability levels and goals.
Kids only
Niseko
Ski & Snowboard Lessons (AGES 7-14)

For All Levels

Best Kids Ski School 

3 Day Program. Start days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Specially designed for children aged 7-14, Rhythm Rides offers a three day program with full-day lessons where kids stay with the same instructor and group of kids for all three days. We offer both ski and snowboard. 
Niseko
Lift Access Backcountry

Intermediate & up

Head out of the gates & into the backcountry

Taking you to the remote backcountry accessed via the resort lifts. Your expert guide will tailor the day to suit your goals, using their local knowledge to find the best possible conditions. 
Niseko
Resort Guiding

Intermediate & up

Explore Niseko's Best Resorts 

Are you an experienced rider who's new to Japan's Resorts? Rhythm Rides offers Resort Guiding, the best way to discover the mountain by taking the guesswork out of where to find the best snow!
Niseko
Backcountry Touring

Intermediate & up

Escape the crowds and experience epic powder

Whether it's your first experience touring or you feel at home in the backcountry, touring will take you away from the crowds to limitless options of untracked terrain and epic views.
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Furano
Niseko
Hakuba
GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

For All Levels

Flexible Trail Options

Up To 6ppl

Want to find all the spots only locals know about? Our cycling tours will help you get you to know all the most scenic spots in Kutchan, Hirafu & Niseko – the real local spots.
Hakuba
Niseko
MOUNTAIN BIKE PRIVATE LESSONS

For All Levels

Flexible Skills Options

Up To 4ppls / Similar Level

Want to level up your riding? We offer private mountain bike lessons tailored to your needs. No matter your goal, our team of passionate pros will ensure that your lesson is personalised for you. ‌
LEARN TO SKATE

For all levels

Flexible lesson options

Up to 6ppl for group lessons 

Whether your looking to finally commit to your drop-ins, or keen to practice stomping your kickflips and shove-its, our epic crew of local skate instructors will help get you there. 
Summer Rentals

Extensive range of bikes

Available in all locations

The best way to enjoy the summer Japanese countryside? Take advantage of Rhythm's extensive selection of Specialized bikes available for purchase and hire and enjoy the region on two wheels!  
Hirafu Activity Hub

Activities For All Ages

Food & Beverage

Summer Retail

The Rhythm Hirafu Activity Hub offers a range of activities for visitors, including bouldering complete with kilter board, mini ramps, outdoor skate park and pump track, and trampoline and slackline!

Hot Tips From Rhythm Crew

Let our expert staff give you all the best tips, from what brands you can buy, to what to pack, rent and what's hot for the season in retail. 

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Gear up in style

Rent the latest premium gear from our fresh seasonal gear, or buy everything you need from our massive retail range. Sleek snowboards, cutting-edge ski gear, accessories, and the latest in aprés fashion, we've got everything you need to dominate the slopes in every location. 

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