Flexible suggestions based on Hakuba Ski Concierge experience, not fixed rules — your preferences always take priority.
Recommended Pickup Times for Signature Lessons
You can choose their own pickup times, but they recommend the following based on typical mountain and snow conditions:
- Full Day & Half Day AM: 08:30 – 09:30 is ideal for most guests.
- Half Day PM: 1pm is recommended (While you can choose to start later, you time will be limited based on when lifts close on the resort. No time earlier than 1pm can be chosen.)
Early Starts (before 08:30)
These are best suited to guests with specific goals (e.g., powder, off piste, or backcountry).
For beginners, families, and intermediates, early starts can mean colder conditions, icier slopes, and sometimes delayed resort openings — offering little added benefit.
Late Starts (after 09:30)
Later pickups can lead to traffic congestion and missing the best slope quality ealier in the day.
A 09:00 pickup is generally the sweet spot for most guests.
How Many Lessons to Book
Lessons can book up quickly. If you plan to book one lesson to see how it goes, and then add more in resort - it is very unlikely the ski school will be able to accommodate this during peak times.
Lesson Recommendations by Guest Type
First-Time Skiers (Adults)
- Best: 1 Full Day to begin, followed by 2 Half Days
- Recommendation: The Full Day gives you enough time to gain confidence and independence. Half Days afterward allow for rest and practice. Too many lessons early on can be overwhelming. However, not having a Full Day on the first day can create a dead space during the afternoon, where you are not yet independent enough to practise by yourself. The Full Day takes you to a level where you are independent, and gives an impactful, positive first day.
First-Time Snowboarders (Adults)
- Best: 2–3 Full Days
- Recommendation: Progress is typically slower than skiing; multiple full days give you the best chance of success and enjoyment.
Experienced Skiers & Boarders
- Best: Multi-day Full Day lessons
- Recommendation: A more relaxed pace and the ability to explore more of the valley with guidance. Perfect for guests looking for a complete experience.
Children & Family Considerations
Children 6 and Under (First-Time Skiers)
- Best: Half Days only
- Recommendation: Full Days are generally too long.
- Exceptions: A capable 6-year-old with previous experience may manage a Full Day. This would be the youngest recommended for a Full Day.
Children Under 3 (First-Time Skiers)
- Yes, they can teach them — in a 1:1 Half Day format.
Important Notes:
- The aim is comfort and fun, not technical skill.
- Some children may not yet have the physical or emotional readiness for skiing. They focus on creating a safe and enjoyable snow experience.
- Children must not be in diapers.
The minimum age for teaching first-time or beginner snowboarding children is 6 yrs and above.
Families with Children
Families can be taught together, but:
- Children (especially 8 and under) and adults learn very differently.
- For best results, they recommend two instructors so that each age group receives appropriate support — verbal, visual, and physical.
- One instructor is possible, but not ideal.
As always - the better matched the levels in the group, the better the teaching outcome.
Back to Signature Private Lessons
Hakuba Ski Concierge's signature lessons include pick up & drop off service from your accommodation and can take place anywhere in the Hakuba Valley (except for Happo One) - Hakuba 47, Goryu, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura or Cortina.
Locations: Hakuba 47, Goryu, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura or Cortina.
Back to Hakuba 47 Private Lessons
Goryu and Hakuba 47 are a combined ski hill at the Southern end of the Hakuba Valley.
These two ski hills are quite different and compliment each other such that combined they offer a good variety of piste runs, freestyle park features, a small amount of off piste tree runs.
Location: Hakuba 47