SNOWAY ACADEMY

Hokkaido Ski Lessons


SNOWAY ACADEMY


A Hokkaido ski school for beginners and families

Snoway Academy is a Japan-registered ski school based in Sapporo, Hokkaido. We specialise in private ski and snowboard lessons for beginners, progressing learners and families, with instruction in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Lessons are tailored to your age, ability and goals at Teine, Sapporo Kokusai, Kiroro, Rusutsu, Onze and Asarigawa. Choose a resort that suits your stay and travel plans.Explore instructors and lessons:
Teine instructors | Kokusai instructors | Kiroro instructors | Rusutsu instructors

Why Choose Snoway Academy?

Resort approval, certified instructors, insurance and the trust of 2,000+ students.

Beginner & Family-focused

Customized Lesson

Friendly, step-by-step lessons for a confident start.

Trusted by 2,000+ Students

More Than 2,000 Students

Trusted by students and families from around the world.

Your Journey Starts Here

Ready for Hokkaido?

Let us guide your first experience on snow.

Licensed in Japan

Japan-Registered School

Legally registered and operated in Japan.

Resort Official Partner

Approved Lessons

Registered for commercial instruction at the resorts, following their operating and safety requirements.

Certified Instructor Team

A Team Led by Level 3 Instructors

Our instructors hold international qualifications such as CASI and CSIA. Experienced Level 3 instructors lead the team and provide internal training to align teaching and safety standards.

Insurance

Learn with Confidence

Third-party liability insurance is included.


OUR LOCATIONS


Lessons at Six Hokkaido Ski Resorts

Private ski and snowboard lessons in English, Mandarin and Cantonese at Teine, Sapporo Kokusai, Kiroro, Rusutsu, Onze and Asarigawa.

Sapporo

SAPPORO TEINE

Easy access from Sapporo with wide, beginner-friendly slopes.

Explore Teine lessons →

Sapporo

SAPPORO KOKUSAI

Reliable snow and spacious slopes for building confidence.

Explore Sapporo Kokusai lessons →

KIRORO

KIRORO SNOW WORLD

Quality powder and excellent facilities for families.

VIEW KIRORO LESSONS →

RUSUTSU

Rusutsu Resort

Varied terrain ideal for families and multi-day learning.

Explore Rusutsu lessons →

OTARU

SNOW CRUISE ONZE

Located between Sapporo and Otaru, with views of Ishikari Bay. A beginner-friendly resort offering night skiing.

VIEW ONZE LESSONS →

OTARU

ASARIGAWA ONSEN

A quiet ski resort near Otaru, ideal for beginners, families and a relaxing hot spring visit after skiing.

Explore Asarigawa Onsen lessons →

Sapporo

SAPPORO TEINE

Easy access from Sapporo with wide, beginner-friendly slopes.

Explore Teine lessons →

Sapporo

SAPPORO KOKUSAI

Reliable snow and spacious slopes for building confidence.

Explore Sapporo Kokusai lessons →

kiroro

KIRORO SNOW WORLD

Quality powder and excellent facilities for families.

VIEW KIRORO LESSONS →

RUSUTSU

Rusutsu Resort

Varied terrain ideal for families and multi-day learning.

Explore Rusutsu lessons →

OTARU

SNOW CRUISE ONZE

Located between Sapporo and Otaru, with views of Ishikari Bay. A beginner-friendly resort offering night skiing.

VIEW ONZE LESSONS →

OTARU

ASARIGAWA ONSEN

A quiet ski resort near Otaru, ideal for beginners, families and a relaxing hot spring visit after skiing.

VIEW ASARIGAWA LESSONS →

Snoway Academy snowboard instructor Lucas

Lucas

Co-Founder and Instructor
SB: CASI L2, Park L1
Instructor Training (L3)
Teaching languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English

Hei, co-founder of Snoway Academy

Hei

Co-founder

Amy, co-founder of Snoway Academy

Amy

Co-founder

Snoway Academy snowboard instructor Sebastien

Sebastien

Team Trainer
SB: CASI L3, Park L1
SSSA L3, Backcountry Specialist
Languages: English

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor Tony

Tony

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L2
Teaching languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor 嘉怡

Gaiyi

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Languages: Mandarin

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor 捷

捷

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Languages: Mandarin

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor Simon

Simon

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor Adam

Adam

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Thai

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor Zoe

Zoe

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor Yanni

Yanni

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy snowboard instructor Chiwa

Chiwa

Instructor
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor 筱棋

Xiaoshiqi

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy ski and snowboard instructor 育瑋

育瑋

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
SB: CASI L1
Teaching languages: Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy ski instructor Liz

Liz

Instructor
Ski: CSIA L1
Teaching languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English

Snoway Academy team

Meet our Hokkaido
Instructor team

Qualified instructors with legal work visas in Japan. Led and trained by experienced Level 3 instructors, our team focuses on quality teaching, student progress and safety.

Meet our instructors →
FIRST TIMER

Your First Time on Hokkaido Snow

Everyone starts somewhere.
Snoway Academy
helping you learn safely and enjoy your first day on snow.
---

Beginner-friendly instruction

Step by step

Full Support

Teaching with Love

Enjoy Hokkaido

Enjoy the beauty of snow country

Student Stories

More Than 2,000 First Experiences

Every story begins with a first step.

FAMILY

First Ski Day

A new experience and a memory created
together.

Students from Taiwan | Sapporo Kokusai | Family ski lessons in Hokkaido

Couple

More Than Just Snow

Learning, falling and getting back up.
together

Students from Taiwan | Sapporo Kokusai | Family ski lessons in Hokkaido

TOGETHER

Better Together

Every challenge becomes a shared
memory.

Students from Hong Kong | Rusutsu Resort | Private ski lessons in Hokkaido

FRIENDS

A First Challenge with Friends

Learn together and enjoy every
moment.

Snow Cruise Onze | Private Lesson

YOUNG BOARDER

Confidence Starts with a Smile

Patient guidance for young
learners.

Students from Singapore | Sapporo Teine | Kids’ ski lessons in Hokkaido

YOUR STORY STARTS HERE

Your Story Could Be Next

Make your first Hokkaido ski holiday
unforgettable.


Book Online


Book Your Lesson Online

Choose your lesson, select a date and pay securely online.

01

Choose a Lesson

Select the resort, sport and group size.

02

Group details

Tell us your ability, preferred language and lesson needs.

03

Choose a Date

Check availability and enter your details.

04

Confirm and Pay

Pay online and receive instant confirmation.

01

Choose a Lesson

Select the resort, sport and group size.

02

Group details

Tell us your ability, preferred language and lesson needs.

03

Choose a Date

Check availability and enter your details.

04

Confirm and Pay

Pay online and receive instant confirmation.

Need help? Contact us on WhatsApp/LINE .

FAQ about Hokkaido ski lessons

Hokkaido ski lessons: frequently asked questions

How should I choose a resort for my first ski trip?

Consider your accommodation, transport, and your group’s ages and abilities. Check meeting points and lesson arrangements at Teine, Sapporo Kokusai and  Kiroro. If you are unsure, contact us to discuss your plans.

Can I book lessons in Mandarin or Cantonese?

Yes. We offer private ski and snowboard lessons in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Please state your preferred language when booking; availability depends on the instructors and time slots. You can also meet our instructor team.

What qualifications do your instructors hold, and how do you maintain teaching quality?

All instructors hold teaching qualifications and visas permitting them to teach legally in Japan.Our team holds international qualifications such as CASI and CSIA, teaching skiing or snowboarding according to their qualifications and expertise.

Good teaching means clear explanations, careful observation and exercises suited to each student. Our team is led and trained by experienced Level 3 instructors, strengthening teaching methods and consistent safety standards.

For beginners, progressing learners and families, we adapt lessons to age, fitness, ability and goals—from equipment basics and safe stopping to turning and speed control. We do not promise mastery in one day. Level 3 team training does not mean every private lesson is taught by a Level 3 instructor. You can view individual instructor qualifications.

Can beginners and families learn together?

We specialise in lessons for beginners, progressing learners and families. Students in one group should choose the same sport—skiing or snowboarding—and have similar abilities. If ages, fitness or abilities differ significantly, contact us to discuss separate groups.Explore family lessons.

Where can I find prices and available dates?

Compare resorts and prices in our Hokkaido private lesson guide, then use our online booking system to select your date, group size and lesson duration. Check what is included before paying.

What should I prepare before my lesson?

Prepare suitable clothing and equipment, and confirm your transport and meeting point.Use this checklist:

  • Clothing: Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm moisture-wicking base layers, waterproof gloves, ski socks and a neck warmer. Adjust layers to the weather.
  • Equipment: Correctly fitted skis or snowboard, boots, helmet, goggles and suitable protective gear. Arrange rentals in advance and allow time for queues, fitting and changing.
  • Confirm your arrangements:Confirm the meeting point, start time and required lift pass. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and tell us your group’s ages, abilities and any relevant physical conditions.
  • Personal insurance: Check that your travel insurance covers skiing or snowboarding. Our third-party liability insurance is not a replacement for personal travel or medical insurance.

Unless your booking confirmation states otherwise, lift passes, equipment rental, snow clothing and transport are not included. Check inclusions before paying and read our lesson arrangements and terms.

Can I get a refund if the resort is closed?

If the booked resort officially closes completely on your lesson date and the lesson cannot take place, a full refund may be agreed.We will discuss the available options with you: rescheduling, changing the resort or lesson, lesson credit, or a full refund.

Partial slope or lift closures, snowfall or disappointing snow conditions do not mean the resort is fully closed. If it remains open, our current terms apply. If transport or flight disruption prevents you from attending but the lesson can run, the standard cancellation policy applies. Contact us to confirm and read sections 14–16 of our terms.