Terms and Conditions
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Last updated: 30 August 2026
These Terms and Conditions apply to Ski lessons, Snowboard lessons, private lessons, family experience lessons, equipment rental, transport and other related services provided by Snoway Academy LLC (“Snoway Academy”, “the School”, “we”, “us” or “our”). By completing payment, the person making the booking confirms that they and all accompanying participants have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. The person making the booking is responsible for explaining these Terms and Conditions to accompanying adults and to the parents or guardians of participating children.
1｜Bookings and Payment
All bookings are subject to lesson, instructor and resort availability. A booking is confirmed only after full payment has been completed and a booking confirmation has been issued by Snoway Academy. General enquiries, quotations, provisional instructor holds and message exchanges do not constitute a confirmed booking.
Guests must ensure that all booking information is complete and accurate, including each participant’s name, age, activity, ability level, health condition, lesson date, resort, contact information and language request. If incorrect, incomplete or misleading information prevents us from providing the booked lesson, we may refuse or terminate the lesson and apply our standard cancellation policy.
All prices are quoted in Japanese yen and include Japanese consumption tax unless otherwise stated on the relevant product page.
2｜Lesson Fees and Excluded Items
Lesson fees cover only the private instruction specified in the booking. Unless otherwise stated in the booking confirmation, lesson fees do not include lift passes, Ski or Snowboard equipment rental, ski wear or clothing rental, helmets or protective equipment, transport or transfers, meals, travel insurance, medical insurance, ski insurance or other personal expenses.
A 5+1-hour lesson consists of five hours of instruction and a one-hour lunch break. A 6+1-hour lesson consists of six hours of instruction and a one-hour lunch break.
Lunch, rest periods, equipment fitting, rental procedures and time spent by the instructor assisting with equipment are included within the booked lesson time.
3｜Lesson Times, Meeting Points and Late Arrival
Guests should arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before the lesson begins, with suitable ski clothing, equipment, protective gear and a valid lift pass ready.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own transport and allowing sufficient travel time. Weather, road conditions, traffic congestion, getting lost, equipment rental queues and lift-pass purchase queues do not justify extending or delaying a lesson. If a guest arrives late, the lesson will still finish at the scheduled time. Lost lesson time will not be extended, rescheduled or refunded. If a guest does not arrive within a reasonable time and we cannot contact them, the booking may be treated as a no-show.
4｜Lesson Activities and Group Arrangements
Each instructor can teach only one activity during each lesson: either Ski or Snowboard. Both activities cannot be taught within the same lesson.
Instructors must wear and use equipment appropriate to the activity they are teaching. If members of the same group wish to learn Ski and Snowboard at the same time, separate instructors must be arranged. Participants sharing a lesson should have similar ability levels wherever possible. If adults, children or participants of different ability levels learn together, the instructor will teach at a pace appropriate to the least experienced participant, the participant with lower physical ability or the participant requiring the most assistance, in order to maintain safety.
If participants differ significantly in age, physical ability or experience, we may recommend dividing the group or arranging an additional instructor. During the lesson, the instructor may also adjust the lesson content, route or group arrangement based on safety, snow conditions and learning effectiveness. Private lessons generally accommodate a maximum of six participants per instructor. Family experience lessons accommodate a maximum of four participants per group and are subject to the relevant age and participation requirements. Large groups and special arrangements are subject to written confirmation.
5｜Children and Participants Under 18
Every child develops at a different pace and will differ in physical ability, attention span, communication skills and ability to adapt to a snow environment. The following ages are general lesson guidelines only. If parents are unsure which lesson is suitable for their child, they are welcome to contact our customer service team before booking. We will provide advice based on the child’s age, experience and individual circumstances.
Ski Lessons
Family experience lessons and private lessons are generally recommended for children aged six or above. Parents of children aged four to six who wish to join a Ski lesson are advised to contact our customer service team before booking. Younger children may require additional support with physical stamina, concentration and adapting to Ski equipment. One-to-one instruction is therefore generally recommended so that the instructor can adjust the lesson pace and rest periods according to the child’s needs.
Snowboard Lessons
Family experience lessons and general private lessons are available for children aged eight or above. Parents of children aged six to eight who wish to join a Snowboard lesson are advised to contact our customer service team before booking. Snowboarding requires greater balance, leg strength and concentration. One-to-one instruction is therefore generally recommended so that the instructor can provide sufficient support and adjust the lesson according to the child’s stamina and learning progress.
All children must be fully toilet-trained and able to understand and follow basic safety instructions. A parent or guardian must provide valid emergency contact information and remain contactable throughout the lesson. Parents and guardians are also responsible for informing us in advance of the child’s health conditions, allergies, additional needs or any other circumstances that may affect lesson safety or arrangements.
6｜Health, Safety and Eligibility
Skiing and snowboarding are outdoor sports involving inherent risks, including falls, collisions, injuries, exposure to low temperatures, avalanches, equipment failure, serious injury and death.
Participants confirm that they understand these risks and voluntarily choose to participate in the lesson.
All participants must complete the Risk Acknowledgement and Waiver provided by Snoway Academy before the lesson begins. Participants under 18 must have the document signed by a parent or legal guardian.
If the required document has not been signed before the lesson begins, the instructor will be unable to start the lesson. If a guest cannot participate because the document has not been completed, our standard cancellation and refund policy will apply.
Before booking, guests must disclose any condition that may affect safety, including pregnancy, cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, recent injuries or surgery, fear of heights, chronic illness, physical or psychological conditions, medication that may affect balance, reaction time or judgement, and any other health concern that may affect participation in skiing or snowboarding.
Depending on the circumstances, we may require medical clearance, recommend one-to-one instruction, adjust the lesson content or refuse participation based on reasonable safety considerations.
Age alone will not be used as the sole reason for refusing participation. However, older participants and participants with health concerns may be required to complete an assessment before the lesson. All participants should wear a suitable helmet and any necessary protective equipment. If the instructor considers a guest’s clothing, equipment, health or mental condition to present a significant safety risk, the instructor may suspend or refuse the lesson.
The Risk Acknowledgement and Waiver confirms that participants understand the inherent risks of skiing and snowboarding. It does not exclude or limit any liability or consumer right that cannot legally be excluded or limited under Japanese law.
7｜Guest Conduct and Instructor Directions
Guests must follow the instructor’s directions, resort rules, Japanese law and generally accepted ski-safety rules. The instructor may refuse to begin or may immediately terminate a lesson if a guest refuses to follow safety instructions; behaves dangerously, violently, abusively or in a harassing manner; participates under the influence of alcohol or drugs; uses unsafe or unsuitable equipment; presents an obvious risk to themselves or others; or breaches resort rules or Japanese law. No refund or additional lesson time will be provided where a lesson is refused or terminated because of a guest’s conduct or a safety concern.
8｜Insurance
Snoway Academy holds third-party liability insurance with coverage of up to ¥300 million. This insurance does not replace a guest’s personal travel, accident, medical or ski insurance. We strongly recommend that all participants obtain insurance covering Ski or Snowboard activities, personal accidents and medical expenses, emergency rescue and transportation, personal liability, equipment loss or damage, flight or transport disruption, and trip or lesson cancellation. Guests are responsible for checking the coverage, limitations and exclusions of their insurance policy.
9｜Equipment Rental and Personal Belongings
Equipment rental is not automatically included with a lesson. Guests may rent equipment separately from Snoway Academy, the resort or another rental provider as required. Snowboard equipment rented from Snoway Academy may include a snowboard, bindings, boots, goggles, helmet and protective equipment. The actual items included will be stated in the booking confirmation. Ski wear and snow clothing are not included.
All rental services are subject to size and stock availability. Providing height, weight, foot length or shoe size in advance does not guarantee that all equipment will fully meet the guest’s personal preferences. Guests should check the size and condition of rental equipment before use and immediately notify a member of staff or the instructor if they identify a problem. Guests must use and look after rental equipment responsibly. Repair or replacement charges may apply where equipment is deliberately damaged, improperly used, lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. We are not responsible for safeguarding guests’ cash, phones, cameras, passports, luggage or other personal belongings. This clause does not exclude any liability that cannot legally be excluded.
10｜Booking Details, Changes and Transfers
Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change the lesson date, time, resort, activity, number of participants, participant details, ability level or language.
All changes are subject to instructor availability, resort operations and lesson availability. Changes cannot be guaranteed. A change will not take effect unless it has been confirmed in writing by Snoway Academy.
Informing the instructor directly does not mean that a change has been approved by Snoway Academy. If we cannot accommodate the requested change and the guest decides to cancel the original booking, our standard cancellation and refund policy will apply.
A lesson may be transferred to another participant, but the guest must notify Snoway Academy in advance and provide the new participant’s name, age, contact information, activity, ability level and other relevant details. The new participant must meet the original lesson’s group-size, activity, age and safety requirements and must complete the required Risk Acknowledgement and Waiver before the lesson. The transfer will take effect only after written confirmation has been issued by Snoway Academy.
11｜Guest Cancellations and Refund Policy
To cancel a confirmed lesson, please contact Snoway Academy as early as possible by email, WhatsApp, LINE or another written method accepted by us. The cancellation date will be determined by the time at which we receive the written notice in Japan. A cancellation will take effect only after it has been confirmed by us.
Refunds are calculated as follows:
31 days or more before the lesson: The amount actually paid will be refunded, less a 2% refund administration and payment processing fee.
15–30 days before the lesson: 80% of the amount actually paid will be refunded.
8–14 days before the lesson: 50% of the amount actually paid will be refunded.
2–7 days before the lesson: 20% of the amount actually paid will be refunded.
Within one day of the lesson, same-day cancellation or no-show: No refund.
Refunds are calculated using the amount actually paid by the guest. Discounts, promotional codes and other promotional value cannot be exchanged for cash or added to the refund. If a guest cannot participate because of personal health, a child’s physical condition, injury, itinerary changes, missed transport, equipment problems or another personal reason, the standard cancellation policy above will still apply. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip and lesson cancellation.
12｜Changing the Lesson Date
Please contact us as early as possible if you wish to change your lesson date. We will make reasonable efforts to assist, but all changes are subject to instructor availability, lesson availability, resort operations and other bookings. Rescheduling cannot be guaranteed. If the requested change cannot be arranged, the original booking will remain valid. If the guest subsequently cancels, the refund will be calculated according to the date on which we receive the cancellation notice.
13｜Instructor Arrangements and Nominated Instructors
Where available, guests may request a particular instructor by paying an instructor nomination fee. Nominated-instructor arrangements remain subject to the instructor’s health, transport, visa status, work schedule and other unforeseen circumstances. If the nominated instructor is unable to teach, we will first arrange a suitable replacement instructor and refund the nomination fee paid. If we cannot arrange a suitable replacement, we will discuss one of the following options with the guest: changing the lesson date, retaining the lesson value as credit, changing the resort or lesson arrangement, or receiving a full refund.
If a guest has not nominated a particular instructor and has booked lessons on consecutive days, we will make reasonable efforts to arrange the same instructor so that the lesson content can continue between days. However, this remains subject to instructor working hours, health and the overall schedule. We cannot guarantee that the same instructor will teach every lesson date.
14｜Weather, Snow Conditions and Resort Operations
Skiing and snowboarding are affected by weather, snowfall, visibility, strong winds, temperature, ski runs, lifts and resort operations. As long as the originally booked resort remains open on the lesson date, the lesson will proceed as scheduled.
If a guest independently cancels or chooses not to attend because of snowfall or heavy snow, strong winds, cold temperatures or poor visibility, partial lift or run closures, snow conditions not meeting personal expectations, or personal concerns about weather, snow conditions or safety, our standard cancellation and refund policy will apply. The instructor may adjust the teaching location, ski runs and lesson content according to snow conditions, crowd levels and the participants’ physical ability and experience. Such adjustments do not constitute grounds for cancellation, rescheduling or a refund.
15｜Full Resort Closure and Force Majeure
Only when the originally booked resort officially announces a full closure on the lesson date and the lesson cannot proceed will we discuss the available arrangements with the guest according to the circumstances. These arrangements may include changing the lesson date, changing the resort, changing the lesson arrangement, retaining the lesson value as credit or receiving a full refund. If an earthquake, major natural disaster, government order, public health event or another circumstance beyond the reasonable control of both parties prevents the lesson from proceeding legally or safely, we will provide the same available arrangements according to the circumstances.
16｜Flight and Public Transport Disruption
If a guest cannot reach the resort because of a cancelled or delayed flight, suspended railway or bus service, road closure or another transport problem, but the resort remains open and the lesson can proceed, our standard cancellation and refund policy will apply. Subject to instructor and lesson availability, we may make reasonable efforts to help the guest change the date or arrangements, but rescheduling cannot be guaranteed. Any resulting accommodation, transport, airfare, rental, lift-pass or other expenses are the guest’s responsibility. Guests are advised to claim the relevant costs through their travel insurance.
17｜Photographs and Videos
Instructors or staff may take photographs or videos during a lesson for teaching reference or to provide to guests as a keepsake. We will not use identifiable photographs or videos of a guest on our website, social media, advertisements or other public promotional materials without the explicit consent of the guest or, in the case of a child, their parent or guardian. Guests may inform us before the lesson or at the time of photography that they do not wish to be photographed or recorded. Guests taking their own photographs or videos must not compromise lesson safety, another person’s privacy, resort operations or third-party rights.
18｜Personal Information
We may collect personal information required to manage bookings and provide services, including names, contact details, ages, skiing or snowboarding ability levels, equipment sizes, health and allergy information, emergency contacts and payment-related information. Personal information may be used to process and manage bookings; arrange instructors, equipment, transport and resort services; contact guests and provide lesson information; process payments, refunds, insurance matters or incidents; improve our services and respond to enquiries; and comply with legal, accounting and safety obligations. We will provide relevant information to instructors, booking platforms, payment service providers, resorts, rental companies, transport providers, insurance companies or professional advisers only where necessary to provide the services, comply with legal obligations or where the guest has given consent. Personal information will be handled appropriately in accordance with Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information. Guests may contact us through our official website to enquire about their personal information or make a reasonable request for correction, deletion or suspension of use.
19｜Liability and Damage
Guests are responsible for damage caused by their own actions, failure to follow instructor directions, breach of resort rules, improper use of equipment or failure to disclose important health information. To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for losses resulting from the inherent risks of skiing or snowboarding; the actions of the guest or a third party; the actions of a resort, lift operator, rental company, transport company or other independent service provider; weather, natural disasters or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control; the loss, theft or normal wear and tear of personal belongings; or lesson time lost because the guest arrived late or was not ready with the required equipment. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits Snoway Academy’s liability arising from intentional misconduct or gross negligence, or any liability or consumer right that cannot be excluded or limited under Japanese law.
20｜Refund Method
All refunds will be returned to the original payment method. The time required for the refund to appear depends on the processing times of the card provider, bank or payment platform. Snoway Academy cannot control these processing times. Unless otherwise required by law, we are not responsible for differences resulting from exchange rates, international transaction fees or bank charges.
21｜Third-Party Services
Resorts, lift operators, restaurants, accommodation providers, rental companies, transport companies, insurance companies and payment platforms may be independent third-party service providers. Guests using a third-party service must also comply with that provider’s terms and rules. Snoway Academy does not control a third party’s operations, prices, services or cancellation policy.
22｜Updates to These Terms
We may update these Terms and Conditions in response to changes in our operations, applicable law, resort requirements or services. In principle, the version published on our website when the guest completes the booking and payment will apply to that booking, except where an immediate change is required by law, safety requirements or mandatory resort rules.
23｜Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any dispute relating to services provided by Snoway Academy are governed by the laws of Japan. If a dispute cannot be resolved through discussion between the parties, the Sapporo District Court or Sapporo Summary Court will have exclusive jurisdiction as the court of first instance, except where otherwise required by applicable law. If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect. If these Terms and Conditions are provided in different languages and an inconsistency arises between the versions, the Traditional Chinese version will prevail unless otherwise required by law.
24｜Contact Us
If you have any questions about a booking, cancellation, refund or these Terms and Conditions, please contact us through the official Snoway Academy website, email, WhatsApp or LINE.