Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we get asked most before booking. Anything else — just message us on LINE.
Which resorts do you teach at?
5 resorts: Sapporo Kokusai, Sapporo Teine, Asarigawa Onsen, Rusutsu and Snow Cruise ONZE. Each lesson type has its own resorts; snowboard tree & powder lessons run only at Rusutsu, Sapporo Teine and Asarigawa Onsen.
Lessons at Sapporo KokusaiLessons at Sapporo TeineLessons at Asarigawa OnsenLessons at RusutsuLessons at Snow Cruise ONZE
How many coaches do you have, and what are their credentials?
7, led by principal KAKU. Credentials include JSBA B/C-grade instructor, JSBA D-grade examiner, JSBA Tech Test, CASI, CSIA and AST L2 avalanche safety; each coach's credentials and specialities are listed on the instructors page.
Are you an officially certified school?
Yes. 雪風スノーボードスクール is certified by the Japan Snowboarding Association (JSBA) (certified at Asarigawa Onsen); a photo of the certificate is on our About page.
How much is a lesson, and how big are the groups?
Prices depend on the lesson, length and group size, from ¥42,000 for 1 person (Beginner Lesson, half day, 3 hours; JPY, tax incl.). One coach per group, from 1 person; beginner lessons take up to 6, progression lessons up to 4.
Hokkaido lessons and pricesGet a price and request a booking
Do you teach in Cantonese?
Yes — Yuko teaches in Cantonese, for the Beginner Lesson only.
Do you provide transport?
No. Please make your own way to the resort.
How long has Yukikaze been running?
Our operating company’s registered name, founding date and corporate number are on the About page.
How is Yukikaze different from other schools?
Points you can check for yourself: JSBA-certified school (certified at Asarigawa Onsen); JSBA grading prep in Chinese; every lesson price published on the site; our own app and 3D maps of 11 resorts; a daily powder ranking in season (model estimate).
Hokkaido lessons and pricesToday's powder rankingSnowWind app
Can I add extra time after my lesson on the day?
Same-day extra time after your lesson costs ¥15,000 per hour. Please ask the school or your coach.
What languages do you teach in?
All coaches teach in Mandarin and most also speak Japanese; English lessons are available with 4 coaches (KAKU, 西西, Maci and Yuko), and Yuko also teaches in Cantonese. No miming through a translation app — you’ll understand every cue, including the safety ones.
SnowWind instructors: credentials and languagesKAKU西西MaciYuko
Can I book if I’ve never ridden before?
Yes. Our beginner lesson is built for zero experience — from standing on the board to linking your first turn, step by step.
Do I need my own gear?
Standard gear (board/boots/outerwear) can be rented at the resort rental counter — rental is not included in the lesson price. Advanced snowboarders on snowboard progression lessons can add our carving set (board + bindings, ¥10,000/day) — just mention it in your booking notes or on LINE; your coach picks the board for your height, weight and level and we send a separate payment link. Lift tickets and meals are separate.
How do I book — do I pay upfront?
Submitting a request on the booking page costs nothing. Once we confirm the coach’s availability we’ll email a payment link — pay within 24 hours of receiving it to finalize the booking; unpaid requests are automatically cancelled after that.
Can I request a specific coach?
Yes — only snowboard progression lessons allow coach nomination: KAKU, 西西, Xiaoqi and Maci each cost ¥10,000 per group per lesson. Beginner and ski progression lessons are both assigned by the school to a suitable coach and aren’t open to designation. For the widest choice of dates and times, choose “any available coach.”
Can I book a full-day lesson?
Yes. Alongside morning/afternoon/evening blocks, you can pick “full day” whenever the coach’s whole day is free.
Can children take lessons?
Yes. A guardian books on the minor’s behalf and signs the consent form; one order can include multiple minors, and the coach adapts their teaching to each child’s age and level. There’s no separate kids’ class — beginner and progression lessons all apply.
What if the weather turns or I get hurt?
Hokkaido weather changes fast, so we confirm with you on LINE beforehand. See our refund policy for rescheduling and refunds — safety always comes first.
Can we ride backcountry / off-piste?
Our lessons take place only within managed resort areas, in terrain the resort permits and has opened that day. The coach selects the route according to resort rules, snow conditions and the student’s ability. For terrain and snow info off-piste, check our sister brand snowwind.org’s tools — backcountry riding is at your own risk, so go with a qualified local guide.
Payment methods and currency?
Secure online payment via Stripe, always charged in Japanese yen. Pay with a foreign card and your bank converts at its own rate on the day.