Ability Levels

It’s difficult to gauge where your skills and ability would compare to your friends. We have devised a little color coded chart which represents the type of terrain you should be riding on for each of the skill sets you should be able to achieve. This can sometimes quickly be derived from how many days you have spent on snow. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact us.

First Timer

Day 1

It’s my first time. I have never skied or snowboarded before.

I have chosen to try one of these sports and have all my gear ready to go for my first lesson!

Beginner

Day 2 or 3

I can control my speed and come to a stop.

I can do this usually without falling over and am only comfortable staying on flatter and easy terrain.

Beginner +

Day 3, 4 or 5

I can turn both ways. I am practicing making my turns smoother and venturing out of the easiest beginner slopes.

Intermediate

Day 5+

I can control my speed while turning.

I am enjoying going a little faster, and have some confidence that I can slow down when I need to.

Intermediate +

I can control my speed and direction of travel on almost any terrain. I am comfortable riding on most terrain except for the really steep and unknown areas.

I am starting to venture off-piste and ride easy treed terrain.

Advanced

I am comfortable on any slope at any time in any conditions.

Just show me where to find the best snow.

FAQ

Some of the more frequently asked questions from our guests.

Which is better Ski or Snowboard?

Ski

Skiing is a lot easier to get moving at the beginner stages. You simply need to balance while standing and put on your skis. Your feet can move individually and so walking while attached to your skis may be awkward at first but you will soon get the hang of it.

If you have ever tried to ice skate, roller blade, or roller skate you might pick up this sport more easily.

Snowboard

Snowboarding is where both feet are attached to the same board and you slide sideways, rather moving forward. As both feet are attached to the same board you will need some degree of fitness to be able to put on your board while sitting down and then stand up with both feet attached.

Your initial learning curve might be slow but once you get the basics it's easier to progress to more challenging terrain.

If you have ever tried to skateboard, surf or wakeboard your might find it easier to pick up the skills of snowboarding.

Why should I take a private lesson

Private lessons are a great way to introduce yourself to the sport of skiing or snowboarding. You have a professional coach who can cater to your every need and give personalised feedback to work on your specific movements.

You don’t need to wait for other people in your group to catch up. You don’t have to worry the group is always waiting for you. The instructor will take you to terrain when you are ready and introduce the skills which might be appropriate when they can see your progression and confidence building.

Where should I meet my instructor?

Our instructors will come to you.

After matching your needs to a specific instructor’s skill set, your instructor will come to your door, ski valet, hotel lobby. You can discuss your goals for the day, and we can drive you to the best spot on the mountain for your ability.

Sometimes the weather may play a part in deciding where is the best place to ski for the day. It’s great to have that flexibility to start at different locations. We will even drop you back at your accommodation right after your ski lesson.

Do I need to buy a lift ticket?

Lessons do not include the lift ticket for the day. If you want to head up higher on the mountain it is best to have an All Mountain lift pass.

If you don’t think you will be able to ski all of the mountains, you can purchase a local resort only ticket.

Purchasing lift tickets are quick and easy at the dedicated ticket booths around the mountain. or online pre-purchase can help you skip the queue.

Which lift ticket should I buy?

Lessons do not include the lift ticket for the day. If you want to head up higher on the mountain it is best to have an All Mountain lift pass.

If you don’t think you will be able to ski all of the mountains, you can purchase a local resort only ticket.

Purchasing lift tickets are quick and easy at the dedicated ticket booths around the mountain. or online pre-purchase can help you skip the queue.

Do I need to buy equipment?

Niseko has great ski and snowboard rental shops. You should rent with someone which your accommodation provider recommends. If there are any issues it can easily be dealt with at the comfort of the hotel. If your accommodation provider doesn’t have a recommended supplier, we can recommend our partners Yamasport and Rhythm.

We will even pre-arrange for your equipment to be fitted the evening or morning before your lesson. We know you are excited to get on the slope as quickly as possible.

Why should I choose Pure Hokkaido?

We are a small ski school with a team of professional instructors and coaches to cater to your specific needs. We pay more attention to the details instead of grouping your together with a bunch of strangers.

We have been in the area for more than 10 years and know the local hot spots and the quiet ones as well.

We truly believe that not everyone can fit into the big ski school’s model for learning within a group setting. It’s your holiday and you should have the best experience possible. We can help make that happen.