Night View from Mt.Tengu

Night View from Mt.Tengu

Otaru, Hokkaido: Your Ultimate Winter Getaway

Discover the thrill of snowboarding and skiing in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. Just an hour's drive from the city center, you'll find six world-class ski resorts offering deep powder snow and endless opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned snowboarder or a beginner looking for snowboard lessons, our expert guides can help you make the most of your time on the slopes. Before or after a day on the mountain, explore the charming city of Otaru. Famous for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and delicious seafood, Otaru is a top-rated tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. POWDER8 specializes in creating customized snowboard and ski tours in Otaru, ensuring you have a memorable winter vacation.

Beginner Snowboard Lessons: Examples and Customer Reviews

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Lesson Programs

Tailored 4 hrs One Day Private Lesson and Otaru Sightseeing

Experience the thrill of learning to snowboard & ski in Otaru with our personalized private lessons. We cater to small groups of up to 3 beginners, providing a supportive and fun learning environment.

One Day Program Includes:

  • Customized itineraries: Based on your preferences, weather conditions, and overall stay, we'll create a personalized itinerary. If you wish, we will assist you with all reservations.
  • Complimentary Door-to-door service: We'll pick you up from your hotel and assist you with equipment selection and setup. It is also possible to meet on the snow.
  • Video analysis & real-time feedback: We'll use video analysis and in-ear communication to provide instant feedback and help you quickly improve your technique.
  • Comprehensive after-lesson support: Receive written feedback along with your video, and set goals for your next session.
  • Flexible scheduling: Enjoy a full day of snowboarding and sightseeing, with options for morning or afternoon lessons, followed by a guided tour of Otaru's attractions.

What sets us apart:

  • Our experienced team: Many of our instructors have over a decade of professional teaching experience, with some boasting over 20 years in the industry. Some have even won regional snowboarding cross circuit competitions in Hokkaido. With extensive experience teaching international students, our Japanese instructors provide personalized lessons to ensure you have a fun and rewarding experience.
  • Personalized attention: Our expert instructors will tailor the lessons to your specific needs and goals.
  • Comprehensive service: From equipment rental to sightseeing recommendations, we'll take care of everything so you can focus on having fun.
  • Local expertise: Our guides are passionate about Otaru and can introduce you to the best hidden gems.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, we'll help you make the most of your time in Otaru.

Contact us today to discuss your snowboard & ski vacation!

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Hot spring image

Outdoor bath of a hot spring

One Day Program Example Snowboard lesson

Three-Day Private Coaching and Cultural Immersion

Experience a personalized 3-day snow sports adventure tailored to your needs. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate snowboarder, our expert instructors will help you improve your skills while exploring the stunning beauty of Otaru.

Enjoy:

  • Customized itineraries: We'll create a flexible schedule in 5 hours a day based on your preferences, including powder days, sightseeing, and local experiences.
  • Expert coaching: Our experienced instructors will provide personalized guidance and support, helping you progress at your own pace.
  • Diverse terrain: Explore a variety of slopes and conditions to enhance your snowboarding/skiing skills.
  • Video analysis: Receive detailed video feedback to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Cultural immersion: Discover the charm of Otaru, including traditional crafts, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

Key Features:

  • Small group: Enjoy personalized attention in groups of up to 3 people.
  • Flexible scheduling: Customize your itinerary to fit your interests and time constraints. If you wish, POWDER8 will assist you with all reservations.
  • In-depth coaching: Receive real-time feedback and tips to improve your technique.
  • Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in authentic local culture and traditions. Explore our Sightseeing page for unique experiences.
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Three Days Program Example

Lesson Examples and Reviews

CASE 1Singapore frag

6 hrs One Day Private Lesson for First Timer
from Singapore

We helped to find the perfect fitting rental boots and put them on properly. We also asked rental staffs to adjust the length of the board and the bindings.

Finally, since beginners tend to get warm easily due to physical activity, we carefully selected layers of clothing to avoid overheating.

With these preparations, we were all set to hit the slopes in no time.

He can't wait to shred the mountain for his first snowboarding experience!

As recommended, he prepared gears such as jacket, pants, gloves, helmet, goggles, face musk and kee/tailbone pads.

He can't wait to shred the mountain at Kiroro for his first snowboarding experience!

Ng-san is ready image

About 30 minutes into the lesson, he practiced going straight down the slope using the skating technique with the instructor's support.

After 40 minutes, he successfully skied down the slope alone, couldn't help but do a fist pump, and the instructor ran over for a congratulatory hug.

After an hour, he was able to change direction on his board and glide straight for longer distances on his own.

Following this, we took two short lift rides in the morning and then progressed to a longer intermediate run in the afternoon.
By the end of the day, he was confidently making turns on his back-side edge.

He could finally ski down the slope independently with a stable body balance.

He kindly left us the following review feedback after his lesson.

”I appreciated myself for being able to make a trip to Hokkaido for some snowboarding and skiing lessons. I have dreamed about it and discovered that I could do it despite of my age.

I achieved a goal to slide down a steep slope all by myself. I would like to thank Satoshi sensei and Mika sensei who helped me to achieve my dream. They were extremely patient, supportive and ensure that I was able to acquire the snowboarding skills.

Unfortunately, I fell when I jumped off the chairlift and injured my knee. However, it didn't stop me to continue the afternoon lesson. Or else I wouldn't able to overcome my fear of going downhill with legs bind on the snowboard.

Special thanks to both snowboard instructors for their coaching and encouragement. Will I ever come back for another snowboarding event? Yes definitely, I will engage with Powder8 again. I guess next trip will be something different then.

Thank you again
Ng-san”

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Lesson Examples and Reviews

CASE 2Australia flag

Morning 2.5 hrs Lesson for First Timer
from Australia

For our guest who was experiencing snow for the very first time during her trip to Japan, snowboarding was a completely new adventure. To make the most of our 2.5-hour lesson and considering the busy Christmas season, we requested that she arrive early at the ski resort, rent equipment online beforehand, and purchase lift tickets.

Following a thorough introduction to basic movements like falling and standing, we progressed to skating exercises to help her get a feel for the board. Her remarkable aptitude for learning enabled her to quickly grasp the fundamental skills, allowing her to confidently ride the lift shortly after.

Only 30 minutes passed since our lesson started, her balance on the snowboard is truly impressive, especially considering it was her first time on the slopes.

After just 60 minutes, her slide turns with her toe edge were impressive! Her balance was great for a beginner. It's clear she's picked up snowboarding very quickly.

75 minutes later, effectively utilizing edge transitions and weight shifting to accelerate while directing the nose of her board down the slope.

He kindly left us the following review feedback after her lesson.

”My partner and I had an incredible experience with Powder8 and Mika's snowboarding lesson. I can confidently say that both the lesson content and Mika's support far exceeded our expectations.

I had left it too late to book a lesson for my partner for Christmas Day, but luckily I found Powder8, which had one last spot available. We couldn't be happier that we took it!

Mika was an outstanding teacher. My partner, who had never snowboarded or even seen snow before, was able to pick up the techniques incredibly quickly—thanks to Mika's clear, patient, and effective guidance. It was honestly amazing to see how fast she got the hang of it.

What I appreciated most about the lesson was how personalised and supportive it was. Mika took the time to assess my partner's abilities and tailored the session to her needs, making the experience not only enjoyable but also highly effective.

While the rates are higher than some other options, the quality of the lesson absolutely justified the cost. The progress my partner made in just one session was astonishing. I had expected a long day of struggle, thinking we'd only manage to stay on the small slopes, but to my surprise, my partner was soon flying down the runs alongside me!

I highly recommend Powder8 to anyone looking for lessons, from beginners to intermediates. I'm confident you'll see great results and have a fantastic experience.”

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Lesson Examples

CASE 3Australia flag

Morning 2.5 hrs Lesson for Beginner
from Canada

Prior to the lesson, he had been snowboarding and could confidently control his heel edge to navigate intermediate terrain and make controlled stops. However, he faced challenges when attempting to switch to his toe edge, frequently falling and sustaining a shoulder injury.

Within 40 minutes, he made remarkable progress in his snowboarding. Our instructor focused on toe edge balance and heel-to-toe transitions, enabling him to carve smooth turns with confidence.

After 2.5 hours of instruction, he was able to consistently perform linked short slides with confidence, covering long distances on the slopes.