Japan Ski Guide powered by SURF&SNOW

Language

Ski & Snowboard

You can enjoy ski and snowboard lessons in English

If you want to improve your skiing or snowboarding, it's best to go to a school. While the language barrier may be your concern, you'll be relieved to know that many ski and snowboard schools are now opening with lessons in foreign languages. One of them is Canyons Snowsports School, a foreign-language school at GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort.

English-only Canyons Snowsports School

Most of Canyons Snowsports School's instructors are non-Japanese. You can take ski and snowboard lessons from native English speakers. The application form is in English and all questions and conversations will also be in English.

After applying for lessons, you'll get an arm band to show you're registered. Keep the arm band on during the lesson for your instructor to see.
Your instructor will be wearing a jacket with the name of the school. Make sure you keep an eye on the jacket to avoid getting lost on the ski piste.

Nothing to worry about - even if you've never skied or snowboarded

The school offers lessons for each level. Even if you've never experienced skiing or snowboarding, you'll feel at ease in the lesson. First thing is standing on a flat surface and getting to know your equipment. The instructor will tell you everything from how to put on a snowboard to what to pay attention to, step by step.
The instructor will support you and teach you the basics, including how to do up the binding. Don't hesitate to ask questions if there's anything you're not sure about.

The lesson moves at a pleasant tempo, focusing on key points

At first, you'll strap into the snowboard with just one foot, and learn how to move forward on a flat surface. After doing this a few times, you'll get the hang of how to slide over the snow and begin to acquire a sense of balance. There are no difficult lectures about techniques. Once you master the key points, you'll move fast to the next steps. The lesson moves on without slowing down, so your snowboarding will improve even within the day's lesson.

Instructor supports you carefully so you can snowboard safely

Once you get used to a flat surface, you'll move onto a gentle slope that won't give you much speed. You'll practice how to snowboard slowly downhill, using the edges as brakes. After the instructor shows you how it's done, you'll snowboard down the slope one by one. The instructor will watch over you from the bottom, call out to you or support you physically, so you'll feel safe.

Once you master a fair level of snowboarding, you'll get on the lift and go on a run. You won't become a better skier or snowboarder quickly if you teach yourself, but a school will help you acquire the right techniques efficiently. Enjoy the English-only lessons and improve your technique.
photo & text : Chiho Kuriyama

Facility Information

GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT
Address
1039-2 Kayabira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-cho, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6101
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0001ens.htm
Notes
Access: Directly linked to GALA Yuzawa station, Joetsu Shinkansen. Free shuttle buses from the west exit of Echigo Yuzawa station, Joetsu Shinkansen. About 5 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC, Kanetsu Expressway.

Article List about Surrounding Areas

Ski & Snowboard

Even if it’s your first time snowboarding or you're with friends who are pros, you’ll have a great time at Maiko Snow Resort! Let’s go with a comfortable and affordable bus tour!

beginner / traffic/access / student / accommodation / Niigata 

Activity

Depart on March 2, 2019: Hugely Popular and Hot Day Tour Enjoy Yukimi Gozen, SNOWART and snow fireworks during your stay in Echigo-Tsumari!

japanese culture / Yuzawa / Niigata 

Activity

Just 70 minutes from Tokyo to "Snow Country." Enjoy the snowy scenery, snow activities, and a soak in an onsen with a money-saving combo ticket!

onsen / kids park / easily accessible / Yuzawa / Niigata 

Ski & Snowboard

Ski and stay at eight ski resorts in the Echigoyuzawa area! Save this winter with the SUBERI MEGURI accommodation and ski lift ticket package!

onsen / easily accessible / Yuzawa / Niigata 

Visit

Tour winter tourism spots with a local taxi driver who knows Yuzawa's attractions inside out!

majestic view / Yuzawa / Niigata 

Article List in Terms of Ski & Snowboard

Ski & Snowboard

Effortless arrival from Osaka! Biwako Valley offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa and an active, adventurous skiing experience to enjoy to the fullest.

gourmet / majestic view / easily accessible / girls-trip / Shiga 

Ski & Snowboard

Introducing how to enjoy Ryuoo Ski Park, the ski resort that's the easiest in Japan for snowboarding beginners.

powder snow / beginner / Après-ski / gourmet / girls-trip / Nagano 

Ski & Snowboard

"Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort" Declares Itself Japan's "Easiest to Ski" Resort! The Fun Starts with Choosing the Right Ski Resort!

powder snow / beginner / Family / Nagano 

Ski & Snowboard

【Tambara Ski Park】Slope layout that beginners and families can ski with ease. Easy access from central Tokyo is also an attraction!

rental / powder snow / kids/family / beginner / gourmet / Gunma 

Ski & Snowboard

Enjoy a long winter season at Tsugaike Mountain Resort! From epic powder runs to fun-filled kids' parks, this BIG-scale resort has it all. Dive into the ultimate winter adventure!

powder snow / Hakuba / Hakuba Valley 

PAGE TOP