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Yuzawa is one of Japan's snowiest regions, but it's easily accessible from Tokyo by shinkansen. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is specially linked with GALA Yuzawa station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, and can be easily reached from Tokyo. As the numbers of tourists from Asian countries visiting ski resorts to enjoy snow are increasing, the resort has ski lessons in Chinese for those who want to enjoy skiing.

Signs and conversations are all in Chinese

At the Ski Center in GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, you'll find a special reception desk for Chinese ski lessons. The signs are in Chinese and the staff also speak Chinese. The lessons are for skiing only, either half day or full day, and the fees include half-day or one-day lift pass and equipment rentals. You can also try for Ski Badge Test Level 5, approved by the Ski Association of Japan. If you fulfill required standards during the lesson, you'll receive an official badge!

You can also try for Ski Badge Test Level 5, approved by the Ski Association of Japan. If you fulfill required standards during the lesson, you'll receive an official badge!

The application form explains how to fill the form in Chinese. If you have any questions, just ask the Chinese staff for smooth application.

Lessons take place in a designated area

The lesson takes place in front of the Ski Center. When you wear ski boots for the first time it will be difficult to walk on the snow, and when you carry skis and poles it takes a lot of effort to move from one place to another. But this lesson area is close to the reception desk and equipment rental area, so you won't need to walk too much.

There is a designated area for students on a flat snowy surface, where you can safely practice your skiing. It's ideal for practice, from putting on skis and walking, to experiencing skiing for the first time.

The instructor's voice is transmitted to a speaker inside your helmet

There'll be more than one instructor for each group lesson. They will explain all the basics, from each piece of equipment to how to put on and take off your skis. All students will wear helmets. The helmet has a speaker inside and the interpreter's voice from the microphone will be transmitted to the speaker.

When the Japanese instructor talks, the interpreter will translate their speech into Chinese through a microphone, which will be transmitted to you through the speaker inside your helmet. The lesson will be easy to follow, as you can hear translated speech while you watch the instructor's movement.

Many ideas put into practice for effective training

You'll begin by getting used to skis, walking on a flat snowy surface with skis, and pushing yourself forward with poles. Once you get familiar with the sense of skiing, you'll learn how to ski down a gentle slope. The slope includes an artificial lawn sheet off to the side so you can walk up it with your skis on.
Imitating your instructor's movement, you'll glide down the slope one by one. The slope is very gentle and the bottom is flat, so you'll stop naturally after speeding down. There are many ideas put into place to help you train safely.

Careful attention is given to all students

If you can't ski well, the instructor will support you physically. The instructor will help you maneuver your skis or control your speed, so you'll feel safe and gradually improve. Take this opportunity for lots of practice, so you can eventually go on the gondola and make your debut on a run!
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.

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