Hikari | FAQ - Booking Ski Lessons in Japan

Question 1

What is Hikari?

Accepted Answer

Hikari is an online platform that allows customers to search, directly message and book the top-rated and highest qualified winter sports instructors in Japan. Think of us as a booking platform that helps you navigate the complex landscape of finding a ski instructor. This means we do not employ, manage, or supervise instructors — each instructor operates via a local Japanese ski school which is responsible for their own instructors, insurance, and compliance with Japanese laws.

Question 2

What does 'Hikari' mean?

Accepted Answer

Hikari means 'light' in Japanese — a name that reflects our mission to make your ski holiday smooth and stress-free. By connecting you with trusted, top-rated instructors, we help you find the perfect guide so you can shine on the slopes.

Question 3

What are the benefits of Hikari over booking through a traditional ski school?

Accepted Answer

In a traditional ski school, you book a lesson and are allocated an instructor on the day. You have no influence over the instructor you get. At Hikari we think when booking a ski lesson you are both choosing someone to teach you how to ski, and you are picking someone who you’ll have to spend a considerable amount of time with - depending on the length of the lesson this could be all day or even all week! So, not only will your ski instructor help you improve your skiing technique, but they will also reassure you if you are feeling nervous, joke with you on the chairlifts and show you all the best spots on the mountain. This means it is important to choose a ski instructor that can help you achieve your skiing goals, and that you can also gel with on a personal level. This is where Hikari steps in. Our platform lets you browse individual instructors. You can read their profiles, look at pictures and go through their reviews. This means you can find an instructor who meets your needs (maybe you are looking for an instructor who is great with kids or can help you improve off-piste). Then when you are ready, book the exact instructor that will deliver your lesson.

Question 4

How do I make a booking on Hikari?

Accepted Answer

To book a snowsport instructor on Hikari, first browse the instructor profiles on the site. You can use the filters in the search bar to narrow instructors down by resort, lesson type, your trip dates and your group size. Once you have found an instructor you like, go to their profile page and select all the lessons you would like to book them for. If you are viewing on mobile, you'll have to click the 'Book with [instructor name]' button to see the available dates. Then click the 'Book now' button, complete the payment and your instructor will be booked. It's as simple as that. If you have additional questions before making a booking, you can message the instructor directly, using the 'message' button on their profile. If you are booking multiple instructors, follow the same process as above but, once you have selected the lessons you would like, click 'Add to basket' instead of 'Book now'. This will allow you to select multiple instructors and complete the payment in one go.

Question 5

Are the instructors on Hikari qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our instructors carry the appropriate qualifications to teach or guide. We also have a minimum standard. This means any instructor on the Hikari platform is higher than a Level 2 in our equivalency table and has at least one season of teaching experience. Please note: We do make exceptions and accept instructors with level 1 qualification (see equivalency table) for teaching private kids lessons. However, they must have a written recommendation from their ski school and have demonstrable extra expertise and experience in teaching children (for example as a school teacher or nursery worker). This will be clearly marked in their profile.

Question 6

What qualifications do the instructors have?

Accepted Answer

In the ski industry there are a wide range of qualifications instructors and guides might carry. This might feel confusing when browsing instructor profiles - what is the difference between an Austrian Landeskilehreranwater 1 and a French Assistant Moniteur? We make this simple by setting a base standard for all instructors on Hikari (we use this equivalency table) to ensure your instructor meets our minimum standard.

Question 7

Do the instructors have insurance?

Accepted Answer

All instructors on the Hikari platform are affiliated with local ski schools that Hikari has a partnership agreement in place with. As part of our agreement with these ski schools any instructors affiliated with them are covered by insurance and have the right to work in Japan.

Question 8

What is included in my lesson?

Accepted Answer

Your lesson price includes your instructor's time for the complete time specified at booking. Full-day lessons usually include a 30-60 minute (the exact length will depend on your instructor) lunch break for you and your instructor.

Question 9

Does the lesson price include a lift pass and equipment rental?

Accepted Answer

No, the price is only for the lesson/instructor's time. Equipment and a lift pass will need to be purchased separately.

Question 10

Is the price per lesson or per person?

Accepted Answer

The price displayed on an instructor's profile is the price per lesson - regardless of how many participants. The maximum number of participants is six (some instructors might set a lower limit for certain lesson types, for example backcountry guiding).

Question 11

How many hours is a full-day private lesson?

Accepted Answer

There is no set time for a full-day lesson. The duration of a full-day private lesson will vary depending on the instructor. You'll be able to see the exact lesson timings on the instructor's profile. However, it is typically 7 hours including one hour lunch break.

Question 12

How many hours is a half-day private lesson?

Accepted Answer

There is no set time for a half-day lesson. The duration of a half-day private lesson will vary depending on the instructor. You'll be able to see the exact lesson timings on the instructor's profile. However, it is typically 3-4 hours.

Question 13

What are the lesson types offered by Hikari?

Accepted Answer

Hikari offers five types of booking: ski lessons, snowboard lessons, resort guiding, backcountry guiding, and adaptive lessons. Each is suited to different goals — whether you're looking to improve your technique, explore the mountain with a knowledgeable guide, venture into the backcountry, or find specialist instruction tailored to a disability. For a full breakdown of what each involves and how to choose the right one for you, read our guide to understanding the different lesson and guiding types.

Question 14

What's the difference between a lesson and guiding?

Accepted Answer

Lessons focus on improving your technique — your instructor will work on specific aspects of your skiing or snowboarding to help you progress. Guiding focuses on showing you terrain — your guide will help you find the best snow and most interesting runs. Some overlap exists (a guide might offer tips if asked, and an instructor will naturally show you around), but the primary focus is different.

Question 15

What's the difference between resort guiding and backcountry guiding?

Accepted Answer

Resort guiding is lift-assisted and takes place within or near the resort boundary. You use the resort's lifts and can ski on your normal equipment with no specialist gear required. In resorts with a gate system, your guide may take you through approved gates into sidecountry terrain when conditions allow — if so, you'll need to carry avalanche safety gear (transceiver, probe, and shovel). Backcountry guiding takes you away from the resort entirely into unmanaged terrain. This requires specialist ski touring equipment (skins, touring bindings, avalanche safety gear) and involves hiking or skinning to access terrain rather than using lifts. It requires significantly more planning and preparation.

Question 16

Can a ski instructor take me off-piste?

Accepted Answer

Ski instructors are often expert off-piste skiers and are great at helping you improve your technique on ungroomed terrain within the resort. However, they won't take you outside the resort boundary. If you're looking for someone to show you the best off-piste terrain rather than work on technique, a resort guide is better suited. If you want to venture beyond the resort entirely, you'll need a backcountry guide with the appropriate mountain safety qualifications.

Question 17

What qualifications do instructors and guides hold?

Accepted Answer

Ski and snowboard instructors hold qualifications focused on teaching methodology and technique — these are issued by organisations such as APSI, CSIA, BASI, and others. Resort guides typically hold instructor qualifications alongside additional mountain safety certifications. Backcountry guides hold qualifications focused on mountain safety, avalanche assessment, and navigation.

Question 18

What are adaptive lessons?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive lessons are ski or snowboard lessons tailored for people with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. Instructors who offer adaptive lessons have specialist training in adaptive teaching techniques and equipment. If you're interested in an adaptive lesson, we'd recommend getting in touch with the instructor before booking to discuss your needs.

Question 19

Do all instructors offer all lesson types?

Accepted Answer

No. Each instructor or guide offers specific disciplines based on their qualifications and experience. You can see which disciplines someone offers by checking their profile. When searching, make sure to select the correct discipline to see instructors and guides who offer what you're looking for.

Question 20

What equipment do I need for each lesson type?

Accepted Answer

For ski lessons, snowboard lessons, and resort guiding — you just need your normal ski or snowboard equipment. The exception is if your resort guide plans to take you through gates into sidecountry terrain, in which case you'll need to carry avalanche safety gear (transceiver, probe, and shovel). Your guide will let you know in advance if this is the case. For backcountry guiding, specialist equipment is required. This typically includes touring skis or a splitboard, skins, avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel, though exact requirements will depend on the planned objective. You must discuss equipment requirements with your guide before the day. If you arrive without essential safety equipment, the guide may refuse to proceed and no refund will be offered.

Question 21

Should I speak to my guide or instructor before the day?

Accepted Answer

For backcountry guiding, yes — it's important to discuss your goals, ability level, fitness, and equipment beforehand so your guide can plan an appropriate objective. For adaptive lessons, we'd also recommend getting in touch early to discuss your requirements. For ski lessons, snowboard lessons, and resort guiding, prior discussion isn't essential but can be helpful if you have specific goals or concerns.

Question 22

What happens if conditions aren't suitable for my booking?

Accepted Answer

For backcountry guiding and resort guiding through gates, conditions play a significant role. If you're concerned that conditions may not be suitable, speak to your guide — they'll be able to advise on whether the session can go ahead as planned or whether an alternative would be better. For resort-based lessons and guiding, conditions rarely prevent a session from going ahead, though your instructor or guide may adjust plans based on weather and snow conditions on the day.

Question 23

Do I need insurance for off-piste or ski touring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that all skiers and snowboarders have appropriate travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Standard travel insurance that covers skiing typically only covers on-piste skiing within managed resort boundaries. If you're booking resort guiding that may involve gate-accessed sidecountry, or backcountry guiding, please ensure your policy includes cover for off-piste skiing and mountain rescue. This is your responsibility to arrange before your booking.

Question 24

Can I book group lessons with Hikari?

Accepted Answer

No, currently instructors on Hikari only provide private lessons, the maximum number of participants is six (some instructors might set a lower limit for certain lesson types, for example backcountry guiding).

Question 25

How many people can take part in a private ski or snowboard lesson?

Accepted Answer

We allow a maximum of 6 people in a private ski or snowboarding lesson. This is as it is difficult for instructors to safely teach groups larger than this. If you have more people you would like to book lessons for, you'll need to book an extra instructor, but you'll still be able to ski together. Please note, some instructors and guides have lower group limits (for example for high-end workshops or backcountry guiding).

Question 26

What is a private lesson and what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Private ski lessons offer personalized, one-on-one attention that accelerates your progress far beyond group classes. Your instructor tailors every session to your specific skill level, goals, and learning pace—spending extra time on challenges while quickly advancing through what comes naturally. You'll gain confidence faster in a judgment-free environment where you can ask questions freely and practice without the pressure of keeping up with strangers. Your instructor will guide you to terrain perfectly suited to your ability, making every run more enjoyable. Private lessons are especially valuable for families and groups of friends. Most instructors don't charge extra for additional skiers, meaning you can split the cost while everyone receives personalized attention. Private lessons are particularly good for families with mixed abilities who want to ski together. Your instructor adapts exercises so everyone progresses at their own level while staying together as a group, turning ski time into genuine family bonding rather than splitting up by ability all day.

Question 27

I want to work on something very specific (moguls, tricks or racing) - how do I find an instructor that specialises in what I want to learn?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for something very particular, there are cases when only certain instructors will be able to teach you. This is particularly true for lessons that require a specific qualification or carry a higher risk of injury for the instructor, such as park lessons. One of the key benefits of Hikari is you can browse profiles to find an instructor to exactly meet your needs. So, we suggest you browse through the profiles to find instructors who are specialists. If you still can't find someone right - contact us directly and we will do our best to find you an instructor with availability.

Question 28

How many lessons should I book?

Accepted Answer

The ideal number of ski lessons depends on your experience level, fitness and goals. For a week's trip, if you are looking to improve your technique; beginners typically benefit from 3-5 lessons to learn the basics safely and how to navigate the mountain, intermediate skiers might book 1-2 lessons for technique refinement, advanced skiers should take occasional lessons for specific skills. If you are looking to make the most of the mountain, find the best terrain or simply stay safe then consider booking a guide to accompany you for your whole trip.

Question 29

My desired instructor has no reviews – should I still book them?

Accepted Answer

It's likely the instructor has only recently registered on Hikari and therefore hasn't delivered any lessons via Hikari yet. It's important to note that missing reviews are no indication of the quality of the instructor's service. Instructors always value feedback - so hopefully you'll be their first 5*!

Question 30

Can I share a private lesson with a friend that's at a different ability level?

Accepted Answer

You can share a private lesson with another person who is of a different standard. This is a great reason to book a private instructor instead of a group lesson where you will be split up based on ability. You will need to bear in mind, in order to stay safe, the instructor will only take you on slopes which match the lowest ability level in your group. We recommend booking one instructor for different levels for skiers who are happy to prioritize spending time with each other. If you would like to focus on technique, then we suggest getting separate instructors.

Question 31

Can the instructors use the ski school lines to jump the lift queue?

Accepted Answer

In some resorts, instructors can use the ski school lift lines with their students to bypass the main queue. However, this can vary depending on the resort and lift system, so we recommend checking with your instructor directly to confirm whether this is possible during your lesson.

Question 32

Can I take ski lessons if I have physical limitations or disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, we strongly believe everyone should have equal opportunity to explore the mountains. We have a number of fantastic instructors who are qualified to teach visually impaired skiing, adaptive skiing, sit skiing, and adaptive snowboarding. You can filter using our search feature by selecting 'adaptive lessons' or please get in touch via our contact page and we will do our best to find you an instructor appropriate for you.

Question 33

Can we ski as a family in our lessons?

Accepted Answer

You can absolutely ski as a family in a private lesson. In fact we see this as one of the key benefits of a private instructor over group lessons where families will be split up based on ability and age. However, if budget allows, in some circumstances we would recommend a family books multiple instructors. This could be if there is a very large difference in ability, as the instructor will have to stick to terrain that is suitable for the lowest ability member of the group. Or, if there is a large age gap between children - even as a complete beginner a 10 year old will progress much faster than a 5 year old. This can cause frustration amongst groups of children and reduce their enjoyment of the day. These are only general rules of thumb though, if everyone in the group is happy to prioritize skiing as a family and is content to stick to terrain that is safe for the whole group then there is no reason a mixed ability family cannot share the same instructor. Often instructors will even use this as an opportunity to teach stronger members of the group tricks such as skiing backwards.

Question 34

At what age can my child learn to ski?

Accepted Answer

There is no hard rule to when a child can start learning to ski, as it will vary on the strength and athleticism of the child. However, the majority of instructors on Hikari do not teach children under 5. Read the instructor profile to see how young they will teach children. Or, get in touch via our contact page and we will do our best to find you an instructor appropriate for you. Important: All children must be able to use the toilet independently - this includes being able to remove and put back on their ski clothes without supervision. Instructors are not able to help children to use the bathroom.

Question 35

How far in advance should I book lessons on Hikari?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you book your ski or snowboard lessons as early as possible to secure availability, especially if you are booking for peak periods. Benefits of booking early include a greater choice of instructors.

Question 36

How do I book an instructor on Hikari?

Accepted Answer

To book a lesson use the search bar to enter the dates, resort, lesson type and number of participants. Then click search. You'll now be able to scroll through a list of instructors with availability on those dates. Click on the instructor profile, select the lessons you would like to book, click book and make a payment. It's as simple as that! Can't see any instructors available? Contact us directly and we will do our best to find you an instructor with availability.

Question 37

How do I find a lesson that starts from near me?

Accepted Answer

You can filter instructors by resort to find an instructor that is available in your resort. Your exact lesson start point within the resort will depend on your instructor. When looking at their profile you'll be able to see their normal lesson start point marked on the map. Some instructors are flexible with lesson start points and you can discuss with them directly if you would like to start elsewhere or even meet them at your accommodation (although this is not always possible). Please note, in some resorts, there are strict rules on where ski instructors can start their lesson. In these cases, you’ll have to meet your instructor at their lesson start point.

Question 38

I can't see any instructors available in my preferred resort?

Accepted Answer

During certain weeks of the season, instructors are very busy and get booked up fast. We recommend checking in nearby resorts (many resorts are a short transfer from each other and some instructors will even organise lifts) or adjusting your dates slightly. We always have new instructors signing up and availability can open up due to cancellations, so it is worth regularly checking. You can also get in touch with us via our contact page and we will do our best to help you find an available instructor.

Question 39

How do I pay for my lesson?

Accepted Answer

You will need to pay for your lesson in full at the time of booking. If your payment fails, your booking will not be processed. If you have any issues with payment please contact us and we will be happy to assist. We do not accept partial deposits for lessons.

Question 40

Can I cancel my lesson?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your booking. A refund will be processed based on the cancellation policy in our terms and conditions. To cancel a lesson - get in touch using our contact page.

Question 41

Can I remove just part of the lessons from my booking?

Accepted Answer

You can partially cancel a few lessons from your booking. A refund will be processed based on the cancellation policy in our terms and conditions. To cancel a lesson - get in touch using our contact page.

Question 42

What happens if my instructor cancels the lesson?

Accepted Answer

When you book through Hikari you book an individual instructor to deliver the lesson. Unfortunately, sometimes the instructor you booked can get injured or be ill. In these cases we will offer a replacement instructor. You can either accept the replacement instructor or accept a full refund. In the case we can't find a replacement instructor, we will provide a full refund.

Question 43

What happens if bad weather stops my lesson going ahead?

Accepted Answer

Lessons will proceed wherever conditions allow, including during adverse weather, limited terrain, or partial lift closures. Refunds or credits will only be considered when all resort lifts are officially closed for the day, making it impossible to conduct any lesson. In such cases, we may assist in arranging a rescheduled lesson or determine a fair resolution at our discretion.

Question 44

How can I speak to an instructor once a lesson has been booked?

Accepted Answer

On each instructor profile there is a 'send message' button, by clicking this button it allows you to talk to the instructor using the Hikari messaging system. Some instructors might exchange contact details with you at this point. While we have no rules against this, we recommend using the Hikari messaging system for all communication. The Hikari messaging system lets us keep a record of all communication - this helps protect both you and the instructor.

Question 45

What do I do if I want to change the start time of my lesson?

Accepted Answer

Contact the instructor you have booked with through Hikari's messaging system and explain why you would like to move the lesson and to what time. The instructor will then inform you if it is possible to change the start time. Please be respectful of instructors when requesting to change a lesson meeting time. Instructors may have another lesson before or afterwards and may not be able to move the lesson start-time.

Question 46

What do I do if I want to change the meeting point of my lesson?

Accepted Answer

Contact the instructor you have booked with through Hikari's messaging system and explain why you would like to move the lesson meeting point and to where. The instructor will then inform you if it is possible to change the start location. Please be respectful of instructors when requesting to change a lesson meeting point. Many resorts have strict rules about where instructors can meet their guests, failing to adhere to these rules can result in instructors and even ski schools losing their right to teach in a resort.

Question 47

What time should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you aim to turn up at least 15 minutes before your lesson. This will give you wiggle room in case you forget anything or get lost. If you are hiring ski gear try and do this the day before, or give yourself at least 90 minutes as queues can be significant at rental shops in the morning.

Question 48

What should I do if I am running late?

Accepted Answer

We understand when in an unfamiliar resort or if it's your first time skiing it is easy to accidentally be late. If you are running late, we suggest you message your instructor to let them know. They may be able to help you if you are struggling to put your gear on or find the meeting spot. Please note, the lesson time will start as advertised and time will not be added on if you are late. The instructor will be waiting for you with their gear whether you have arrived or not - so it is unfair to ask them to work extra for free. If you are running late, your instructor will wait for at-least one hour after your scheduled lesson start time for you to arrive. If you have still not arrived after one hour and have not contacted your instructor to provide an estimated arrival time, they will leave and no refund will be offered.

Question 49

What can I do if the instructor does not show up to the lesson?

Accepted Answer

Please confirm the meeting point with the instructor in advance and try to reach the instructor directly – use the Hikari messaging system. Otherwise please contact Hikari immediately and we will do our best to help you.

Question 50

How do I find and recognize my instructor?

Accepted Answer

You will meet your instructor at the meeting point specified on their profile (unless you have agreed otherwise). All instructors wear uniforms, but they are all different. If you are unsure, message your instructor before the lesson so you are sure of the meeting point and have contact so you can find each other easily on the day. Your instructor will also be able to describe themselves and the uniform they are wearing.

Question 51

Do I have to have lunch with my instructor?

Accepted Answer

Many guests enjoy having lunch with their instructor, and most instructors appreciate being invited to have lunch with you. Instructors will often use this as a chance to dig deep into skiing theory, share tips on the local area or even to review videos of you skiing taken during the day. It is traditional, that if you do invite your instructor for lunch that you will pay for their meal. However, you are under no obligation to invite your instructor to lunch and they are more than capable of fending for themselves if you would prefer the time by yourself.

Question 52

Should I tip my instructor?

Accepted Answer

If you feel that your ski instructor provided exceptional service and contributed to your enjoyable experience, you may consider showing your appreciation through a tip. There is, however, no obligation to do so and under no circumstances should you feel pressured to. See our article about tipping in Japan.

Question 53

How can I leave a review for my instructor?

Accepted Answer

After your lesson you'll receive an email asking you to leave a review for your instructor. Your review should be based on your personal experience with the instructor who taught you and not on general experiences with the website, other instructors or employees of Hikari.

Question 54

Do I have to leave a positive review?

Accepted Answer

You definitely do not have to leave a positive review. Reviews help other customers to choose an instructor by giving a fair and accurate description of customer experiences. We do hold the right to not publish reviews that violate our terms of service or we think do not accurately represent the circumstances of the lesson.

Question 55

I would like to extend my booking?

Accepted Answer

We are always delighted when guests choose to extend their bookings. You can do this by visiting your instructors profile page and booking the dates you would like to add. If your instructor has no availability you can book an alternative instructor using our booking system.

Question 56

Can I book a ski lesson for a large group, such as a corporate event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, if you are booking for a large corporate group and need multiple instructors, get in touch via our contact page. You can still pick instructors from the platform if you like, but we can also make recommendations on instructors based on your needs. We can even assign a lead instructor to help coordinate everything on the day - making sure that everything goes off seamlessly.

Question 57

How many instructors do I need for a corporate booking?

Accepted Answer

We understand with big corporate bookings it can be difficult to know how many instructors you need and how to manage the day. Get in touch via our contact page and we'll be able to advise on exactly how many instructors you need. Please note, Hikari has a maximum of six students per instructor. This keeps the lesson size manageable and ensures everyone stays safe and enjoys the day.

Question 58

Can you help plan a corporate trip beyond booking ski instructors?

Accepted Answer

Currently, you can only book instructors through Hikari. However, through our partners we can help you plan a complete trip as part of corporate booking - including transfers, accommodation and restaurant bookings. Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Question 59

I am having trouble logging into my Hikari account - what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are having issues logging into your Hikari account, please double check that you are using the correct email address and that there are no typos in either your email or password. If you continue to have issues you can reset your password. Click the 'Forgot Password' link on the sign in page. Enter the email address you use for Hikari, and you'll be emailed a link to reset your password. If you are still unable to log in please contact us via our contact page.

Question 60

How can I delete or deactivate my Hikari account?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to delete your account, please get in touch via our contact page.

Question 61

I found an error on the website - who should I contact?

Accepted Answer

If you spot an error or ambiguity on hikariski.com or you have a suggestion on how we can improve, please get in touch via our contact page.

Question 62

Are there penalties for misuse of the platform?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have carefully installed software to track any misuse of the Hikari platform. Any user found to be a persistent offender will be suspended from using the system.

Question 63

How can I stop getting emails from Hikari?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to stop receiving emails from Hikari you can find the unsubscribe button at the bottom of all our emails. You can choose to unsubscribe to select emails or all of them. Please note unsubscribing from all emails will mean you will no longer be able to receive emails about your lesson booking.

Question 64

I have a complaint about my instructor - what can I do?

Accepted Answer

We take complaints extremely seriously. We investigate all complaints made and if we find instructors to have broken any of our terms or code of conduct we will suspend their accounts or remove them completely from the platform. If you do have a complaint about an instructor - please get in touch using our contact page and we will get back in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Hikari

Why you can book with confidence with Hikari

What a lesson includes

Lesson types and guiding

How to pick the right instructor or guide for me?

How to pick the right instructor for my family and children

How to make a booking on Hikari

I need to cancel my booking or my booking was cancelled

Before your lesson

How will your lesson go on the day

After my lesson

Corporate Bookings

Website Troubleshooting

Complaints