Sports tourism in Sapporo! Enjoy the thrills of snowboarding even if you’re a beginner

Sapporo’s ski areas offer a full range of lessons for beginners, and more and more international visitors are trying snowboarding for the first time right here. For this article, we will take a closer look at the lessons offered at Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort, popular for its private lessons in English. If you’re interested in trying snowboarding, definitely head here to experience the thrills of this winter sport. Beginners welcome!

Snowboarding is now a winter sport that has become a fixture on the slopes together with skiing.

Snowboarding is similar to surfing in that you have to maintain your balance using your whole body. It is now a popular sport for Sapporoites next to skiing. Unlike skiing where your body is supported with ski poles, one of the draws of snowboarding is being one with the snow, as you have to lie down along the surface of the snow to change directions and sit your bottom directly in the snow when resting. Once you get the hang of it, turns become relatively easy and you can enjoy the ride, even if you’re a beginner. The high quality, fine powder slopes of Sapporo’s ski areas mean you can really experience the floating sensation that snowboarding is known for. Don’t be shy— give snowboarding a try.

Experience the thrills of snowboarding with popular private lessons for beginners!

The private lessons offered by Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort are available in English, which have made them a popular draw among international visitors. Instructors teach the finer points of snowboarding, so you’ll certainly be able to improve your skills.

Clothing

Wear comfortable clothing.
Wear long socks to prevent blisters from your feet rubbing against the skates.
You can wear snowboarding clothing on top of your everyday pants, but wearing it over only thermal tights and thick socks will make snowboarding easier.

Reservations

Be sure to book your lesson ahead of time, as there are only a few instructors who teach in English.

Fees

One-on-one lessons: 2 hours for ¥16,800 or 4 hours for ¥21,800
Pair lessons (2 people): 2 hours for ¥20,600 or 4 hours for ¥25,600
Group lessons (instructor plus up to five others): 2 hours for ¥24,500 or 4 hours for ¥32,500
Full snowboarding gear rental: ¥5,200 (¥3,500 if reserved by 17:00 the day prior)
Snowboarding wear rental (includes hat, gloves, goggles): ¥4,200

Availability

Until May 7, 2017 (scheduled)

Lesson Times

10:30–12:30 and 13:30–15:30

Register for your lesson

Register at the B1F school registration desk of the ski center at least 30 minutes prior to the start time of your lesson, and fill out the forms for equipment rental. The sooner you arrive the better, as it takes time to get the right pair of boots and change clothes.

Check how to put on your snowboard indoors

Meet with your instructor indoors to learn how to put on and take off your boots and snowboard. Also, learn about how to properly shift your weight to turn.

After warming up, begin your lesson by skating

Do some warm up exercises and then place only your front foot in the binding to practice “skating” on the snowboard. Be sure to pay close attention and practice, as this is a skill needed to get on and off the lift.

Try and snowboard on just one leg

Head to a hill to learn how to turn and stop with only your front foot in the binding. You’ll get excited by the feeling of sliding across the snow!

Practice with both feet on the snowboard

Now place both feet in the bindings. After thoroughly practicing with one foot, it should feel easier to move with both feet attached. Continue learning how to turn, stop, and fall safely. Once you’re able to turn, it’ll be a lot more fun.

Ride the lift to the course for beginners

Depending on how well you progress, you may get to ride the lift. The instructor will teach you how to slide sideways to go down a steep slope safely, and then you’ll be able to try a longer distance. If your goal is to ride the lift, try the four hour course or the one-on-one lesson, where people tend to master snowboarding the quickest.

Meals and hot springs to enjoy after your lesson

Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort offers a restaurant, café and ramen shop, so you might have trouble deciding what to eat. Jozankei Onsen (hot spring) is close by and offers facilities that are open until night for day spa services, so head over to enjoy a warm, rejuvenating bath after your day on the slopes.

Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort

Address	Jozankei 937-banchisaki, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Telephone	011-598-4519
Access	Daiichi Kanko Bus and Jotetsu Bus: Take the bus bound for “Sapporo Kokusai Ski-jo” from Bay 17 of the Sapporo Ekimae Bus Terminal (travel time is approx. 90 minutes). Take the bus bound for “Sapporo Kokusai Ski-jo” from Bay 16 in front of Subway Makomanai Station (travel time is approx. 60 minutes).
Website	http://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/