Yuzawa: Ski lesson with instructor for all levels

Summary

Find your rhythm on Yuzawa’s snowy slopes with a guide who gets it

You’ll spend a full day learning to ski or sharpening your technique in Yuzawa with an experienced local instructor. Expect patient guidance, real tips for all levels, and small moments like sharing tea on the slopes — plus that feeling when you finally nail a turn you thought you couldn’t.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous before my ski lesson in Yuzawa. Something about standing at the base of those mountains, watching locals glide past like it’s nothing, made me feel both tiny and weirdly excited. Our instructor, Kenji, greeted us with this easy grin and asked if we’d ever tried “onigiri breaks” between runs (I hadn’t). The snow was softer than I expected — almost squeaky under my boots — and the air smelled sharp, like pine and something colder.

We started slow. Kenji watched me fumble through my first turns and just nodded, then showed me how to shift my weight without overthinking it. He had this way of explaining things that made sense even when I felt clumsy. There were families nearby laughing in bursts, and every so often you’d hear someone shout encouragement in Japanese from further up the slope. I caught myself grinning after a decent run — not graceful, but hey, upright counts.

Lunch was quick — rice balls from Kenji’s backpack (he insisted they taste better outside) and hot tea that steamed up my goggles. The afternoon light got kind of golden on the snow, which made everything look softer somehow. By the end of our six hours together, I wasn’t exactly flying down the mountain but I stopped dreading each turn. Kenji high-fived me at the bottom and said next time we’d try a steeper run. Maybe he believed it more than I did — but that stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full Day Ski Lesson in Yuzawa

• Ski lesson with experienced instructor

Top questions

How long is the ski lesson in Yuzawa?

The lesson lasts 6 hours total.

Is this ski lesson suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all skill levels including first-timers.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

It’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Is lunch included during the ski lesson?

No lunch is provided; bring your own snacks or buy food nearby.

Who will be teaching the ski lesson?

An experienced international instructor will guide you throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes six hours on the snow with an experienced instructor who adapts to your level—whether you’re brand new or already confident—and plenty of chances to ask questions or take breaks as needed.