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GALA Yuzawa Offical School

International
Ski & Snowboard Lesson

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“ Travel straight from Tokyo by Shinkansen to the resort—the world’s only ski resort with its own bullet train station. Carve through diverse terrain while taking in sweeping views of the Tanigawa peaks.

Enjoy every moment with SORA—a stress-free, warmly guided experience tailored just for you.”

GALA Yuzawa

WHY SORA?

As the official international snow school at GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, SORA combines professional instruction with the convenience of one of Japan’s most accessible ski destinations. From your first turns to your next level of progression, our team is here to make every lesson smooth, safe, and enjoyable from start to finish.

Official International School

Backed by GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

As the resort’s official international school, we provide top-tier safety, dedicated facility access, and a premium teaching experience for a smooth, worry-free time on the slopes.

Exclusive Slope Privileges

Priority Lift Access & Dedicated School Zone

Skip long lift lines with our official priority access, maximizing your time on the snow. Learn comfortably away from the crowds in our dedicated beginner teaching zone.

Trilingual Instruction

English/Thai/Chinese

Certified Instructors

Globally Recognized Qualifications

Family & Kid-Friendly

Fun & Safe Learning

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

Just 77 minutes from Tokyo, GALA Yuzawa is Japan’s most accessible snow destination, offering exceptional snow quality and seamless mountain convenience.

  • Direct Shinkansen Access: Step straight from the bullet train station directly into the resort base.
  • Versatile Terrain: Features 19 varied runs for all skill levels, including a scenic 2.5 km downhill course and pass-connects to neighboring resorts.
  • All-In-One Facilities: Fully equipped with rentals, dining, a relaxing hot spring (Onsen), and the exclusive GRAVITY YUZAWA outdoor store.

GALA Yuzawa
Lesson Details

Duration & Prices

6 hrs Premium Lesson

  • Zero-Prep Base Meetup: Meet right at the SORA Counter (Cowabunga 2F) outside the Shinkansen exit. No prior prep needed—your instructor assists with rentals, lift passes, lockers, and the gondola ride.
  • Tailored Schedule: 6 hours of private instruction plus a 1-hour lunch break (total 7 hours on-site).
  • Full Beginner Support: Enjoy a completely stress-free day with dedicated all-day instructor guidance. Just bring a great mood, and we will take care of the rest!

¥120,000

5 hrs Full-Day Lesson

  • Meeting Point: Cheers Ski Center (Mountain-Top) to maximize snow time.
  • Schedule: Morning start (5 hrs instructing + 1-hr lunch break; 6 hrs total).
  • Best For: Fast-tracking skills and exploring the full mountain.

¥95,000

3 hrs Half-Day Lesson

  • Meeting Point: Cheers Ski Center (Mountain-Top).
  • Schedule: Morning or afternoon start (3 continuous hours).
  • Best For: Efficient skill tune-ups or relaxed family learning.

¥65,000

2 hrs Half-Day Lesson

  • Meeting Point: Cheers Ski Center (Mountain-Top).
  • Schedule: Morning or afternoon start (2 continuous hours).
  • Best For: Absolute beginners or kids trying snowsports for the first time.

¥50,000

Group Lesson

2.5 hrs Half-Day Group Lesson

  • On-Site Booking Only: Register at SORA Counter (Cowabunga 2F) outside the Shinkansen exit. First-come, first-served (no online booking).
  • Meeting Point: Meet at Cheers Ski Center (Mountain-Top) with gear ready before lesson time.
  • First-Timer Level Only: Strictly designed for Level 1 complete beginners (ski or snowboard).
  • Capacity & Age: 2–6 participants per class. Ages 11 and above only.

¥20,000

Book a lesson

Lesson Policies

- Fee Inclusions & Exclusions

Lesson fees cover certified professional instruction only. Lift tickets, equipment rentals, meals, accommodation, and transportation are not included and must be arranged separately prior to your lesson start time.

- Insurance Notice

Lesson fees include basic accident and liability insurance strictly during lesson hours only. As this coverage is limited, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive overseas travel and winter sports insurance prior to their trip to ensure full protection.

- Lesson Start Time & Meeting Info

Exact lesson start times are currently being finalized and will be announced before the season begins. Detailed meeting times and locations will also be provided in your booking confirmation prior to your lesson date.

Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled meeting time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated with make-up time, and lessons will end as scheduled.

- Children's Lessons (Ages 4–10)

For safety and focused instruction, we only offer one-on-one lessons for children aged 4 to 10 with a dedicated ski or snowboard instructor.
Any duration can be chosen. Break time will be arranged flexibly depending on the child's needs.

- Different Language Lesson

We offer lessons in Chinese, English, and Thai. The number of ski/snowboard instructors for each language is limited, so lessons will be arranged based on instructor availability. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred language.

- Group Size

Our private lesson rates are charged on a flat-rate basis per lesson (not per person), accommodating up to 4 participants per group at no additional charge.

- Session Continuity Policy

All booked hours for a lesson must be completed in one continuous session on the same day. Lessons cannot be split, divided across multiple time slots, or transferred to different dates.

- On-Site Extensions & Plan Upgrades

Subject to instructor schedule and availability, lesson extensions or plan upgrades can be requested on-site via either option:

  • ¥15,000 / hour, or
  • Paying the applicable rate difference

Resort Guide & Meeting Point

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is directly connected to the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train station, making it the most accessible alpine destination from Tokyo.

Operation Period: Mid December – Early May

Please check the designated meeting points below based on your booked lesson program.

Top Area
Cheers Ski Center (Mountain-Top)

Applies to: Standard Private Lessons (2-hr / 3-hr / 5-hr) & Walk-in Group Lessons

Default Location: At the main exit inside Cheers Ski Center (Gondola Mountain-Top Station).

Why Here: To maximize your actual lesson time on the snow without wasting valuable class time riding the gondola up.

Flexible Option: If you have special requirements or need assistance before heading up, meeting at the base center can be arranged upon request.

Base Area
Cowabunga Ski Center 2F (Mountain-Base)

Applies to: Premium Lessons

Meeting Point: SORA counter (Cowabunga 2F)

Arriving by Shinkansen: Directly opposite the 2F Shinkansen ticket gates inside Cowabunga Ski Center—you will see our SORA counter right away.

Arriving by Shuttle Bus or Car: Head to 2F inside Cowabunga Ski Center, right next to the official Lift Ticket Window.

What We Offer: Full hands-on guidance with equipment rentals, lift tickets, and gondola boarding before heading up together.

FAQ

What is included in the lesson fee?

The lesson fee includes instruction by a certified ski or snowboard instructor. It does not include lift pass, equipment rental, accommodation, or transportation.

What languages are lessons offered in?

We offer ski & snowboard lessons in Thai, English, and Chinese. Please indicate your preferred language when booking.

Are lessons suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Our ski & snowboard lessons are beginner-friendly and start from the basics like putting on gear and learning the correct posture.

Does SORA offer equipment rentals?

We do not offer equipment rentals directly. However, rentals are available on-site at GALA Yuzawa Cowabunga Rental Center. We strongly recommend arriving 30–60 minutes prior to your lesson to complete rentals.

What are the operating dates for GALA Yuzawa?

GALA Yuzawa typically operates from late December to early May. Exact opening and closing dates vary each season depending on snow conditions.

How do I get to GALA Yuzawa?

You can reach GALA Yuzawa easily via two main route options:

  • Direct Shinkansen: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen directly from Tokyo Station to GALA Yuzawa Station (approx. 75 minutes), which arrives directly inside the main ski center lobby.
  • Via Echigo-Yuzawa Station: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, exit through the East Exit, and transfer to the free GALA shuttle bus directly to the resort.

(For detailed shuttle bus schedules and updates, please check the official GALA Yuzawa website.)

More Questions

Ready to Ride?

Secure your preferred dates today, or reach out to our team if you have any questions.

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