Niseko Winterlab

Ski and Snowboard Instruction and Guiding

482-2 Niseko, Niseko-cho Abuta-gun Japan

+81 90 2054 1586

Established in 2009, Niseko Winterlab is Annupuri's English-speaking Ski and Snowboard School.  We now cover the entire Niseko United area, offering expert instruction in Annupuri and Hirafu, as well as backcountry guiding and tours of more remote powder spots.  Our experienced instructors are all internationally-certified and our guides are Canadian Avalanche Association accredited. We pride ourselves on safety, personal focus and attention.

Our mission is simple: to share the best of our sport and the area we know and love with our valued guests.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy: Bookings may only be cancelled and refunded up to 30 days prior to scheduled lessons / guiding sessions, less any payment processing / agent fees incurred by Niseko Winterlab. Rescheduling (subject to availability) is permitted provided notice is given prior to 6:00pm (Japanese standard time) the day before your booking. We recommend travel insurance incorporating snow travel to cover for cancellations due to medical reasons. Cancellations during Xmas/New Years Holiday 12/21 -1/5 and Chinese New Years  cannot be refunded but can be rescheduled subject to availability.

Late Start Policy: Please be on time for your lesson/guiding appointment. Bookings cannot go beyond the scheduled finishing time. Non-arrival 30 minutes after scheduled starting time is considered a no-show, and is not refundable.

Lift Closure Policy: In the event of full lift closure (0 lifts running) in the resort where your lesson is booked, due to inclement weather, Niseko Winterlab will happily reschedule lessons, subject to availability. Where rescheduling (due to lift closure) is not possible we will offer a fully transferable credit where the value (yen) of bookings can be used later in the season, or in future seasons, for our products. We also recommend travel insurance that incorporates snow travel and lift closures.

Guided Tours:  Safety is our priority. We operate tours to the best terrain available, subject to constantly changing conditions.

All guests taking guided tours departing ski resort boundaries must carry and have the ability to use safety equipment. We will offer a safety briefing to help guests familiarise themselves with backcountry safety equipment, but this is no substitute for an avalanche safety course.

Safety equipment consists of at least an avalanche transceiver, lightweight shovel and probe. Not carrying safety gear will reduce terrain options to the best inbounds off-piste areas during your guiding session. Niseko Winterlab may be able to arrange avalanche safety equipment rental, subject to prior bookings. Tours indicate access to terrain and features, but there are no guarantees of specific access as this is subject to lift access, safety assessment and daily regulations provided by our guides and http://niseko.nadare.info/ Our guided tours originating from the Niseko area comply with the Niseko Rules http://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/rules/index.html Refunds are not applicable if our guides deem a specific area unsafe for whatever reason.

In the event of closure of all of Niseko's high backcountry access (gates 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), we will suggest alternative arrangements. This may consist of a tour to Rusutsu or Kiroro on the same day if weather conditions there are more favourable, or tours may be rescheduled. Where rescheduling is not possible due to available times fitting in with customers' itineraries, we will offer a fully transferable credit where the value (yen) of bookings can be used later in the season, or in future seasons, for our products.