Niseko Ski & Snowboard Lessons, Guiding & Touring

rhythm rides - elevate your mountain adventure

Rhythm Rides provides expert support on the mountain, including private lessons, guiding, kids programs, and backcountry touring. Our coaches and guides are selected for their skills, experience, and extensive knowledge of Niseko. Simply put, our team is the best in the game. Elevate your Niseko adventure by contacting Rhythm Rides today!

OUR RIDES PROGRAMS

LESSONS

Ski and snowboard lessons for all skill levels. Enjoy lessons in Niseko or a day trip to nearby resorts.

GUIDING

Explore the resort or venture into lift-accessed back country to find the best powder with our trained guides.

TOURING

Venture into the remote backcountry terrain of the Niseko area, only accessible with touring equipment.

FUTURES

Seasonal programs and camps for kids aged 6-14 designed to improve riding skills and build friendships.

TRIPS

Convenient packages include lessons & guiding, lift passes, accom, transfers, and Rhythm’s core services.

Resort Information

Niseko Hokkaido

Niseko is a mountainous region located in south-west Hokkaido, Japan’s northern most island. Its closest airport is Chitose, which is 2.5 hours away, and the nearest major city is Sapporo, which is a two-hour drive. Over recent years the area has become hugely popular, mainly because of its huge annual snowfall.

Niseko’s main ski resort is called Niseko United, which is made up of four interlinked, world class ski areas; Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Hanazono and Niseko Village. The ‘hub’ or main town centre is a quaint but burgeoning village called Hirafu.

Niseko is located in Japan’s northern most island. Its closest airport is Chitose, which is 2.5 hours away and the nearest major city is Sapporo, which is a two-hour drive. There are extensive bus, train and road links to Niseko.

Niseko receives on average 14 meters of snow, most of which comes down as light, dry powder, which is considered ideal for skiing and snowboarding. It has won the “Best Resort in Asia” award at the World Ski Awards four years in a row, but many people would argue that it is also home to the best conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the world. In the summer when the mountaintops surrounding Niseko turn green, it’s time to ditch the skis and grab a bike or a sup! Niseko is just as wondrous in summer as it is in winter! There’s no better way to explore everything Niseko’s green season has to offer than by biking, supping and hiking.

Niseko receives an average of 14 meters of snow, most of which comes down as light, dry powder, which is considered ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Mid-December through March is the snow season, with the best snow in late December, January and February.

Accomodation

Niseko has such a huge range of accommodation options, it’s sometimes hard to choose. Niseko offers four main types of accommodations; pensions, lodges, apartments, and hotels. Before choosing your accommodation, the first decision you’ll need to make is which resort you think you’ll spend the most time in. The largest accommodation is located in Hirafu, offering options to suit all budgets. To book your Niseko accommodation, you can do this through one of the following fantastic accommodation options, or simply book through one of our recommend travel partners.

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Furano Hokkaido

Furano is a powder chasers dream thanks to exceptional snow quality, an extensive resort network and vast backcountry access. Located 2 hours from Sapporo in the heart of Hokkaido, this is a must visit destination for any winter traveler.

The Furano resort is split into two separate base areas, the Kitanomine and Furano zones. Both zones operate under the Furano lift ticket and intermediate skiers can ski between zones (weather permitting), however we recommend booking accommodation on the zone that best suits you.

The Kitanomine base area is extremely close to town facilities and nearby services include our store, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, train station and entertainment. In contrast the Furano base hosts larger accommodations that excel at providing all inclusive experiences.

Both the Kitanomine and Furano zones feature trails that cater to all ability levels, and on a powder day you will not be disappointed, no matter what side you wake up on!

Each winter Furano receives masses of light, dry powder, but what sets Furano apart is extremely cold temperatures that allow the fresh snow to stay light and dry even days after a storm. Combine this with an extensive resort network that features 23 unique trails, endless backcountry terrain and proximity to other resorts such as Kamui Ski links and Tomamu Ski Resort, it is easy to see why Furano is one of the fastest growing ski towns in Asia. With a well-rounded mix of Beginner (40%) Intermediate (40%) and Advanced (20%) terrain, Furano resort offers something for everyone.

Although early snowfalls sometimes occur, Mid-December through March is the snow season, with the best snow in late December, January and February.

Furano is located in Japan’s northern most island. Its closest airport is Chitose, which is two hours away and the nearest major city is Sapporo, which is also a two hour drive. There are extensive bus, train and road links to Furano that operate over the winter months

Accomodation

Furano has many accommodation options and we understand that sometimes it’s hard to choose! The four main types of accommodations available in Furano are; Pensions, Lodges, Apartments, and Hotels. Before choosing your accommodation, the first decision you’ll need to make is which part of the resort you would like to be based at.

To book your Furano accommodation, you can do this through one of the following fantastic accommodation options, or simply book through one of our recommend travel partners.

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Hakuba Nagano

Located in the Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba skiing offers some of the best ski and snowboard conditions in the country. The Hakuba Valley is a famous ski holiday destination situated deep in the Japanese Alps. Considered the driving force of Japan snow sports, Hakuba is home to 9 ski resorts featuring more than 135 lifts and 200 runs. The local village is surrounded by huge towering peaks and the combination of western and traditional Japanese dining make it popular with tourists. One of the closest ski resorts to Tokyo, Hakuba skiing is a popular winter activity with visitors and pro-skiers alike.

Home to some of Japan’s steepest terrain, there are 9 unique Hakuba ski fields to experience. Hakuba offers something for everyone and each day promises something new with enough slopes and terrain parks to keep beginners and experts busy. With an average season snowfall of more than 14m, Hakuba’s snow depth sits at around 2.5m.

Situated in the Nagano Prefecture, getting to Hakuba is easy, particularly for visitors arriving at the International Airport or heading out from Tokyo. Catch the Narita Express train from the airport to Tokyo Central Station then ride the Nagano Shinkansen bullet train 90 minutes to Nagano before transferring to Hakuba on one of the regular bus services.

Although the biggest attraction in Hakuba is it’s skiing, after a few days on the slopes you’ll be feeling a little sore and stiff. Skiing takes quite a physical toll on your body, so if you’re looking for some down time, there are plenty of things to see and do in Hakuba. Aside from sipping sake by the fire, nearby Hakuba attractions offering sightseeing and an insight into Japan’s unique culture and ancient history, including architectural, natural and historical attractions as well as some fun hands-on attractions.

Hakuba weather is characterised by its impressive 14m snowfall every winter. The ski season runs from the beginning of December to the end of April and offers excellent conditions for skiers and snow boarders. Sun Alpina at the southern end of the valley is home to famous Happo-One, Goryu-Toomi and Hakuba 47 while Cortina, Tsugaike, Iwatake and Norikura are situated at the northern end of the valley.

Accomodation

Hakuba accommodation typically leans towards more traditional Japanese style options compared to that of other ski destinations however western style chalets and apartments are also available and continue to be developed in the area. Most hotels feature traditional Japanese rooms and bathrooms which are much smaller compared to western standards. However rooms are clean and comfortable and are a cosy place to retire for the night after a full day skiing. If you really do prefer the style and space of western luxury you’ll need to be prepared to book early and pay accordingly as chalets and apartments are in high demand, however prices are comparable to other popular ski destinations around the world.

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Why RIDES?

Safety

Our guides are safety-minded holding up-to-date qualifications and undergoing continuous training and improvement in our local area.

Specialists

Our team have spent years learning & mastering their craft and can customise your lesson to suit your goals. No matter what your goals and interests are, we have specialists who can get you there.

Experience

Our team are selected because of their local experience and their experience in the industry. We know the best spots to take guests and cater to a large variety of goals, giving us the edge to create epic experiences.

Diversity

Our team has been hand selected from over 18 countries around the globe; we can teach in English, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Spanish, Hindi, Slovenian, Dutch and many more.