Premium Private

Elevate your Niseko experience with our Premium Private – a bespoke day tailored to your goals, on and off the snow, taught by our most qualified instructors who have completed the highest levels of certification in the industry, and have years of experience in the Niseko area.

Our team are specialists in a variety of snowsports disciplines and lessons are available in multiple languages.

Your Premium Private experience begins when your instructor picks you up from your accommodation in a private vehicle. You will then enjoy up to 6 hours on snow with an additional 1 hour included for lunch and up to 2 hours to enjoy your selected premium service.

Check out the services you can choose from below!

Benefits:
  • Guaranteed ISIA Level or equivalent certified instructor with local expertise.
  • Access our priority rental experience
  • 6-hrs lesson (plus a 60-minute lunch break).
  • Your choice of a premium experience, for an additional 2 hours.
  • Private transport with pick-up and drop-off.

All Premium Private guests have access to a priority rental experience in our Rhythm Hirafu store when also renting gear with us!

Pick one premium service to include in your day...

Day Trip Explorer

Options to explore resorts outside of the Niseko area and visit Rusutsu, Kiroro or Moiwa Resort. 

Onsen Experience

Choose from a selection of natural onsen in our area.

Video Analysis Session

Your coach will film you shredding and provide a detailed report on your riding and key development areas!

Off-Snow Experiences

Looking for the perfect souvenir? You also can utilise your 2-hour premium experience time for essential off-snow activities.

FLEXIBLE LOCATION

FAMILY FRIENDLY

PRIVATE TRANSPORT

UP TO 6 GUESTS

From 140,000JPY

This could be you...

MEET THE TEAM

Joey Orme

Level 4 Snowboard, Level 1 Ski, APSI Trainer/Examiner

Juan Tignanelli

Fully certified Ski Instructor – Level 3 (AADIDESS)

Petra Byskov

CSIA level a1 & 2 and APSI level 3 Alpine

Jack Macauley

Level 3 APSI Alpine

Juan Cruz García Barros

AADIDESS Level 2, AIARE Avalanche level 2, Wilderness First Responder 80 hours

Damien James

APSI 4 Snowboard Instructor, APSI 2 Alpine, APSI Adaptive, Snowboard trainer/examiner, Race and Freestyle coach

Víctor Arroyo

Fully certified snowboard. Ski level 1. Mountain guide level 1

Luka Dasovic

Fully Certified Snowboard Instructor (ZUTS level 3) Snowboard Trainer/Examiner

Stefan Boers

Level 3 Landesleher Snowboard Instructor, NZ Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (level 5) Wilderness First Responder (80hour) Snowboard Coach,

Josh Burrough

APSI Level 4 Instructor, APSI Level 3 Trainer/Examiner

Connor McDermott

APSI Level 3 Alpine

John Lusk

Level 3 APSI Alpine, level 1 APSI Snowboard, AST Avalanche 2

Bode Townend

Level 3 APSI

DELETE

lvl 3 ski, lvl 2 snow.

Daniel Casagna

Snowboard Full Cert Chile, Freerider, Alpine Snowboarding Coach

Harri Iliffe

Level 3 Alpine APSI, Level 1 Adaptive CADS

Fermin Pagani

lvl 3 ski, lvl 2 snow.

Quentin MacMillan

CSIA 3, CASI 1, Ski Park 1

Who are premium privates for?

Our premium privates are available for skiers or boarders of any age or ability level with up to 6 guests per instructor. For private lessons with children 6 years and under please enquire for options

Our premium services offer a range of options to elevate your experience so your day doesn’t stop with your on-snow experience. There is a range of options you can choose from & if booking more than one day our team can customise an itinerary to suit your goals

The Priority Rental Experience is a service available to those who have booked a Premium Private with Rhythm Rides and gear rental at our Rhythm Hirafu store only.

This service includes access to a dedicated fitting queue and early rental pick-up. As a Premium Private and Rhythm rental customer you can choose to either:

  • Visit our Rhythm Hirafu store the day before your rental booking begins using our complimentary shuttle service or self-transfer to get fitted with your rentals from 1pm onwards. When you first arrive check-in with the Rhythm Rides team next to the entrance on the upper floor. They will then escort you to our dedicated rental lane. 

OR

  • When your instructor picks you up from your accommodation on the morning of your Premium Private they can immediately drive you to our store for your rental fitting in our dedicated rental lane. This service is available from 8 am. Please note, when getting your rentals fitted on the morning of your lesson this will count as part of the two hours of off-mountain experience time.

We recommend collecting your rentals the day before your Premium Private lessons begin to ensure you make the most of your on- and off-mountain time on the day!

 

Included in your Premium Services

  • Pick up and drop off to and from your accommodation by your instructor
  • Our Priority Rental Experience when also booking Rhythm rentals
  • 9-hours total experience including;
  • 6 hours of on-snow tuition
  • 1 hour lunch break
  • 2 hours of additional premium service experience of your choice

Excluded from your Premium Services

  • Lift passes
  • Rentals
  • Food and beverage purchases
  • Onsen entry

Our premium privates are a fully-tailored experience that opens up a range of opportunities for your trip. 

Compared to a Niseko Private, your Premium Private also includes an extended lunch, pick-up and drop off and your choice of one of the following:

  • Day Trip Explorer
  • Onsen Experience
  • Video Analysis Session
  • Off Snow Services

Your premium private includes a private vehicle and this opens up a range of resorts you can visit including any of the Niseko United resorts, Moiwa, Rusustu, Kiroro, Teine or Kokusai and other hidden gems in our region. You can check out our resort guide here

Yes, you can check out our team here; and request in the comments section the Pro you would like. Please note that requests for specific instructors are not guaranteed; however, we will let you know at the time of booking if we can accommodate your request.

 

The ISIA is an independent body that reviews & regulates minimum standards for each association’s top level of certification. By having an ISIA-level instructor it means your pro has completed the top level of training & certification from their association. In your Premium Private, we commit to providing you with an instructor who has completed this certification, with a breadth of experience. Your pro will also possess a deep knowledge of Niseko and is passionate about sharing the best local spots with you.

Multi ResortIcon

Terrain Guide

Our Niseko Area Terrain Guide includes an overview of the local resorts and an introduction to the backcountry areas accessible via the resort's gate system.

Snow Safety

Snow safety

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.

Your Ability

Your ability

Our ability chart describes your skiing or snowboarding ability and allows us to better plan an epic experience catered to your goals.

Got Your Instructor - NOW MAke It A PACKAGE!

Bundle your lesson with accommodation, lift passes, gear, and more with our Trips packages!

LOOKING FOR RENTAL GEAR?

Leave those heavy board bags at home and bundle your lessons & guiding with the latest rental gear.

Travel light, and ride the best, for less!

Joey Orme

Position: Snowsports Trainer
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Snowsports Qualifications: Level 4 Snowboard, Level 1 Ski, APSI Trainer/Examiner
Experience & Skills: I grew up surfing and bodyboarding at the beach, and in my twenties, I transitioned to the snow. I’ve been teaching snowboarding for the past 9 years, and I’m comfortable teaching all ages and skill levels. Whether you want to stop, turn, jump, ride black runs, powder, or tree runs—I’ve got you covered!
Winter Seasons: 12
Seasons in Niseko: 3
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Oakley goggles. Being able to see clearly in all conditions makes a huge difference! Hot tip for surfers and skaters: Put more weight on your front foot than you think you need when turning—trust me!
Riding Style/Passion: My riding style is very surfy, cruisey, and relaxed. I’m passionate about helping people feel confident and comfortable in their riding. When you’re confident and relaxed, you have more fun!
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Helping people reach their snowboarding goals—whether it’s learning to turn, mastering tricks, tree runs, or powder riding. Seeing them feel the same joy I do on the snowboard is unreal!
Fun Fact: I represented Australia at the ISA World Games for Bodyboarding in 2011.
Languages: English

Juan Tignanelli

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Bariloche, Argentina
Snowsports Qualifications: Fully Certified Ski Instructor – Level 3 (AADIDESS)
Experience & Skills:
I’ve been a ski instructor for over 10 years, working in both the southern and northern hemispheres. I’ve gained extensive experience teaching a wide variety of people and skiing on different types of mountains. This has helped me become a multifaceted instructor with a positive, open-minded approach to teaching.
Winter Seasons: 20+
Seasons in Niseko: 5
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Nordica skis—great for both on and off-piste. Hot tip: Go with the flow on the snow, don’t fight the mountain—just have fun!
Riding Style/Passion: I push my limits while keeping safety and technique in mind, and I love enjoying every aspect of the mountain.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Sharing my passion for snow and helping others enjoy it brings me joy. Whether it’s beginners or advanced skiers, joy and practice are the keys to success.
Fun Fact: Skiing is my favorite thing, but eating is a close second—and I’m really good at it!
Languages: English, Spanish

Petra Byskov

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Ringkøbing, Denmark
Snowsports Qualifications: CSIA Level 1 & 2, APSI Level 3 Alpine
Experience & Skills:
I can carve down the mountain without an edge wedgie!
Winter Seasons: 7
Seasons in Niseko: 1
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Mittens > gloves
Riding Style/Passion: I’m passionate about carving groomers, exploring new terrain, and skiing powdery tree runs.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: I love helping people gain confidence on the slopes and watching their skills and excitement grow.
Fun Fact: When I’m not skiing, I drive tractors!
Languages: Danish, English, German

Jack Macauley

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Birmingham, England
Snowsports Qualifications: Level 3 APSI Alpine
Experience & Skills:
I’ve been teaching skiing for 10 years across Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe, working with all ages and abilities. I have park and freeride coaching experience and some guiding experience.
Winter Seasons: 11
Seasons in Niseko: 1
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Pocket snacks are the key to success!
Riding Style/Passion: I’m inspired by many different riding styles—from fat carves to jibbing—and I bring all of that together in my skiing.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: I love being on the mountain with new people and showing them a great time. It’s all about creating memorable experiences.
Fun Fact: Before I was a skier, I was a breakdancer.
Languages: English

Juan Cruz García Barros

Position: Guide
From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Snowsports Qualifications: AADIDESS Level 2, AIARE Avalanche Level 2, Wilderness First Responder
Experience & Skills:
I’m passionate about ski touring and off-piste skiing, and I spend most of my free time doing just that.
Winter Seasons: 20 (including the US, Argentina, and Japan)
Seasons in Niseko: 6 (plus 2 in Echigo Yuzawa, Japan)
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Always carry a small piece of wax and a scraper when ski touring, especially in the spring.
Riding Style/Passion: I enjoy riding fast downhill, jumping off natural features (as long as the landing is powdery!).
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Helping people discover new places and feelings, providing them with the tools to improve, and sharing the joy of skiing.
Fun Fact: Ice skating scares me.
Languages: Spanish, English, French, Japanese

Damien James

Position: Snowsports Trainer
From: Sydney, Australia
Snowsports Qualifications: APSI 4 Snowboard Instructor, APSI 2 Alpine, APSI Adaptive, Snowboard Trainer/Examiner, Race and Freestyle Coach
Experience & Skills:
I have 21 seasons of teaching and coaching in Australia, Japan, and Canada, with a background in race, freestyle, and technical snowboarding. I’m passionate about freeriding and have also developed skiing and telemarking skills.
Winter Seasons: 21
Seasons in Niseko: 5
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: The snowboard is built to turn—guide the board rather than forcing it. You can’t beat a traditional cambered board.
Riding Style/Passion: I love the weightless sensation as the board releases from one turn to the next, especially in Niseko powder. I seek out that effortless arc.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: There’s nothing like the lightbulb moment when a skill clicks for someone. That look on their face is priceless.
Fun Fact: I used to play the trumpet in a symphonic orchestra.
Languages: English

Víctor Arroyo

Position: Snowboard Instructor
From: Spain
Snowsports Qualifications: Fully Certified Snowboard Instructor, Ski Level 1, Mountain Guide Level 1
Experience & Skills:
I’ve worked over 25 winters as a snowboard and ski instructor and as a guide, including 9 years as a snowboard instructor trainer and a boardercross trainer.
Winter Seasons: 25+
Seasons in Niseko: 6
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: My flexible water bladder keeps me hydrated without needing to stop. I always carry a small multitool that’s been with me since my first season—it’s essential!
Riding Style/Passion: My style resembles surfing, especially in the incredible Japow. I’m a technique enthusiast, and carving without sliding might be my signature move.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: I love helping people evolve in their skills and showing them how amazing it feels to play with the forces of nature on every turn.
Fun Fact: I’m an easygoing person, always joking around. When I’m with kids, I’m just a taller version of them!
Languages: English, Spanish

Luka Dasovic

Position: Snowboard Instructor
From: Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Snowsports Qualifications: Fully Certified Snowboard Instructor (ZUTS Level 3), Snowboard Trainer/Examiner
Experience & Skills:
I’ve been snowboarding and instructing for over 30 years and have spent 48 years on snow. I’m an educator, mentor, coach, and guide.
Winter Seasons: 30+
Seasons in Niseko: 7
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Warm mittens are a must!
Riding Style/Passion: Everything with style—it’s a magical journey.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: I find joy in the small, simple things and love sharing that joy with others.
Fun Fact: I can speak six languages and know a bit of Indonesian.
Languages: Slovene, Croatian, English, Russian, Italian, basic German, a bit of Indonesian

Stefan Boers

Position: Guide
From: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Snowsports Qualifications: Level 3 Landesleher Snowboard Instructor, NZ Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5), Wilderness First Responder
Experience & Skills:
I started my career at 16 as an instructor and have since shifted to backcountry guiding. I still love teaching and coaching.
Winter Seasons: 20+
Seasons in Niseko: 9
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Korua Shapes and Island Snowboards (handmade in Niseko) are my favorite snowboard brands. Oyuki is my favorite outerwear brand.
Riding Style/Passion: I bring my surfing style into snowboarding. I love spending long days in the backcountry, searching for untouched lines and features to snow surf.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Sharing my passion for the mountains and showing others what excites me every day is the best job in the world.
Fun Fact: Growing up two meters below sea level in the Netherlands, I spent my childhood far from the mountains!
Languages: English, German, Dutch

Josh Burrough

Position: Snowboard Instructor
From: Sydney, Australia
Snowsports Qualifications: APSI Level 4 Instructor, APSI Level 3 Trainer/Examiner
Experience & Skills:
I’ve been an APSI snowboard instructor trainer/examiner for 4 years and have 3 seasons as a fully certified Level 4 instructor. I’ve also coached snowboard cross athletes.
Winter Seasons: 15
Seasons in Niseko: 3
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Wax your board to go faster!
Riding Style/Passion: I’ve developed efficient and fun ways to ride, making the most of each day. Japan’s snow allows for a free-flowing style, perfect for jumping off features.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: I’m passionate about helping people get the most out of their snowboarding, whether it’s improving technique, riding powder, or learning new tricks.
Fun Fact: I run a mechanic business in the off-season, and people often call me “Chipposs.”
Languages: English

Connor McDermott

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Sydney, Australia
Snowsports Qualifications: APSI Level 3 Alpine
Experience & Skills:
I have 5 seasons of experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, which helps me create fun and engaging ski lessons for all ages. I specialize in teaching and coaching children aged 3–16.
Winter Seasons: 5
Seasons in Niseko: 1
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Skiing is a lifelong pursuit—enjoy the process of learning and celebrate even the smallest new skills!
Riding Style/Passion: I just love having fun, whether it’s learning a new trick or cruising to the best lunch spot on the hill!
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Seeing smiles when people discover new skills or techniques that make them ski better is the best part of my job.
Fun Fact: I have Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and Commerce.
Languages: English

John Lusk

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Byron Bay, Australia
Snowsports Qualifications: Level 3 APSI Alpine, Level 1 APSI Snowboard, AST Avalanche 2
Experience & Skills:
I have 23 seasons of experience as a ski instructor, including 8 seasons in Japan. I specialize in improving clients’ skiing simply and methodically, building their confidence in powder snow and familiarizing them with Niseko’s terrain.
Winter Seasons: 23
Seasons in Niseko: 8
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Boot warmers are essential. Hot tip: Have fun!
Riding Style/Passion: My style combines European riding techniques with Australian training. I love helping clients find their flow, fluidity, and confidence.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Meeting new people, getting to know them, and helping them improve their skiing brings me joy.
Fun Fact: I’m English but now live in Australia.
Languages: English, a little French

Bode Townend

Position: Ski Instructor

From: Jindabyne, Australia

Snowsports Qualifications: APSI Level 3

Experience & Skills: Experienced in ski racing and race training. Also experienced in freestyle skiing and teaching.

Winter Seasons: 4

Seasons In Niseko: 1 

Favourite Gear or Other Hot Tips: I love twin tip skis so I can ski backwards and my hot tip is to wake up early for fresh powder laps every morning! 

Riding Style/Passion: Style and fun. I’m passionate about people learning to love the sport of skiing and exploring their own way of skiing. I’m also passionate about learning new tricks in the terrain park.

What I Love About Teaching: I love watching people become addicted like I am myself and them learning the mountain and where to explore when not with me.

Fun Fact: Both my parents were ski instructors all around the world, traveling to places like America and Europe and especially Australia!

Language: English

Juan Tignanelli

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Bariloche, Argentina
Snowsports Qualifications: Fully Certified Ski Instructor – Level 3 (AADIDESS)
Experience & Skills:
I’ve been a ski instructor for over 10 years, working in both the southern and northern hemispheres. I’ve gained extensive experience teaching a wide variety of people and skiing on different types of mountains. This has helped me become a multifaceted instructor with a positive, open-minded approach to teaching.
Winter Seasons: 20+
Seasons in Niseko: 5
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Nordica skis—great for both on and off-piste. Hot tip: Go with the flow on the snow, don’t fight the mountain—just have fun!
Riding Style/Passion: I push my limits while keeping safety and technique in mind, and I love enjoying every aspect of the mountain.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: Sharing my passion for snow and helping others enjoy it brings me joy. Whether it’s beginners or advanced skiers, joy and practice are the keys to success.
Fun Fact: Skiing is my favorite thing, but eating is a close second—and I’m really good at it!
Languages: English, Spanish

 

 

 

 

Daniel Casanga

Position: Guide

From: Chile

Snowsports Qualifications: Snowboard Full Cert Chile, Freerider, Alpine Snowboarding Coach

Experience & Skills: More than 20 years in the teaching in Chile, USA, Andorra.

Winter Seasons: About 40

Seasons in Niseko: 3

Favourite Gear or Other Hot Tips: Gentemstick and Kazu Kokubo Capita

Riding Style/Passion: I love riding everywhere in the mountain, off piste, backcountry, trails…

What I Love About Teaching: When you see progression in someone, it makes so me happy. When I’m guiding I love to educate people in the mountain, keeping them safe, and showing bunch of different terrain. 

Fun Fact: I like making jokes.

Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French(intermediate)

Harri Iliffe

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Woonona, Australia
Snowsports Qualifications: Level 3 Alpine APSI, Level 1 Adaptive CADS
Experience & Skills:
My experience ranges from the alpine regions of Australia to the Kootenay mountains in Canada and the deep ranges of Northern Hokkaido. I’ve developed a passion for freestyle and free skiing, with plenty of experience teaching in parks, off big drops, and in open powder fields. I enjoy all kinds of terrain, from wide-open groomers to challenging bumps.
Winter Seasons: 6
Seasons in Niseko: 2
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Carabiners! I always have them on my belt loops because I only have so many hands to hold my gear!
Riding Style/Passion: I’m passionate about soaking up the mountains and my riding style reflects that. I aim to have as much fun as possible!
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: My favorite part of this job is creating an environment where people enjoy the mountains as much as I do, leaving my lessons more skilled and equipped than when they started.
Fun Fact: Walking highlines or tightropes high in the sky is my idea of fun!
Languages: English

Quentin MacMillan

Position: Ski Instructor
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Snowsports Qualifications: CSIA Level 3, CASI Level 1, Ski Park Level 1
Experience & Skills:
I’ve taught for 4 seasons in BC, Canada, with experience in side-country lessons. I enjoy freestyle and freeride skiing.
Winter Seasons: 5
Seasons in Niseko: 1
Favourite Gear/Hot Tip: Clear or low-light lenses are a must in Niseko’s frequent snowfall!
Riding Style/Passion: I love the flow of freestyle and freeride skiing, and I’m very relaxed in my skiing style.
What I Love About Teaching/Guiding: My favorite part is seeing someone’s face light up when they accomplish something they’ve been working toward.
Fun Fact: I can lick my elbow!
Languages: English, French (not as fluent as I used to be, but I understand it perfectly)

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