Zao Onsen Ski Resort | Enjoy skiing amidst stunning snow monsters and powder snow
Located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Tohoku region. The vast resort boasts a diverse range of slopes and excellent snow quality, offering everything from wide, gentle slopes for beginners to challenging advanced routes for experienced skiers. Whether it is your first time on the snow or you are looking to refine your skills, you will find the perfect area for your needs.
The most iconic winter scenery in Zao is undoubtedly the world-famous 'Snow Monsters'. The unique winter climate causes the coniferous trees on the mountain to be covered in layers of ice and snow, creating spectacular snow monster formations. Taking the ropeway up the mountain allows you to not only experience the speed and thrill of skiing but also witness the silver-white world of Zao's winter, making your ski trip an unforgettable experience.
Private Chinese-speaking ski lessons | Available for both Snowboard and Ski
This course offers private Chinese-speaking ski instruction, available for both Snowboard and Ski.
Instructors will tailor the lesson content based on each student's skill level and progress. For beginners, lessons start with equipment usage, safety concepts, basic stance, and movement, gradually progressing to braking, turning, and fundamental gliding. For experienced skiers, instructors will focus on refining existing techniques to improve stability and fluidity.
By communicating and receiving guidance entirely in Chinese, you can minimize misunderstandings, making it easier to grasp key techniques and safety instructions, ensuring a worry-free experience for your first time skiing in Japan.
Private small-group lessons | Ensuring teaching quality and safety
Courses are conducted as private small-group sessions with a maximum of 4 students per class, making them perfect for friends, couples, and families.
The small-group format allows instructors to closely monitor each student's progress and flexibly adjust the lesson content based on real-time snow conditions, weather, and student performance. This ensures both learning efficiency and safety while you enjoy the thrill of skiing.
Choose between Snowboard or Ski
Whether you want to experience the cool style of a Snowboard or the classic feel of Ski, you can choose your course based on your interests and skill level.
Beginners will start with equipment usage, safety concepts, and basic movements, then gradually practice moving, braking, turning, and gliding techniques based on their actual progress. For experienced students, instructors will provide personalized adjustments to help refine their technique.
Half-day course | 3 hours
If you are trying skiing for the first time or want to save half the day for free skiing or sightseeing, you can choose the 3-hour half-day course.
Morning Session 09:00–12:00 | Ski Lesson
Afternoon Session 13:30–16:30 | Ski Lesson
Both morning and afternoon sessions are available, allowing you to flexibly arrange them according to your travel itinerary.
Full-day course | 5 hours
If you want more practice time and wish to build a more comprehensive foundation in a single day, we recommend the 5-hour full-day course.
09:30–12:00 | Morning Ski Lesson
12:00–13:30 | Lunch and Break
13:30–16:00 | Afternoon Ski Lesson
After the morning's foundational learning and practice, the instructor will further adjust techniques and arrange practice content in the afternoon based on the student's mastery, ensuring a more complete learning experience.
More than just skiing, a complete Zao winter experience
After a day of skiing, you can experience the historic Zao Onsen. Enjoying the slopes in the silver-white mountains during the day and relaxing your tired body in the hot springs of the Onsen street in the evening is one of the most classic ways to enjoy a winter trip to Zao.
Whether it is your first time skiing, you are traveling with family and friends, or you are looking to refine your skills, you can experience the charm of Zao's snowy mountains under the guidance of a professional Chinese-speaking instructor.
This winter, come to Zao and create your own Japanese ski memories amidst the dreamlike snow monsters and silver-white landscapes!