Are you thinking, “This winter, I really want to try snowboarding!” but then hesitate because:
“I don’t have anyone to go with…”
“Isn’t it dangerous for a beginner to snowboard alone?”
“Wouldn’t it be awkward to join a snowboard school by myself?”
If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way.
In fact, as instructors, we often hear comments like, “I was nervous at first because I came alone.” But the truth is, plenty of people come to snowboard on their own, and many beginners take lessons solo.
In this article, a certified A-level instructor explains how common it is to join lessons alone, the reasons people do it, and the many benefits for beginners who take private snowboard lessons.
- Lots of People Join Snowboard Lessons Alone!
- Why Do Beginners Take Snowboard Lessons Alone?
- Why Private Lessons Are Best for Beginners Going Solo
- Key Benefits of Taking a Private Lesson Alone
- What Do Beginner Lessons Cover?
- Beginner Q&A: Common Questions About Snowboard Schools
- Conclusion: Solo Lessons Can Be More Fun Than You Think!
Lots of People Join Snowboard Lessons Alone!
You might worry, “It’ll be embarrassing to join a lesson by myself,” or “What if everyone else is with friends?” But the reality is that many students sign up alone—almost half of them, in fact!
Some even choose private one-on-one lessons specifically because they want to focus and learn faster. So there’s no need to hesitate just because you’re on your own.
Why Do Beginners Take Snowboard Lessons Alone?
1. They Simply Came to the Resort Alone
Maybe their friends don’t snowboard, or schedules didn’t line up. Many people head to the slopes alone, often with the goal of taking a lesson.
I do this myself quite often—I actually enjoy going solo!
2. Different Skill Levels in Their Group
Sometimes people come with friends or family, but the skill levels are too far apart. If your companions are already riding lifts and cruising advanced slopes while you’re trying snowboarding for the first time, it’s tough to enjoy together. Taking a lesson helps bridge that gap.
I once taught someone who joined a full-day lesson for this reason. By the end of the day, they improved so much that even their friends decided to take a lesson the next day!
3. They Want to Secretly Improve
Some people want to surprise their friends—or even their partner—by suddenly riding much better. I once taught a student who said, “I’m going snowboarding with my girlfriend soon, and I don’t want to look bad!”
Why Private Lessons Are Best for Beginners Going Solo
By now, you can see that taking lessons alone is totally normal. But if you’re a beginner, I strongly recommend choosing a private lesson rather than a group one.
Group lessons are more affordable, but you share the instructor’s time with several other students. You’ll spend time waiting, often standing in the cold, and the pace is set to the slowest learner.
Private lessons cost more, but you’ll have the instructor’s full attention, no waiting around, and the lesson is customized to your needs. You’ll progress much faster and get to focus on exactly what you want to practice.
Key Benefits of Taking a Private Lesson Alone
1. Reduced Risk of Injury
With the instructor focusing entirely on you, they can ensure your safety more closely. In a big group, even the most attentive instructor can’t watch everyone at once.
2. Faster Progress
Time and again, I’ve seen private students progress incredibly quickly. Some arrive not even knowing how to strap into their board, but by the end of a single day, they’re linking smooth turns.
3. Overcoming the Fear of Lifts
Many beginners are most anxious about riding lifts—especially getting off. In private lessons, the instructor can guide and support you directly, so you gain confidence step by step.
4. Ask Anything You Want
Private lessons also give you the chance to ask all your questions, from gear to technique:
“Which board is right for me?”
“Are my bindings set up correctly?”
“Do I need my own boots yet?”
In a group, it’s hard to monopolize the instructor’s time. In private, you’re free to ask away.
What Do Beginner Lessons Cover?
If you’ve never taken a snowboard lesson, you might wonder what’s actually taught. Here’s a typical progression for beginners:
Gear check
Warm-up
How to fall safely
One-foot exercises
Side-slipping
Riding the lift
Falling leaf (heel side)
Falling leaf (toe side)
Turn practice (including J-turns)
Depending on the day, you may not get all the way to turns, but with a full-day private lesson, many students manage to ride from the top of the lift to the bottom on their own.
Beginner Q&A: Common Questions About Snowboard Schools
Q. Can I sign up on the day of my visit?
Some schools accept same-day bookings, but private lessons often require advance reservations. It’s best to book as soon as your trip is set.
Q. Do I need to buy my own lift ticket?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the lesson format. Always check with your instructor in advance to avoid buying the wrong ticket.
Q. What if I don’t have my own gear?
No problem—just rent. But during busy holiday periods, rental shops can run out of equipment, so it’s smart to reserve in advance along with your lesson.
Conclusion: Solo Lessons Can Be More Fun Than You Think!
Hopefully, your worries about taking lessons alone have faded. If you want to improve quickly and learn the right basics, lessons are the way to go—and private lessons in particular will accelerate your progress.
You’ll improve faster, have more one-on-one interaction with the instructor, and actually enjoy the experience even more.
If you have questions about beginner lessons, practice methods, or snowboarding gear, feel free to reach out.
We at Samurai Snow Concierge, based in Rusutsu, Hokkaido, are certified A-level instructors specializing in private ski and snowboard lessons. Beginners are always welcome—we’d love to help you make your first steps on the snow both safe and fun!
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