Do you want to try snowboarding but feel uneasy starting on your own?
Maybe you’ve tried it yourself but just can’t make smooth turns.
Perhaps you’d like to improve your skills and learn from a professional instructor!
Taking a snowboard lesson is the most effective way to improve efficiently and safely. Learning the basics from a pro leads to safer and smoother skill acquisition than going solo.
Naturally, the price of lessons is a big question on everyone’s mind.
“Isn’t it expensive to take lessons?” “Are there cost-effective ways to get lessons?” These are common concerns.
This time, as active Class-A certified instructors, we will explain the differences between group lessons and private lessons, focusing on pricing structures and the best ways to take them. We will also cover the average lesson fees by region, so if you are considering whether or not to take a snowboard lesson next season, please use this as a reference.
Lesson Price Ranges
First, let’s look at the ballpark prices. Prices vary by resort and school, but here’s an approximate nationwide range:
- Group lesson: Half-day (2–3 hours) → ¥5,000–10,000
- Private lesson: Half-day (2–3 hours) → ¥20,000–40,000
For a full-day lesson (4–6 hours):
- Group → about ¥10,000–15,000
- Private → about ¥40,000–60,000
Group Lesson: Features & Benefits
- Cost-effective: Especially when attending alone, group lessons are cheaper.
- Great for meeting fellow snowboarders: You can make friends, encourage each other, and enjoy learning together.
In larger groups, individual instruction time decreases, potentially increasing wait times and cooling down your body.
Private Lesson: Features & Benefits
- Personalized, small-group or one-on-one instruction: Learn at your own pace and level.
- Faster improvement: You receive tailored advice to overcome weaknesses and refine technique.
- Safety first: Continuous instructor supervision provides peace of mind.
Though more expensive, private lessons are considered high value for the time saved and progress gained.
Shared Private Lessons: More Affordable
Private lessons are typically priced per group, not per person. Splitting with family or friends makes it much cheaper per person:
- ¥50,000 full-day private lesson:
- 1 person → ¥50,000
- 2 people → ¥25,000 each
- 4 people → ¥12,500 each
A great option if you want focused instruction but with better cost-efficiency.
Choosing Lessons by Level and Purpose
For Beginners
- Group lesson: Helpful to learn with peers of the same level, reducing anxiety. Lower cost makes it an easy entry point.
- Private lesson: Ideal for learning to ride quickly, getting on lifts worry-free, or emphasizing safety. One-on-one guidance offers foundational support and faster skill acquisition.
For Children
- Group lesson: Fun and sociable—kids can learn with others. But differences in level or age may lead to long waits or limited attention.
- Private lesson: Highly recommended for young children. Instructors provide constant supervision—from falls to lift boarding—ensuring safety. With family sharing, private lessons can be more cost-effective.
For Advanced Riders
- Group lesson: Great for styles like carving or park riding with peers, keeping costs manageable.
- Private lesson: Best for serious improvement. Instructors can analyze your technique closely and help refine form or performance. Very high cost-performance for serious skill development.
Regional Lesson Price Differences
Hokkaido
Due to high demand from international visitors and English-speaking instructors, lesson fees tend to be higher.
- Group: Half-day ¥8,000–10,000 / Full-day ¥12,000–15,000
- Private: Half-day ¥30,000–40,000 / Full-day ¥50,000–60,000
Especially at Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano, prices reflect international standards and high-quality instruction.
This is our school!! Samurai Snow Concierge⇒ School Infomation
Nagano
Ski resorts in Nagano attract both domestic and international guests, with moderately priced lessons:
- Group: Half-day ¥4,000–8,000 / Full-day ¥8,000–12,000
- Private: Half-day ¥25,000–35,000 / Full-day ¥45,000–50,000
Niigata
With easy access from Tokyo and many beginner-friendly resorts, prices remain affordable:
- Group: Half-day ¥3,000–5,000 / Full-day ¥6,000–9,000
- Private: Half-day ¥12,000–20,000 / Full-day ¥20,000–35,000
Summary Table
| Region | Lesson Type | Half-Day Price | Full-Day Price |
| Hokkaido | Group | ¥8,000–10,000 | ¥12,000–15,000 |
| Private | ¥30,000–40,000 | ¥50,000–60,000 | |
| Nagano | Group | ¥4,000–8,000 | ¥8,000–12,000 |
| Private | ¥25,000–35,000 | ¥45,000–50,000 | |
| Niigata | Group | ¥3,000–5,000 | ¥6,000–9,000 |
| Private | ¥12,000–20,000 | ¥20,000–35,000 |
Final Thoughts
Taking snowboard lessons is a smart, safe, and enjoyable way to improve—but costs can vary widely.
- Private lessons deliver quality, speed, and safety—but are pricier. Consider sharing with friends or family to reduce per-person cost.
- Group lessons are budget-friendly and social but come with less personalized instruction time.
- Location matters: Resorts in Hokkaido command premium prices, while those in Nagano or Niigata offer more affordable options, especially suitable for families and beginners.
The choice ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and preferred learning experience. If you’re unsure which fits you best, feel free to ask—happy to help you plan!
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