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Hakuba Snow Sports School

My advice is to rent gear instead of buying it. You can save a ton of money this way. I rented at the school and the quality was excellent, way better than what I expected!

I suggest booking your lessons in advance, especially during peak season. I did and it really saved me from the long waits on-site. Plus, you might snag a better rate too!

I think getting there right when they open around 8:00 AM is a great move. You'll have more time to hit the slopes without the crowds and it makes for a much better experience.

Pro tip: check the weather before you go. On my first day, I didn’t and ended up with disappointing conditions. Clear days are the best for skiing and snowboarding!
Hokkaido Ski Club
Kagura Ski School
NBS Snowsports Hakuba

I suggest showing up around 8:30 am to beat the lift lines. The early bird gets the powder, and you'll have the slopes mostly to yourself for the first hour.

I recommend trying the local food in the village after your day on the slopes. It was a great way to unwind, but be ready for a bit of a wait during peak dinner hours

My advice is to rent equipment a day in advance if you can. It saves you a ton of time in the morning, and you can get better stuff instead of the leftovers.
Kawahiro Sports Rental Shop
Hakuba Ski Concierge

I recommend checking out the package deals for ski passes and lessons; they can save you quite a bit compared to buying everything separately. I wish I had done this sooner!

My advice is to try to catch the morning ski school sessions at around 9 AM if you're a beginner. The slopes are less crowded, and you get more attention from instructors!
Hakuba47 Ski Academy International
Central Snowsports Hakuba
My advice is to go during the week, like a Tuesday or Wednesday if you can. The slopes were way less crowded then, making it so much more enjoyable. I went on a weekend and it was chaos.

I suggest you rent your equipment in advance to save time. I waited in line for ages at the shop, and it cut into my snowboarding time big time. Online rentals can totally speed things up!
Shirakaba Rental
Nozawa Ski Rental

I recommend checking their website for online deals before you go; I saved a decent amount that way. Plus, it's much quicker than doing it all on site, which can get busy.