July 9, 2026
Powder, Progress, and Paradise: Why Your Next Ski Lesson Belongs in Niseko
There is snow, and then there is Niseko snow. If you’ve ever dreamed of floating through chest-deep, bone-dry powder, you already know why this…
The Best Day On Hokkaido Powder.
Private ski & snowboard lessons, powder and backcountry guiding — led by certified, multilingual instructors in Niseko, Rusutsu and Sapporo.
Elite Adventures
Our Services
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Private and small-group lessons for all levels, from first-timer to expert. Half day, full day or night.
Powder Guiding
Resort-based powder guiding for confident skiers/riders chasing the best snow of the day.
Backcountry Guiding
Avalanche-trained guides take you beyond the rope lines. Age 16+, transceiver / probe / shovel required.
AREA & ACCESS
Logistics & Location
Operating Areas
- Niseko (Hirafu / Hanazono / Annupuri)
- Rusutsu Resort
- Sapporo (Teine / Kokusai / Bankei)
Meeting Points
- Niseko: Hirafu/Hanazono base lodge or Gondola area
- Rusutsu: South Wing, Main Lift
- Sapporo: Base lodge on request
Shuttle & Pick-up
Complimentary hotel pickup in Niseko, Kutchan and Rusutsu for private full-day bookings. Sapporo area pickup available upon request (extra fee applies).
MOMENTS
Lessons in Action
Captured on Hokkaido's slopes.
GUEST REVIEWS
What our guests say
"First of all, Rusutsu powder is like nothing else in skiing. Second, having a guide at made all the difference in the world. We went on tree trails we would never have found and had the best skiing of..."
"We would like to sincerely thank Ezo Snowsports & Marcin for an outstanding ski learning experience for our 11-year-old son. What truly impressed us was the quality and seriousness of the instruction...."
"WOW! Just go, don't ask. It's just like everyone that's been here says it is. Tobi from EZO Snowsports guided us for 3-days during the first week of February 26'. We were a group of 3 - 2 on skis a..."
"2 days of ski lessons with Kaito. He was very patient and clear with instructions. My kids managed to improve their skiing skills by a lot, and confident to navigate sleeper slopes ☺️ Good to have Co..."
"Marcin was an absolute legend. He worked for two days with myself (42) Tony (13) and Alix (11). Three different levels, motovation and attitudes. Marcin was knowlegable, kind, patient and free flowing..."
"First of all, Rusutsu powder is like nothing else in skiing. Second, having a guide at made all the difference in the world. We went on tree trails we would never have found and had the best skiing of..."
"We would like to sincerely thank Ezo Snowsports & Marcin for an outstanding ski learning experience for our 11-year-old son. What truly impressed us was the quality and seriousness of the instruction...."
"WOW! Just go, don't ask. It's just like everyone that's been here says it is. Tobi from EZO Snowsports guided us for 3-days during the first week of February 26'. We were a group of 3 - 2 on skis a..."
"2 days of ski lessons with Kaito. He was very patient and clear with instructions. My kids managed to improve their skiing skills by a lot, and confident to navigate sleeper slopes ☺️ Good to have Co..."
"Marcin was an absolute legend. He worked for two days with myself (42) Tony (13) and Alix (11). Three different levels, motovation and attitudes. Marcin was knowlegable, kind, patient and free flowing..."
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Instructors
Certified, multilingual, and locally based. Our team brings deep local knowledge and elite ski & snowboard instruction to Sapporo, Rusutsu, and Niseko.
🇧🇲Bobby Johnson
NZSIA LEvel 3Experience
11 Seasons
Languages
English, Russian
🇯🇵Kaito Nakagawa
SIA Level 3Experience
8 Seasons
Languages
Japanese, English
🇨🇦Sarah Jenkins
CSIA Level 3Experience
12 Seasons
Languages
English, Japanese
🇯🇵Takeshi Sato
SIA Stage 3Experience
8 Seasons
Languages
Japanese, English
🇳🇿Marcus Vance
NZSIA Level 3Experience
10 Seasons
Languages
English, Mandarin
🇫🇷Chloe Dupont
BASI Level 3Experience
6 Seasons
Languages
French, English
Off-Season Gear Storage
Leave Your Gear With Us
All plans are based on one ski or snowboard set per person. Pick-up and delivery available. Custom family plans are available on request.
Standard
Safe off-season storage for your gear. Simple, reliable, and worry-free.
¥35,000 / year
- Off-season storage
- One ski or snowboard set
- Pre-storage condition check
- Pick-up at designated location
POPULAR
Premium
Arrive and go—your gear is fully tuned before you even land. Our most popular plan with seasonal wax.
¥45,000 / year
- Off-season storage
- Seasonal storage wax
- Pre-arrival wax & tune
- Priority pick-up arrangement
- Photo inventory record
VIP
Everything handled—tune-ups, hotel delivery, and priority support. The ultimate hassle-free experience.
¥55,000 / year
- Off-season storage
- Wax & tune-up arrangement
- Hotel delivery arrangement
- Priority return service
- Lesson & guiding priority support
More Info
FAQ
Waterproof ski jacket and pants, base & mid layering (synthetic or wool), gloves, goggles, and a beanie. Avoid cotton. Rental gear is available at all resort bases.
Ski/snowboard equipment, boots, and helmet (highly recommended). Lift passes are not included. Backcountry: transceiver, probe, shovel are required (rental can be arranged).
Ski and snowboard lessons are available from age 3. Private lessons are highly recommended for young children to ensure safety and focused attention.
English and Japanese are guaranteed for all bookings. Depending on instructor availability, Chinese and other languages may be supported — please request when booking.
Resort lessons usually run if lifts are operating. Powder guiding decisions are made by the guide based on lift status and snow conditions. Backcountry tours are judged by mountain conditions and weather. If the resort closes lifts or we cancel for safety, you receive a full refund or reschedule.
Peak season (mid-Dec to mid-Feb) fills up 1–2 months ahead. Off-peak: booking 1–2 weeks in advance is usually fine.
SINCE 2024
About EZO Snowsports
A Message From Our Founder
Born and raised in Osaka, Japan.At age 20, I first set foot in Hokkaido as a part-time lift operator at Rusutsu Resort. There I encountered the light, deep powder snow that only Hokkaido can offer — a sensation I had never known in Osaka, and one that instantly captured my heart.
Another encounter changed my life. Tobias, a ski instructor working at the same resort, showed me what it means to genuinely connect with every guest and share the joy of skiing. Watching him up close, I knew this was the work I wanted to do. That moment set me on the path to becoming an instructor.
After earning my certification, I gained further experience in Niseko before heading to Whistler, Canada, where I honed my skills and teaching ability in a world-class mountain environment. What I learned across different cultures, languages, and snow conditions deepened not only my technique, but also my understanding of how to connect with diverse guests.
Pouring all of that experience into a single vision, I founded EZO SNOWSPORTS in 2024. Renowned for some of the best snow quality in the world, we want to deliver the emotion that only Hokkaido snow can provide to as many people as possible — from first-timers to experts. That is our unwavering mission.
Kaito Nakagawa, Founder
LIVE MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS
Snow & Weather Report
Current Conditions: Rusutsu, Japan
Wind Speed
Base Depth
Snowfall
Last 24 Hours
Last 7 Days
3-Day Alpine Outlook
Blog
Latest News
Tips from our guides.