Karuizawa is Nagano's chic mountain getaway thanks to its atmospheric streets, excellent food, and gorgeous mountain scenery which turns into a snow-covered ski wonderland come winter. It’s also one of Japan’s first ski resorts to start its operations each November.
The biggest ski area in Karuizawa is run by the Prince Snow Resort, which has many beginner-friendly ski slopes accessible from Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort. For novices, there are a number of ski schools on site that provide lessons in English, including Karuizawa Ski School.
As a school authorized by SAJ (Ski Association of Japan), Karuizawa Ski School provides private lessons to anyone who’s keen to learn skiing or snowboarding. The lesson plan includes learning how to correctly use chairlifts, and controlling of speed and managing turns on skis or snowboard. Lessons are available twice a day (morning and afternoon), with rates at 20,000yen for 2 hours or 28,000yen for 4 hours, for up to four adults. Advance bookings are highly recommended.
The ski school is located in the Ski Centre, where you can rent skis and snowboards; accessories like goggles and gloves can also be purchased here.
Access: Karuizawa Ski School reception is located inside the Ski Centre building; Karuizawa Prince Hotel is within walking distance from JR Karuizawa Station
Address: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture 389-0102
Opening hours: Reception is open from 9am-3pm
Website: Official Website
