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Welcome to Ride-Shiga

Your premier choice for ski and snowboard lessons, unforgettable backcountry tours, powder guiding and breathtaking photoshoots in Shiga Kogen, Nagano, Japan.

At Ride-Shiga, we are passionate about creating unforgettable winter adventures and showcasing the unique charm of Japanese snow and culture. Our mission is to introduce everyone, from first-timers to fearless free riders, to the wonders of Japan’s winter with tailored ski and snowboard lessons. No matter your skill level or style, we’ll make your day on the snow truly exceptional.

Our expert team of professional ski and snowboard instructors and guides specialise in Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski resort. They also lead guests through other resorts across Nagano and Niigata prefectures.

2,400+

Guests & counting

830+

Lesson & tour sessions

30+

Trainers & instructors

230+

Backcountry tours

Hear From Our Snow Adventure Guests

Ski lesson with ride-shiga at Shiga Kogen resort

We had a fantastic ski experience with Ride-Shiga today! Signed up for the kids first ski lesson and they really enjoyed themselves today! The ski instructor – Rafal is super patient, gave clear instructions and communicated very well with all the four kids (aged 10, 17 and 20). My twin girls (aged 10) initially wanted to give up (obviously not accustomed to the cold climate and new sport) but ultimately continued to spur on with the coaching and encouragement from Rafal. The entire process is a breeze, from enquiring about the ski lessons, to confirmation of dates, fees and place to meet etc. Thanks for the enjoyable and memorable experience for my family!

Cally | Dec 2022 | Powderhounds

Great ski guiding at Shiga Kogen

Fantastic experience having guiding with Adam and Aaron for a morning – making the most of my limited time in the resort. We were fortunate to have fresh, deep powder – ‘the best of the season’. Adam knows the resort like the back of his hand and picked out forest runs that were appropriate for my ability. Off piste safety gear was available to hire at a very reasonable cost. Adam also picked up at the hotel in Yudanaka and dropped off at the snow monkeys on the way back. I couldn’t rate more highly. Thanks guys.

Martin B | Mar 2024 | Tripadvisor

Highly recommended for ski lessons at Shiga-Kogen

Our experience with Ride-Shiga was excellent. The online booking process was straightforward and they were very helpful with our email enquiries. We had Hannah as an instructor for our beginners ski lesson, and she was so patient with our 7 year old who had several melt downs and was getting quite frustrated because he couldn’t master the basics quickly enough. By the end of the three hour lesson, she had both our children (10 and 7 years old) stopping and turning. I’d highly recommend Ride-Shiga for your snow lessons if you are visiting Shiga-Kogen.

Dale S | Jan 2025 | Australia | Tripadvisor

Excellent Personalised Lesson and Piste Tour

Ride Shiga were absolutely great. I had two group lessons with Genado, a lovely Argentinian instructor. And in the end, I was the only one in the group! Three great hours during which not only did he help me massively with my skiing, working with me through lots of good exercises and drills, and also just generally building my confidence up to and including doing a black run, but he also took us over quite a wide ranging set of lifts, gondolas and runs so I got a tour of the mountain also. Highly recommend them for lessons. Their management was also very helpful and communicative when I made the booking for the second lesson in the last minute.

Rowan H | Jan 2025 | Australia | Tripadvisor

Best Guides in Shiga Kogen

Booked 5 days and experienced some of the best JAPOW so far this season! Rafal was a great guide, he knew the mountains well and where to find the best powder (we are sworn to secrecy over certain locations). Had a ‘white-out’ day mid-week but Rafal & Adam drove around to find working lifts so we managed to keep skiing all day – very impressed with their dedication. Very glad we chose Shiga Kogen as not so much of a bun-fight to hit fresh lines, the the extra height meant that snow kept better conditions. Ride Shiga definitely went out of their way to make our week as memorable as possible. We would recommend these guys as the best organised & knowledgeable guides.

Mark Y | Jan 2023 | Tripadvisor

Ride-Shiga Snow Experiences

Explore our wide range of tailored lessons, guided resort tours, backcountry adventures, powder guiding, photography sessions, and more.

Ski & Snowboarding Lessons

Kids Group Lessons

Powder Guiding

Backcountry Tours

Resort Tours

Photography

Snowshoe Tours

Avalanche Training & Gear Rental

Ski Concierge

FAQs

General

When does the season start and finish?

The lifts at Shiga Kogen typically kick off in late November, running smoothly through to the first weekend of May.

Should I choose skiing or snowboarding?

Skiing might seem easier at first but tougher to perfect, while snowboarding can feel trickier initially yet easier to advance. Honestly, from our experience, both take about the same effort to grasp the basics. Just go with what excites you most!

Should I book a group or private experience?

Group experiences, whether ski lessons, snowboard sessions, or resort tours are budget-friendly (priced per person) and great for meeting new friends or joining like-minded travellers. Private experiences, including guided backcountry tours, powder adventures, photography sessions, or tailored ski concierge services, provide personalized attention focused on your specific interests. With private bookings, you pay a fixed rate per instructor or guide, regardless of group size, offering maximum flexibility and customization.

At what age can my kids start skiing or snowboarding?

Most children can begin their skiing or snowboarding journey from the age of 4 and up. it’s never too early to start the snow fun!

What languages do your instructors speak?

All instructors speak fluent English.
Bookings & Cancellation
How do I book a lesson?

You can book your lesson directly through our website or contact us via email or phone. Please provide your preferred dates, number of participants, lesson type (ski or snowboard), and your phone number with the country code.

Do I need to book in advance?

We highly recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred lesson times and ensure availability.

What payment methods do you accept?

We send invoices online before your scheduled lesson for your convenience. All prices displayed include a 10% consumption tax.
Can I reschedule or cancel my lesson?
Rescheduling or cancellations depend on availability and require prior notice. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes. Cancellation fees apply as follows if made within 7 days of the scheduled start:
- 30% fee if canceled between 7 days and 48 hours before the lesson start
- 50% fee if canceled up to 11 AM the day before the lesson
- 100% fee if canceled after 11 AM the day before the lesson
Do we get tax-free or tax-exempt benefits?

Tax exemption in Japan applies only to physical products purchased at designated tax-free stores, and not to services. Since snowboarding lessons, guided experiences, and similar activities are considered services, the tax exemption does not apply to them. All prices for lessons and experiences already include the applicable 10% consumption tax.
Lift Passes

Are lift passes included in the lesson fee?

No, lift passes are not included in the lesson price. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own passes.

How much do lift passes cost?

Beginners may not need a full ski pass on their first day, depending on lesson length and progress. In some cases, a point pass (the most affordable option at ¥3,200) may be sufficient.
You can find the full list of lift ticket prices for Shiga Kogen here.

Should I book the lift pass online?

There is no need to book lift passes online in advance. You can conveniently purchase tickets at the ticket office before your lesson.
Rental Equipments
Do you provide equipment rentals?

We do not offer equipment rentals directly.

What gear do I need and where can I rent it?

We recommend renting from SnowCan Rental, which offers complete ski and snowboard equipment including skis/boards, helmets, goggles, gloves, and outerwear (jackets and pants).
You can view their full price list here.

Should I book rental gear in advance?

Yes, we highly recommend booking your rental gear in advance to speed up the process on the day of your lesson or tour.
Is avalanche gear required for backcountry or slackcountry tours?
Yes, avalanche safety equipment, including transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel is mandatory for all backcountry and slackcountry tours.
Rental avalanche gear is available on request at the following rates:
- 1 day: ¥4,000
- 3 or more days: ¥3,000 per day
Accommodation

Where should I stay?

We recommend staying around the Ichinose area, the main village in Shiga Kogen. Alternatively, the historic hot spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen at the base of the resort offer charming ryokans for a traditional Japanese experience, just a short trip from the slopes.
If you have any difficulty booking your accommodation, please complete the Accommodation Assistance Request Form, and our team will be happy to help you find suitable options.
How to Get Here

How do I get to the meeting point for lessons?

For private lessons and guided sessions, we usually meet you directly at your hotel for a smooth, hassle-free start. For group lessons, please meet us at our designated meeting point, SnowCan Rental in Ichinose, located in the heart of Shiga Kogen.

Is transportation available?

We offer transportation services from hotels and ryokans in the Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka areas. Please note that availability may be limited during busy periods, so provide your dates and times early to check.

How do I get to Shiga Kogen?

Detailed directions to Shiga Kogen are available at the Access page on the website.

Is transportation available from accommodations?

Yes, as mentioned, we provide transportation services from hotels and ryokans in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, subject to availability. Early booking is advised.
Others
Is child care available in Shiga Kogen?
Yes, child care is available inside the Takamagahara Mammoth Ski Resort building. Note that language may be a barrier, so it’s best to ask your hotel reception to help arrange it.
- Children aged 3 months to 2 years: Half-day ¥6,500 / Full-day ¥12,000
- Children aged 3 years and older: Half-day ¥5,200 / Full-day ¥10,000
Courses run from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, available in 3 or 5-hour sessions. Rates and conditions may vary. For more details (in Japanese), visit their website or call (+81) 090-4093-5407.

Adventures Beyond Shiga? Explore Ride-Myoko!

Check out our ski lessons, powder tours, and backcountry adventures in the Myoko region.
New slopes, same ride experience.

Explore Ride-Myoko

Contact Us! Let’s Make Your Snow Plans Happen

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