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 freeriders, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ride Shiga Snow Experiences
Explore our wide range of tailored lessons, guided resort tours, backcountry adventures, powder guiding, photography sessions, and more.
FAQs
- GeneralWhen does the season start and finish?
The 2026–27 season in Shiga Kogen runs from 5 December 2026 to 5 May 2027.
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 lessons (ski or snowboard) are priced per person – a budget-friendly way to learn and meet other travellers. Private experiences give you personal attention focused on your goals: private lessons and resort tours have one price per instructor or guide for up to 6 people, Powder Guiding, Backcountry Tours and Snowshoe Tours are priced per group (1–4 or 5–6 guests), and Ski Concierge is priced per person.
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.
What is the ideal lesson duration for a beginner?For beginners, we typically recommend booking 2 to 3 full-day lessons, each lasting 5 hours. This duration provides ample time to build confidence on the snow, learn fundamental techniques, and practice safely under professional guidance.
Can skiers and snowboarders attend lessons together?No, skiing and snowboarding require different techniques and teaching methods, so lessons are conducted separately. Skiers and snowboarders cannot share the same lesson. If you are traveling as a mixed group, you will need to book separate lessons for skiing and snowboarding.
Can different ability levels attend the same lesson?In group lessons, participants are grouped by skill level to ensure that everyone receives appropriate instruction and can progress together. Mixing different skill levels in the same group may limit individual progress and overall lesson effectiveness. However, private lessons can accommodate mixed ability groups. In these cases, the instructor tailors the session to meet the needs of the least experienced participant, while also providing guidance suitable for more advanced learners.
- Bookings & CancellationHow do I book a lesson?
Click Book Now on any experience page, choose your date, option and number of guests, and send a booking request. We confirm availability and send you a secure link to pay online. You can also contact us by email or phone.
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?After you send a booking request, we confirm availability and send you a secure link to pay online. Your booking is confirmed once the payment is received. All prices include 10% consumption tax.
Can I reschedule or cancel my lesson?Changes to the date or time depend on availability, so please contact us as early as possible. Our cancellation policy:
- More than 7 days before the start: 90% refund (10% covers our operational costs)
- From 7 days to 48 hours before the start: 70% refund
- From 48 to 24 hours before the start: 50% refund
- Less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund
If we have to cancel, you receive a full refund or, if possible, a new date. See our Terms and Conditions for details.
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 PassesAre lift passes included in the lesson fee?
No, lift passes are not included in our lessons and tours – you can buy them at the ticket office on the day. The only exception is Ski Concierge, where the lift pass is included.
How much do lift passes cost?In the 2026–27 season, a 1-day Shiga Kogen lift pass costs ¥9,500 for adults (¥4,000 for children) and a 4-hour pass costs ¥7,500 for adults. Beginners may not need a full lift pass on their first day, depending on lesson length and progress – in some cases a point pass may be enough (from ¥4,000 for adults). 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 EquipmentsDo you provide equipment rentals?
Yes. Ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and avalanche safety gear are available from Ride Shiga on request. Please mention what you need in your booking request.
What gear do I need and where can I rent it?You need skis or a snowboard, boots, poles (for skiers), a helmet (mandatory for children, strongly recommended for adults) and goggles, plus waterproof and warm clothing. Rental is available from Ride Shiga on request – please mention what you need in your booking request.
Should I book rental gear in advance?Yes. Rental is available on request, so please mention the gear you need in your booking request. This lets us prepare everything before your lesson or tour.
Is avalanche gear required for Powder Guiding and Backcountry Tours?Yes. Avalanche safety gear – transceiver (beacon), probe, shovel and backpack – is mandatory for Powder Guiding and Backcountry Tours. You can rent a full set from Ride Shiga on request (please mention it in your booking request):
- 1 day: ¥4,000
- 3 or more days: ¥3,000 per day
- AccommodationWhere 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 HereHow do I get to the meeting point for lessons?
For private lessons and tours, your instructor or guide will pick you up at your hotel in Shiga Kogen. If you are staying in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen, add Transport to your booking and we will pick you up at your hotel or ryokan. Group lessons always start at the Ride Shiga Meeting Point in Ichinose at 10:00 AM – please be ready 15 minutes earlier. You can get to the Ride Shiga Meeting Point, for example, by local bus.
Is transportation available?Yes. For private lessons and tours we offer transport from hotels and ryokans in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen for ¥2,000 per person, subject to availability – add Transport to your booking. Availability may be limited during busy periods, so please book early. Ski Concierge already includes transport. Group lessons do not include transport.
How do I get to Shiga Kogen?Detailed directions to Shiga Kogen are available at the Access page on the website.
- OthersIs 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.
Yes. Ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and avalanche safety gear are available from Ride Shiga on request. Please mention what you need in your booking request.
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.
In group lessons, participants are grouped by skill level to ensure that everyone receives appropriate instruction and can progress together. Mixing different skill levels in the same group may limit individual progress and overall lesson effectiveness. However, private lessons can accommodate mixed ability groups. In these cases, the instructor tailors the session to meet the needs of the least experienced participant, while also providing guidance suitable for more advanced learners.
No, skiing and snowboarding require different techniques and teaching methods, so lessons are conducted separately. Skiers and snowboarders cannot share the same lesson. If you are traveling as a mixed group, you will need to book separate lessons for skiing and snowboarding.
For beginners, we typically recommend booking 2 to 3 full-day lessons, each lasting 5 hours. This duration provides ample time to build confidence on the snow, learn fundamental techniques, and practice safely under professional guidance.
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.
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.
Detailed directions to Shiga Kogen are available at the Access page on the website.
Yes. For private lessons and tours we offer transport from hotels and ryokans in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen for ¥2,000 per person, subject to availability – add Transport to your booking. Availability may be limited during busy periods, so please book early. Ski Concierge already includes transport. Group lessons do not include transport.
For private lessons and tours, your instructor or guide will pick you up at your hotel in Shiga Kogen. If you are staying in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen, add Transport to your booking and we will pick you up at your hotel or ryokan. Group lessons always start at the Ride Shiga Meeting Point in Ichinose at 10:00 AM – please be ready 15 minutes earlier. You can get to the Ride Shiga Meeting Point, for example, by local bus.
Yes. Avalanche safety gear – transceiver (beacon), probe, shovel and backpack – is mandatory for Powder Guiding and Backcountry Tours. You can rent a full set from Ride Shiga on request (please mention it in your booking request):
- 1 day: ¥4,000
- 3 or more days: ¥3,000 per day
Yes. Rental is available on request, so please mention the gear you need in your booking request. This lets us prepare everything before your lesson or tour.
You need skis or a snowboard, boots, poles (for skiers), a helmet (mandatory for children, strongly recommended for adults) and goggles, plus waterproof and warm clothing. Rental is available from Ride Shiga on request – please mention what you need in your booking request.
The 2026–27 season in Shiga Kogen runs from 5 December 2026 to 5 May 2027.
There is no need to book lift passes online in advance. You can conveniently purchase tickets at the ticket office before your lesson.
In the 2026–27 season, a 1-day Shiga Kogen lift pass costs ¥9,500 for adults (¥4,000 for children) and a 4-hour pass costs ¥7,500 for adults. Beginners may not need a full lift pass on their first day, depending on lesson length and progress – in some cases a point pass may be enough (from ¥4,000 for adults). You can find the full list of lift ticket prices for Shiga Kogen here.
No, lift passes are not included in our lessons and tours – you can buy them at the ticket office on the day. The only exception is Ski Concierge, where the lift pass is included.
Changes to the date or time depend on availability, so please contact us as early as possible. Our cancellation policy:
- More than 7 days before the start: 90% refund (10% covers our operational costs)
- From 7 days to 48 hours before the start: 70% refund
- From 48 to 24 hours before the start: 50% refund
- Less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund
If we have to cancel, you receive a full refund or, if possible, a new date. See our Terms and Conditions for details.
After you send a booking request, we confirm availability and send you a secure link to pay online. Your booking is confirmed once the payment is received. All prices include 10% consumption tax.
We highly recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred lesson times and ensure availability.
Click Book Now on any experience page, choose your date, option and number of guests, and send a booking request. We confirm availability and send you a secure link to pay online. You can also contact us by email or phone.
All instructors speak fluent English.
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!
Group lessons (ski or snowboard) are priced per person – a budget-friendly way to learn and meet other travellers. Private experiences give you personal attention focused on your goals: private lessons and resort tours have one price per instructor or guide for up to 6 people, Powder Guiding, Backcountry Tours and Snowshoe Tours are priced per group (1–4 or 5–6 guests), and Ski Concierge is priced per person.
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!
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.
Contact Us! Let’s Make Your Snow Plans Happen
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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!