Group Ski Lessons For 3-6 Year Olds

• Morning Group Lesson
  (2.5 hours)

  10:00-13:30

• Morning Prices

  1 Day: ¥12,000
  2 Days: ¥24,000
  3 Days: ¥36,000
  4 Days: ¥48,000
  5 Days: ¥60,000
  (per person)
  

• Full-Day Group Lesson
  (4.5 hours)

  10:00-15:30
  (lunch break from 12:30-13:30)
  

• Full-Day Prices

  1 Day: ¥14,500
  2 Days: ¥29,000
  3 Days: ¥43,500
  4 Days: ¥58,000
  5 Days: ¥72,500
  (per person)
  

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Arrive at your first day well-rested, and try to recover from jet lag as best you can.
• Arrive fully dressed and ready to go. This includes wearing winter outerwear that is warm and cosy, Ski Boots (on your child), and Skis.
• There may be some tears on the first day when you drop off your little ones. Don't worry, our well-trained team is friendly and caring and will do their best to settle our smallest of guests!
• If you wish to check in on your little ones, we ask that you phone or ask at the desk first. Watching from a distance can be a great way to check up without disturbing them. Sometimes seeing you can make them a little teary.

PREPARE FOR ALL WEATHER

We like to think we get a lot of snow in Hakuba. One thing we can be sure of is that the weather changes quickly and sometimes unexpectedly. Pack and prepare for all weather, this way we can keep your little one as comfortable as possible. We advise you to consider the following:

• Waterproof & Warm, Jacket & Pants
• Helmet & Goggles. Sunglasses are fine, please consider the weather
• Suncream and lip balm. Please apply some suncream before coming to the ski school, we will reapply after lunch
• Thermals, top, and leggings. Spare underwear, socks, and thermals are a great idea
• Warm dry socks
• Label all clothing on the label with your child's first initial and surname. We sometimes have many children with the same name.
• Neck Warmer

It is a great idea to bring some spare clothing in a bag. You can leave this bag in our Kid Centre where our team and your child can access it for spares & extras.

FINAL PREPERATIONS- EQUIPMENT, LESSON TICKETS & LIFT TICKETS

We recommend preparing as much as possible before you arrive at our base for your lesson. The morning before your lesson can never go too smoothly, having as much as possible organised, collected, and in place will help you and your family on their way to a successful first morning! 

We, unfortunately, do not sell equipment rentals, but there are some great equipment suppliers in Hakuba to take advantage of. We recommend organising and picking up your rentals the night before your first day. Children in Yeti Club do not require poles. We ask that you leave them at home to avoid them getting lost. Groups Red/Level 5 requires poles only. 

Lesson tickets can be reserved online and picked up from one of our desks. A reservation will help you navigate our guest service office quicker when you arrive. You will only need to come here on the first day, after this you can book online and head straight to your lesson.

Lift tickets are not needed for our 3-6-year-old guests as we have special season passes in our yeti vests that all children wear on the hill skiing.

YOUR CHILD'S SKI SCHOOL DAY

Your child will spend their day with their group and instructor improving their sliding, exploring the outdoors, laughing, and playing. 

If your child has any dietary requirements we would like to know. Spend a little time in the morning when checking in your little one talking with our kid centre team. There will be a chance to include this on your online reservation as well. This information will help us keep your child as comfortable and as safe as possible. Medical requirements should be treated the same. We try to run a 'nut-free' facility at EISS, with this we ask you to not pack snacks and lunches with nuts or nut products in them. This EISS program comes with lunch provided.

Sign-in is from 9:30 am. If your first day we recommend being as early as possible to become familiar with our staff and facility.

If your child is newly toilet trained, you may wish to pack a couple of spare pairs (pants, thermals, socks) in case of any accidents. 
3-6 yr olds have lunch and indoor time between 12:30-13:30. You may find smaller children will spend a little more time indoors. We aim to make the day as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Older children in other programs may eat at different times.

AM Lesson pick up is from 13:15.

Actual time on snow will vary depending on weather conditions, the group's ability, and stamina. Some groups may take a quick lunch and leave, then take other breaks on the hill as they explore. Those who are new to skiing or smaller may take extra breaks throughout the day to build back our energy.

We ask that you keep in mind that every child learns at different rates and your child's overall enjoyment is the priority to us, playing in the outdoors and snow is about making a positive experience that encourages them to continue participating in snowsports.

All-day lesson pick up is 15:30. These days can be long on the slopes for our smallest of guests. Don't be shocked if your first few evenings are quieter than normal!

LEVELS:  First Timer/White- 1/Yellow - 2/Green - 3/Blue - 4/Red 
Levels Note: Levels 3/Blue & 4/Red may be operated as one class if the number of participants is not sufficient at both levels. This decision will be made on the day by a member of the EISS Supervisory Team. 
*see ski level descriptions here

PLEASE NOTE:
Please make sure your children have the necessary ski equipment, outdoor clothing, goggles and helmet, gloves, warm clothes, well-fitting boots, etc. EISS does not operate snowsports equipment rentals.
Lift tickets are not needed for our 3-6-year-old guests as we have special season passes in our yeti vests that all children wear on the hill skiing.

We take allergies and medical issues very seriously at EISS. It is imperative that any child diagnosed with asthma or anaphylaxis have their doctor-signed action plan with them, in addition to their medication. For 3-6yr olds, this is signed in on arrival. A child without an action plan or medication may be refused entry to the centre. Medication such as Ventolin or EpiPen must be carried on the child at all times and the child will be identified and 'labelled' at sign in (3-6yr olds). For older children, parents are encouraged to discuss these conditions with their instructor when dropping off their child.

We ask that you be very specific at sign in or drop off regarding exactly what dietary requirements or medication needs your child has. Our kitchen caters to most common dietary requirements, however you are welcome to discuss any unusual requests prior to your arrival via email or phone. Whilst our chefs are trained in how to prepare allergy-friendly food, and take every precaution to minimise cross contamination, we understand that some parents would prefer their child eat their own pre-prepared food. Children with diagnosed allergies are welcome to bring a packed snack and lunch, or can be picked up for lunch if you would prefer to supervise them yourself.

• Any medication should be clearly labelled and placed in a sealed bag and signed in.
• Action plan from doctor for asthma, allergies and anaphylaxis to be placed in this bag.
• Children will be identified as having a medical condition or dietary requirement upon sign in and a special label will be attached to their progress tag.
• All medication will be carried on the child or their instructor at all times whilst on snow.
• Whilst we provide meals that cater specifically to your child's allergies or requirements you are welcome to provide your own meal or snack if you prefer - this must be signed in and noted upon arrival.

In short....yes...you can. BUT ....we really encourage you to do so at a distance or even better ...out of sight. The reason being, typically children settle into the routine and happily follow along with their peers as soon as the parent is gone.

Tears, whilst these can be heart-wrenching, are not uncommon on the first day. There are many reasons children get upset, but most commonly the overwhelming nature of a busy and new environment, coupled with the initial separation can be enough to set them off. Often on subsequent days it becomes much easier....so don't give up!

Feel free to discuss your concerns with staff, however there are some things you can do to help prepare your child for ski school:

• Ensure they are dressed in warm and waterproof clothing with a well-fitting pair of goggles. Keeping them comfortable but not to the point of overheating.
• Let them practice walking in their skis and boots before arriving at ski school. Familiarity with their equipment is very beneficial.
• Arrive early and have paperwork pre-filled to reduce time standing around. Allow time to say goodbye and keep handover short and sweet. Ensure they are wearing their boots so you are not having to change them when they may be distressed.

Naturally if any child appears distressed or unwell, we will attempt to notify parents immediately. Sometimes they may spend a little extra time indoors until they settle down.

If your child is 3-6 yrs old, then it is unlikely they will require poles. Your instructor will advise you if and when any Yeti Club participant needs poles. If they are in the most advanced Yeti ability level, you can bring them in and they may be used at the instructors’ discretion. Poles left in storage at the centre are stored at your own risk. It is preferred that they be left at your accommodation unless requested.