Tinyturns Snowstart — Hakuba Family Camp

Upcoming dates and prices

• 25 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027
• 1 Feb 2027 – 6 Feb 2027
• 8 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027
• 22 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027

Frequently asked questions

Which ages can join?

The kids' programme is for beginners aged 5 to 14, counted on the first day of the trip. Adults and children all join lessons at the same participant price. Lessons are grouped by age and ability: younger kids learn together, and teens learn with other teens or with the adults, never with young kids. Non-riding and non-lesson options are not offered, including for under-5s. For teens aged 15–17, message us. Each child must have an accompanying adult parent or guardian; the number of adults in the booking must be at least the number of children. This is the accompanying-adult requirement, separate from the maximum of four learners per instructor. There is no all-day drop-off childcare.

Can parents take lessons too?

Yes. Adults and children all join the three days of snowboarding lessons at the same participant price. Parents who are beginners are welcome. There are no self-guided, non-lesson or non-riding booking options. Lesson groups are arranged by age and ability, so parents and children may be in different groups; each instructor has at most four learners.

Will children ride the whole mountain?

Our learning goal is for children aged five and above to work toward “descending a suitable route with controlled falling leaf.” Instructors must approve the route, exclude black runs and assess each child’s readiness and fatigue as well as snow conditions. This is not a guarantee of riding every run on the mountain. Five-year-old beginners first focus on stable heel-edge falling leaf. The toe edge may need more time, progress may differ between the two edges, and there is no promise that everyone will learn to turn within one fixed hour.

What if a child is cold, tired or does not want to snowboard?

Children can take warm breaks, rest or join supported play before trying again. Where the venue permits, play may include snowmen, small sleds or snow angels, with designated adults accompanying the children. If a child needs to return to the hotel early, the team first agrees the accompanying adult, transport and handover with their parent. A parent or guardian travels with each child; all-day drop-off childcare is not included.

Where does the included transfer start and end?

The included group transfer runs from Nagano Station to Kurobe Sun Valley on Day 1, and returns to Nagano Station on Day 6. Airport transfers are not included. Each family arranges and pays for flights and travel between the airport and Nagano Station, as well as onward travel after the trip. Meeting details and transfer times will be provided before departure. Please confirm the schedule before booking connecting transport.

Are all meals included?

Breakfast and dinner are included. On lesson days (Days 2–4), families choose and pay for their own lunch at the ski resort food court. Parents eat with their children, and the group agrees on a meeting point and time before afternoon practice. On the Day 5 outing, lunch is also at each family’s own expense, with the dining location matched to the selected destination. Please disclose food allergies or dietary needs before registering and bring familiar snacks that suit your child. Children will not all be required to use the same supplement.

What is planned for Day 5?

Day 5 starts with Pokémon Snow Adventure at Kashimayari, with admission included. MifaMily joins the morning snow play and group photos, then joins families again for dinner that evening. Take warm breaks and buy lunch in the resort dining area. Back at the hotel, children rest and paint a snowboarder model personalised with ESC and their name. The outing depends on weather and park operations; final arrangements follow before departure.

Why start with snow play on Day 1 instead of going straight into a lesson?

After arrival, children first adjust to the weather and surroundings, try on equipment and meet the team. Relaxed activities such as snow molds and snowman building help them get to know the snow. Safety preparation includes properly fitting helmets and boots, signals for asking for help and stopping, and equipment use. Confidence and rest come first; formal lessons take place on Days 2 to 4.

When will MifaMily join the camp?

MifaMily joins dinner and conversation on Day 1; checks in during the morning and after afternoon lessons on Day 2; and joins the morning Pokémon snow-play outing, group photos and evening dinner on Day 5. Other appearances are flexible, with no fixed appearance on Day 6. Lessons are led by camp coaches, and indoor workshops by the activity team. Participating family members and meeting times will be shared before departure.

What cultural, nature and craft activities are planned beyond snowboarding?

Three indoor hotel workshops run on Days 2–4: mizuhiki craft inspired by Iida, Nagano; ancient elephants and Hakuba’s glaciers explored with pictures, models and ice trays; and a Salt Road caravan game followed by ice-lifting and temperature experiments. On Day 5, children paint a prepared snowboarder model with ESC and their name on its board, then pack it once dry. Activities are adjusted to children’s energy and interests.

How can children keep practicing after returning home?

During the daytime lessons, instructors can suggest simple activities already demonstrated that suit each child’s ability and can be accompanied by a parent at home. Conversations with the Mi Family help parents observe, support and encourage their children. Trying new runs or advanced movements requires an instructor’s assessment.

Does the Pokémon outing include another snowboard lesson?

No. Day 5 is for relaxed family snow play at Pokémon Snow Adventure, not group snowboard instruction. Snowboarding lessons take place on Days 2–4. Snow-play admission does not provide permission for organised instruction. Families follow the park’s activity, supervision and equipment rules; any change that involves lessons would require separate confirmation with the venue.

Will children make a souvenir? How will activity photos be shared?

After the Day 5 outing, children rest at the hotel and paint a prepared snowboarder model. Its board is personalised with ESC and the child’s name. Once dry, the keepsake is packed to take home. Activity photos or short clips may be shared with families; there is no fixed quantity or daily edited video. Sharing arrangements will be explained before departure, and public use requires parental consent.

How will child supervision, handovers and early returns to the hotel work?

Before departure, parents will receive the supervision arrangements for lessons, supported play and evening activities, including adult contacts, pickup and handovers, toileting assistance and emergency support. If a child needs to return to the hotel early, the accompanying adult, transport and handover will first be agreed with the parent. A parent or guardian travels with each child; this is not all-day drop-off childcare. Younger activity companions do not replace adult supervision. Please tell us about any particular care needs or caregiver preferences in advance so they can be discussed individually. Photos and videos will be shared or used publicly only within the agreed parental consent.

What should I prepare for my child before departure?

The three-day full rental package includes a snowboard, boots, bindings, helmet, snow jacket and pants. Bring goggles, gloves, base layers, spare dry clothing, familiar snacks and necessary personal medication. Please provide equipment sizes, food allergies and care needs in advance. Pack suitable clothing and footwear for arrival-day snow play and the Day 5 outing; do not assume the three-day lesson rental remains available for those extra days. We will send the final packing and rental arrangements before departure.

Which hotel will our family stay at?

All five nights of this six-day family trip are at Kurobe Sun Valley, the confirmed hotel used by ESC for this programme. Breakfast, dinner and arrival and departure group transfers between Nagano Station and the hotel are included.

What equipment is included for the three lesson days?

The three-day full snowboard rental package includes a snowboard, boots, bindings, helmet, snow jacket and pants. Goggles, gloves, base layers and other personal clothing and accessories are not included; please bring your own.

Is Pokémon Snow Adventure admission included?

Day 5 Pokémon Snow Adventure admission at Kashimayari.

Which personal clothing and accessories should we bring?

Goggles, gloves, base layers and personal clothing outside the included rental set.

How do we travel to the park and arrange lunch?

Group return transport from the hotel; lunch is at each family’s own expense.