Zero to Five Ski for Beginners — Hakuba

Highlights

• A coach for every four riders
• Ski a green run on your own by your last day
• Skis, boots and poles included
• A camp card and exercises to keep going

Upcoming dates and prices

• 14 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 — US$2,087
• 21 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 — US$2,087
• 28 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 — US$2,087
• 4 Jan 2027 – 10 Jan 2027 — US$2,087
• 11 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 — US$2,333
• 18 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 — US$2,333
• 25 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 — US$2,333
• 1 Feb 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 — US$2,333
• 8 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 — US$2,333
• 15 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 — US$2,333
• 22 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 — US$2,087
• 1 Mar 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 — US$2,087
• 8 Mar 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 — US$2,087

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be fit?

No. If you can walk up a few flights of stairs you can do this camp. Your legs will be tired by the end of the day, in a good way. We take breaks, and the first days are mostly on the gentle slope.

How do I know my boots fit?

Ski boots feel snug, not painful. Your toes should touch the front when you stand up straight and pull back a little when you bend your knees. Your heel should not lift when you lean forward. If anything pinches or goes numb, tell your coach or the shop and we swap them. Getting the boots right is the first thing we do on day one.

Who sets up my bindings?

The rental shop does. They set the release setting from your height, weight, boot size and skiing level, so the ski comes off when it should in a fall. Please don't change it yourself, and tell the shop if your details change.

Do I need poles?

Not in Zero to Five Ski. Poles are optional here, and most riders find it easier to learn without them for the first two or three days. Your coach will tell you when they help. They are included in your rental if you want them.

What if I fall?

You will, and that's fine. On day two we practise falling to the side and getting up with the skis across the hill, so you can do it by yourself. The skis are set to release in a hard fall. Most beginner falls are slow, sideways slides on soft snow.

How do I get on the chairlift with skis?

Your coach shows you on a bench first, then rides beside you the first time. You shuffle up to the line, look back for the chair, sit down, and lower the bar. At the top you lift the bar, keep your ski tips up, stand and glide off. After the first ride it stops being a thing.

Is skiing hard on the knees?

Skiing uses the knees more than snowboarding does, so we teach a stance that keeps them soft and over your feet, and we keep the first days on gentle slopes where speeds are low. Warm up, stop when you're tired instead of pushing for one more run, and tell your coach straight away if a knee feels wrong. If you have a knee that already gives you trouble, check with your doctor before you book and let us know so your coach can adjust.

How many riders per coach?

Four riders to one coach, at most. Small enough that your coach sees every turn you make.

What's the minimum age?

12. Riders aged 12 to 17 can come without a parent, with your signed permission.

What language is the lesson in?

Each camp page says whether coaching is in English, in Mandarin, or both. On bilingual camps we split groups by language where we can. Tell us your preferred language when you book.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Snowsports travel insurance is required and bought separately. It needs to cover skiing, medical costs and getting you home if you're hurt. We ask for proof before you travel.

What is the Progression Promise?

It's our promise that you will ski a green run on your own by your last day. If you come to every session, do the exercises and don't get there, your lesson cost comes back as credit toward your next ESC camp. We can make that promise because of the small groups and the step-by-step plan.