Report】Supporting Children's Ski Debut. A 2-day/1-night ski trip to Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake
Many parents want to let their children play in the pure white snow and think it would be fun to ski with them. However, they are sometimes hesitant because they are worried about the preparations, the amount of luggage, and the possibility of their children getting bored at the destination.... We take a close look at "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake" in Yamanashi Prefecture, a ski resort that will blow those worries away and make your child's skiing debut an easy and fulfilling experience. The staff/staff member who is familiar with children will teach them from the beginning, and time will fly by as the hotel offers a variety of Properties where children can play outside of the snow! In this report, we will closely report on the thrilling 2-day/1-night skiing debut experience of a family with a 5-year old and a 1-year old. Don't miss the "secret to a successful debut" advice directly from ski pros.
What is the key to a successful skiing debut?
Praise them when they do even small things; this is the secret to making them love skiing!
We asked Mr. Sano and other experienced Staff/staff members who have coached many children in their skiing debut about how to provide good support for their debut.
I think it's important to praise them for even the smallest successes. For a child, just putting on a big pair of boots is a big deal. By giving them detailed encouragement for putting on their boots and walking, they will gain confidence and become more motivated. In Hoshino Resorts' ski programs, the most important thing is to communicate from the child's point of view, and to step up one experience at a time.
Choosing a ski resort for beginners and a convenient hotel is also very important.
When making a debut, it is also important to choose a destination and a Property with excellent service. The following four points will help you choose the right place.
Point (1): Choose a ski resort with gentle slopes for beginners.
If you go to a ski resort where the main slopes are wide and gentle, children can ski without worries.
Point 2) Check the rental equipment in detail.
We recommend you to go empty-handed and go to a hotel where you can rent everything. Buying equipment for children is enough after they get used to going several times.
Point 3) If your child is 5 years old or older, joining a school is a shortcut to improvement.
It is better to learn from a coach, not to be spoiled, to work hard, and to learn in a short time.
Point 4: Pull up before you get tired.
The feeling of "I want to ski more" will lead to the next ski trip!
Children progress quickly and soon become able to enjoy skiing at the same level as their parents. I hope that their debut will make skiing an important part of their family vacation.
Experience Family Introduction & 2-Day/1-Night Schedule
A family with a 1 year old and a 5 year old who are good friends.
The family of four who took on the challenge of skiing for the first time was Chihiro (5 years old) and Atsushi (1 year and 7 months old) with their father and mother. They live in Aichi Prefecture, where snowfall is rare, and Atsushi, in particular, has no experience playing in the snow. The father and mother used to go skiing often, but after the birth of their son, they did not have the opportunity.
Chihiro is now five years old, and I thought it was time for him to learn to ski properly so we could enjoy skiing together. I would be happy if he could try without worrying about making mistakes and gain confidence in himself," said the father as he shared his thoughts on this debut.
Introducing the time schedule for 2 days and 1 night
On the first day, when you arrive at the hotel, you should first finish renting clothes and gear for the next day so that you have plenty of time to relax. Children are very excited, so they will be more satisfied if they can interact with the snow right after this. Have dinner early and get a good night's rest for both parents and children. This way, they can enjoy the next day's activities to their heart's content.
What are "snow goods?"
Hoshino Resorts' Ski Lessons Support Debutantes
Yuki-zz" refers to Hoshino Resorts' unique skiing lessons that lead you to progress in skiing while having fun in the snow. The method was developed based on sports science in cooperation with the Nippon Sport and Physical Education University. The four movements necessary for progress, such as playing rock-paper-scissors-paper with ski boots and doing original poses, are incorporated into the playful activities to ensure progress while having fun.
Snow Goods (reservation required)
◆Level 1 (beginner): 3-12 years old Free in-facility debut lesson (30 min. required) 〜to 45 min.
◆Level 1-2 (beginner and intermediate) 5-12 years old 5,300 yen (takes about 1.5 hours, insurance included)
◆One-on-one lesson 3-4 years old 8,000 yen (takes about 4 minutes, insurance included) 5 (approx. 1.5 hours, including insurance)
◆Level 1-3 Private Lesson: 5-12 years old: 15,000 yen and up (approx. 1.5 hours, including insurance)
For more information on lesson periods, starting times, fees, and reservations, please check the website.
Electronic chart to track achievement and pin badges for each level up!
After the program, you can check the stage of achievement with the "Snow Kids Lesson Chart (electronic chart)," which will motivate you to take on the next challenge.
No need to bring anything other than a set of rental ski equipment (you can also bring your own). Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the ski resort "Fujimi Kogen Ski Area" where the event is held. Direction is by the hotel's free shuttle bus (15 minutes) or by private car. The ski resort has a "Kids Snowland" for toddlers, where younger children can play while waiting for their lessons to finish.
A free shuttle bus also runs to Fujimi Panorama Resort, where there is a kids' park (40 minutes' ride).
A word of advice from a veteran coach
The coaches at Snow Kids are all hotel Staff/staff members who are familiar with children. They are gentle and talk to you from the children's point of view, so you will make great progress!
For 3-4 year olds, it is better to have a mom or dad watching nearby in case they suddenly need to go to the bathroom.
Day 1: 12:30 Renting clothes and gear
Children will be excited to find their favorite wear!
Upon arrival at the hotel, we immediately started the rental procedures for clothing and gear. Go to the "Snow Resort Center" located on the hotel's main street, Piment Street, and choose your favorite design from a colorful selection of clothing arranged by size. Chihiro, who likes pink, purple, and light blue, was delighted to find a mix of all three colors.
Gloves, goggles, and hats (for children only) can even be rented here, and for free for guests. It's really helpful for families with small children to be able to come here empty-handed and rent everything for free," said the mother.
A word of advice from a veteran coach
Choose pants that are slightly longer and roomier than what you normally wear. Ideally, the pants should fit snugly when you put on your boots.
Once boots and boards are matched, they are ready for their skiing debut!
Next to the clothing, we picked up boots and boards. After selecting your clothing and other items on the second floor, you will receive boots and boards that fit your pre-registered information and have been adjusted to your needs. Your ski preparation is now complete. The free bus stop for the ski slopes is just outside the building, making for a stress-free and efficient flow.
The rental of wear, boots, and boards takes about one hour. Boots, boards, and poles can be stored at the Snow Resort Center if they will be used for consecutive days.
A word of advice from an experienced coach
Socks should be a little thicker to prevent pain in the shins and toes. It is better to choose boots with a certain degree of hold, so if you are concerned, feel free to ask the Staff/staff member for advice.
13:45 Snow debut in the hotel
The hotel's mini-slope is a safe place for children to make their snow debut.
For a limited time only, two slopes with different slopes, "Snowdz Snow Park," are available on the grounds. Since it is located right in front of Guest rooms, there is virtually no stress in moving around. On the mini-slopes, you can practice stopping with your skis on and sliding out of the lifts.
The day Chihiro and Atsushi visited was closed due to low snowfall, but we recommend taking a "Snow Kids (Level 1)" lesson here for children who are experiencing skiing for the first time, so they can get used to the snow before going to the ski slope (free for guests only, 30-45 minutes).
15:00 Check in and take a break
Guest rooms with a resort-like atmosphere for a relaxing stay for the whole family
After checking in, go to your room. Families will cheer when they see the spacious and stylish rooms. We can sleep here today! said Atsushi as he struck a banzai pose. Guest room blocks and picture books were available for guests to borrow, and they immediately began playing with them. Adults and children alike can enjoy a relaxing time at the hotel, whether it be stretching out their tired ski-booted legs on the daybed or relaxing and gazing at the sky on the terrace, where the trees and cool air of the Yatsugatake foothills provide a pleasant respite.
Enjoy the unique presentation and service of a "wine resort"!
Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake is based on the original concept of a "wine resort" where you can enjoy wine and experience the culture and terroir of the region. The hotel offers a variety of proposals that take advantage of its location in the Yamanashi and Nagano areas, which are home to many wineries. The "VINO BOX" service, which allows guests to take out wines they like from the Yatsugatake Wine House in the hotel to their Guest rooms, is also a service unique to this hotel. It is a wonderful experience to taste the wine with nuts and cheese in your room. The interior is decorated in Bordeaux color so that you can not only drink wine but also feel it visually during your stay.
5:30 p.m. Dinner time with a variety of buffet
Hot grilled dishes and colorful vegetable plates bring smiles to everyone's faces.
When you are about to get hungry, the buffet and grill restaurant "YYgrill" on the first floor is popular among families for its vegetable buffet featuring fresh ingredients such as Yatsugatake's highland vegetables, colorfully arranged. The restaurant also offers fried foods for children, sweet curry, fried potatoes, and a full lineup of desserts to satisfy children. There is also porridge, which can be used as baby food depending on the age of the child. The main dish for adults is served on a hot Nambu ironware plate and can be enjoyed slowly with an aromatic herb sauce.
A space where you can enjoy food to your heart's content while feeling close to wine
The menu also includes cheeses and nuts that are perfect as wine snacks, and since the restaurant offers BYO (Bring Your Own) service (as do all the other restaurants in the hotel), you can bring in wine and other items purchased at the Yatsugatake Wine House. Also, look out for the mural of grapes in the restaurant and the design that resembles grape trellises above the tables. The restaurant offers a world view unique to "Hoshino Resorts Yatsugatake," where you can enjoy wine with all five senses.
Breakfast is available in both Japanese and Western style, with popular dishes such as Hoto and Sanzokuyaki (grilled fish cake), which are unique to Yamanashi.
Day 2: 8:40 a.m. Depart for the ski resort!
Let's go to the ski resort on the free bus, all ready to go!
Last night, everyone went to bed by 9:00 p.m. (laughs). I had a good night's sleep," says the mother. We were all recharged and ready to go skiing first thing in the morning.
The free shuttle bus for hotel guests departs from the hotel Parking to Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort, where the "Snow Kids" event will be held. Fuji on a clear day, and you will arrive at the ski resort spread out at the foot of Mount Amigasa and Mt.
Another great benefit of staying at the hotel is that lift tickets are free for both adults and children (only for guests of elementary school age and under at the "Fujimi Panorama Resort" ski resort).
The long-awaited "Snowdz" lesson has started!
On this day, Chihiro participated in a "Snow Kids Private Lesson. This is a full-fledged lesson that will help you acquire skills, and is available for ages 5 to 12.
First, the staff/staff members introduced themselves to each other. It is amazing how just by calling each other by name, you can get into a friendly atmosphere. After doing the preparation exercises and putting on the skis one leg at a time, the instructor carefully teaches the children with lots of praise, making them feel like they are in the groove. The children are able to stop at the triangle pose and complete level 1, which has 4 steps, in no time at all!
A word of advice from an experienced coach
Everyone is anxious about doing something they have never done before. If you gain experience one step at a time, your anxiety will disappear and you will be able to enjoy skiing.
Step-by-step lessons will help you steadily improve your skills.
Use the triangle pose as a point of reference to control your speed, turn left and right, and stop. As you begin to practice leaning over and touching your boots, you will develop a natural sense of turning with your crune. During the lesson, there are many times when they fall down, but they seem to enjoy even that and quickly get up and restart laughing. In about 90 minutes of lessons, they reached the halfway point of "Level 2," the goal of which is to "make turns and ski freely. Chihiro's appearance is impressive, as she seems to have grown not only in technique but also in spirit.
A word of advice from an experienced coach
Although there are individual differences, I think it is better for parents to leave their children in the care of Staff/staff members from the age of 5 years old and then wait for them to come back home. This will lead to better progress because the children will concentrate on the instruction and not on being spoiled.
Riding the lifts, learning to ski and stop by yourself!
Chihiro rode the lift in the middle of the lesson and repeatedly skied the 500-meter long gentle slope. After the lesson, Chihiro showed her mom and dad how well she could ski and stop. Chihiro showed her mom and dad how well she could do it. Her mom was surprised. Her father's eyes narrowed as he too saw that Chihiro had become much better than he had expected. I want to be able to do it a little better," he said, still wanting to improve his skills! Chihiro is completely hooked on the charm of skiing, and her skiing debut was a great success!
A word of advice from a veteran coach
When the program is over, the children all say, "I want to do more," but it's good to end the program at that level. It's good to end the lesson at that level. It will lead them to look forward to the next one.
Atsushi plays with sleds and play equipment at the kids' snow park.
The ski slope is located on the south slope, so it is warm and comfortable for the little ones. In an area separated from the slopes to prevent skiers from entering, there is a "Kids Snowland" that is perfect for toddlers to play in the snow. In addition to fluffy air play equipment and sledding, there is also a "petting zoo and alpaca farm" where you can meet alpacas (check the website for dates).
This was Atsushi's first experience in the snow. At first, he was so surprised by the cold snow that he cried half the time, but after riding on the sled with his mother, he was in a good mood. His snow debut was also a success!
12:00 Enjoy after-skiing
Lunch time to satisfy your après-ski hunger!
After returning to the hotel and checking out, it is time for lunch. Soba Foothills, a restaurant on "Piment Street," serves special buckwheat noodles made from high-quality buckwheat seeds. You can taste it with wild vegetables and vegetable tempura, and there are also mini-sets for kids.
You can also enjoy chatting about what happened during the lesson.
Stroll down "Piment Street," lined with resort-like sundries and restaurants
The hotel's 160-meter-long main street, "Piment Street," is lined with 19 unique stores. Be sure to look for souvenirs such as handmade ham, rich baked cheesecake, and specialty coffee here. You will find many tasteful items from France, Scandinavia, and other foreign countries, and you are sure to find a wonderful souvenir of your trip. A wide variety of restaurants such as Western food, soba (buckwheat noodles), and cafes also add to the satisfaction of your stay.
While strolling around, we recommend taking a commemorative photo with the cylindrical "Bellini Tower," the symbol of the hotel, in the background.
Even if you get tired of skiing, there is no need to worry! Large swimming pool popular among children
A full-fledged playground with big waves up to 1.2 meters high!
In case of bad weather or if you get tired of skiing, there are other Properties where you can have a good time. Il Mare," located inside the hotel, is a heated swimming pool that can be played in all seasons and is reminiscent of the ocean spreading out in a forest. Once an hour after it opens, for 10 minutes, a powerful wave crashes into the pool, creating a great excitement for adults and children alike! Swimsuits, floats, and other accessories can be rented (for a fee), making it convenient to accommodate sudden changes in plans (free admission for all guests with a free pass. (Admission is free for all guests with a free pass, including rental of towels for the pool/guests can enter before check-in and after check-out).
Kids' area like a "waterfront in the forest" that stimulates a sense of excitement
Behind the wave pool is a forest-themed water play area. Wall graphics covering the entire wall create a lively and fun atmosphere. The fountain, whose spouting water forms the shape of a leaf, the slide that represents the unevenness of a leaf, and other leaf motifs scattered throughout the area create an atmosphere typical of a highland resort. The names of the playground equipment, such as "Pyon-Pyon Switch" and "Hide and Seek Shower," are full of playful spirit. Sofas are placed overlooking the children's area, allowing visitors to relax and watch over their children.
Relaxing Book Cafe and Wine House
About 3,000 books from picture books to photo books! A bookstore with a café
Located on the first floor of the hotel, "BOOKS & CAFE" is a bookstore with a wide variety of books on Yatsugatake, including photo collections, plants, outdoor activities, and cooking. It also has a selection of picture books for small children, making it a great place to visit with the whole family. Wooden shelves that fill the walls create a bright and natural atmosphere, creating a relaxing space. A café is also attached to the store, where guests can enjoy a blissful coffee break while turning the pages of their favorite books. You can also find postcards, stationery, and other fashionable sundries.
Yatsugatake Wine House, a must-visit during your stay, where you will find a selection of the finest wines.
The Yatsugatake Wine House, located next to BOOKS&CAFE, is also a must-see. The innovative system allows customers to enjoy self-tasting of 24 carefully selected wines from Yamanashi and Nagano with a dedicated server. Pouring the desired amount of wine and comparing it at the chic counter is an experience that can only be had at a "wine resort. Wines from the Yatsugatake winery Domaine Mie Ikeno, for example, offer elegant, supple flavors that seem to condense the local terroir, making them perfect with a meal. BYO" your favorites for dinner and enjoy them to your heart's content, the "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake" way.
Impressions of a 2-day/1-night skiing debut
I want to ski again! This is what makes moms and dads happiest!
My 2-day/1-night skiing debut went by in a blink of an eye. We will return home with many memories, including nervous but happy skiing and a wonderful hotel.
I felt that she had grown up a little. She was able to participate in the lessons by herself even though she was sometimes shy until a while ago. I was also happy to see that I made more progress than I had imagined. The Staff/staff members are very caring and familiar with children, so I was able to leave them in good hands," said Mom and Dad. Chihiro, who has grown to love skiing, says, "I want to ski more.
When children are young, this is the best time to take a family trip to experience nature!
I had an image that skiing with children is hard, but the hotel we stayed at this time allowed us to rent a complete set of ski equipment, including accessories, free of charge, and a shuttle bus was provided to take us to the ski resort, so it was really easy. The only things we prepared in advance were thermal underwear and socks. I also brought a little more of their favorite snacks than usual in case they got fidgety (laughs). The stress-free trip brought smiles to the faces of both mom and dad, and it seemed to have lowered the hurdles for traveling with children.
When the kids get older, they may be too busy to go out as a family, so I want to have lots of fun while we're still here. Next year we'll go skiing again as a family (laughs)!" (Tetsuya) "I am very happy to be able to play with my children.
