Terms and Conditions (Effective for course bookings confirmed for the 2026/27 season )
The Booking Terms and Conditions outlined below apply to all course bookings made with Aspire GK (hereafter referred to as “The Academy”).
1. Reservations and payments
By submitting a course reservation and making a payment, the client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions.
1.1 Course reservations
Reservation requests may be submitted by email or through the booking section of The Academy website
Upon receiving a reservation request, The Academy will confirm whether a place is available on the selected course and issue a payment request detailing the course, services included, total course fee and amount due.
1.2 Deposit Payment
For bookings made more than 90 days before the course arrival date, a deposit of 20% of the total course fee is required to secure the course place.
1.3 Booking Confirmation
A booking is confirmed only when the required deposit or full payment has been received by The Academy.
Following confirmation, the client will receive a payment receipt and details of the remaining payment schedule.
1.4 Course Fees and Currency
Courses are operated in Japan, and all course fees are charged in Japanese yen.
Any approximate prices or currency conversions displayed on The Academy website or in other communications are provided for guidance only. Exchange rates may change, and the Japanese yen price stated in the payment request or invoice will be the amount payable.
1.5 Payment Balance
The remaining 80% balance must be paid no later than 90 days before the course arrival date.
Bookings made within 90 days of the course arrival date require full payment at the time of booking.
If payment is not received by the applicable deadline, The Academy reserves the right to cancel the booking, release the course place and retain any payments already received.
1.6 Payment and Currency Charges
Payments must be made to The Academy in Japanese yen by international bank transfer or through the payment services offered by The Academy.
All bank-transfer fees, intermediary-bank charges, payment-service charges and currency-conversion costs are the responsibility of the client.
Payments must be made so that The Academy receives the invoiced amount in full, in Japanese yen. Any shortfall resulting from transfer fees, bank charges or currency conversion will remain payable by the client.
2. Cancellations
2.1 Cancellations by the client
All cancellations must be submitted to The Academy in writing. A cancellation will take effect on the date the written notification is received.
The following cancellation charges apply:
• 151 days or more before the course arrival date: 10% of the total course fee
• 91–150 days before the course arrival date: 20% of the total course fee
• 31–90 days before the course arrival date: 80% of the total course fee
• 30 days or fewer before the course arrival date: 100% of the total course fee
The 100% cancellation charge also applies to clients who do not arrive for their course without providing prior written notice.
The applicable cancellation charge will be deducted from payments already received. Any remaining refundable amount will be returned to the person who made the original payment.
Bank-transfer fees, payment-service charges and any losses resulting from exchange-rate movements are not refundable.
All cancellation deadlines and cancellation charges are calculated according to Japan Standard Time (JST), based on the course arrival date shown in the client’s booking confirmation.
2.1.1 Exceptional Circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, The Academy may, at its discretion, offer a transfer or credit towards an equivalent course during the following winter season.
Any transfer or credit will be subject to course availability, deduction of any accommodation, examination, administration or other costs already incurred, and payment of any difference between the original course fee and the fee applicable during the following season.
Transfers and credits are not guaranteed and do not constitute an entitlement under these Terms and Conditions.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by The Academy, a booking may be transferred once only. Any transfer or credit offered will be non-refundable, cannot be exchanged for cash and will expire at the end of the following winter season.
2.1.2 Travel Insurance
Clients are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance immediately after confirming their booking.
Insurance should provide suitable cover for course cancellation, illness, injury, winter sports activities, travel disruption and other circumstances that may prevent the client from attending or completing the course.
The Academy is not responsible for losses arising from a client’s failure to obtain suitable insurance.
2.2 Changes or Cancellations by The Academy
The Academy plans and arranges its courses almost a year in advance and will make every reasonable effort to provide each course as confirmed. However, it may occasionally be necessary to modify or cancel a course.
2.2.1 Course Modifications
The Academy reserves the right to make reasonable changes to course dates, schedules, training arrangements, accommodation, coaching staff, examination arrangements, work placements or other services where necessary.
Where a course must be modified, The Academy will notify affected clients as soon as reasonably possible and will make every reasonable effort to provide alternative arrangements of a similar duration, quality and overall value.
Minor changes that do not materially affect the overall course do not constitute a cancellation and will not entitle the client to a refund.
If a significant change materially affects the overall course, the client will be offered the opportunity to:
a. Accept the revised course arrangements;
b. Transfer to another available course during the same winter season, with the course fee adjusted to reflect any difference in price;
c. Receive a credit towards an equivalent course during the following winter season, subject to availability and any difference in the following season’s course price; or
d. Cancel the booking and receive the applicable refund described in Sections 2.2.2 or 2.2.3 below.
2.2.2 Cancellation by The Academy
If The Academy cancels a course for operational or commercial reasons, including insufficient candidate numbers, the client will be offered the choice of:
a. Transferring to another available course during the same winter season, with the course fee adjusted to reflect any difference in price;
b. Receiving a credit towards an equivalent course during the following winter season, subject to availability and any difference in the following season’s course price; or
c. Receiving a full refund of all course fees paid to The Academy.
If the client selects a transfer or credit, any amount paid will be applied to the replacement course. If the replacement course costs more, the client must pay the difference. If it costs less, the difference will be refunded.
2.2.3 Circumstances Outside The Academy’s Control
The Academy may be required to modify, postpone, interrupt or cancel a course because of circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, war or the threat of war, riots, civil unrest, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fire, pandemics, epidemics, government controls, border closures or restrictions, transportation disruption, adverse weather or snow conditions, ski-area closure or interruption, and changes or cancellations by third-party suppliers.
Third-party suppliers may include instructor-licensing and examination bodies, accommodation providers, ski areas, transportation providers and internship-placement schools.
If a course is materially affected by circumstances outside The Academy’s reasonable control, the client will be offered, where reasonably possible, the choice of:
a. Accepting the modified course arrangements;
b. Transferring to another available course during the same winter season;
c. Receiving a credit towards an equivalent course during the following winter season; or
d. Receiving a refund of payments made to The Academy.
The value of any transfer, credit or refund may be reduced by reasonable and non-recoverable costs that The Academy has already paid or irrevocably committed to third-party suppliers in connection with the client’s booking.
If a replacement course costs more than the original course, the client must pay the difference. If it costs less, any refund of the difference will be calculated after the deduction of applicable non-recoverable costs.
Any deduction will be limited to costs that The Academy cannot reasonably recover from the relevant third-party supplier.
2.2.4 Additional Client Expenses
The Academy will not be responsible for reimbursing flights, insurance premiums, visa costs, equipment purchases or rentals, independently arranged accommodation, transportation or other expenses not paid directly to The Academy.
Clients are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and course-cancellation insurance immediately after confirming their booking.
3 Liability
3.1 Inherent Risks
Skiing, snowboarding, instructor training and other winter mountain activities involve inherent risks. These may include accidents, collisions, falls, changing snow and weather conditions, equipment failure, avalanches and hazards both within and outside controlled ski-area boundaries.
By participating in a course, clients acknowledge and accept the risks normally associated with these activities.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
3.2 Independently Arranged Activities and Services
The Academy is not responsible for activities, accommodation, transportation, equipment rental or other services independently arranged by clients and not included in their confirmed course booking.
Any independently arranged services are subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant provider.
3.3 Travel Insurance
The Academy is not responsible for losses or expenses resulting from a client’s failure to obtain suitable travel, medical, winter sports and course-cancellation insurance.
The client remains responsible for ensuring that their insurance is appropriate for the full duration and activities of their course.
3.4 Weather, Snow and Ski-Area Operations
The Academy has no control over weather, snow conditions, avalanche risk, lift operations or decisions made by ski-area operators and relevant authorities.
The Academy cannot guarantee the quality or quantity of snow, the operation of particular lifts or terrain, or access to specific ski areas.
Any resulting course changes, interruptions or cancellations will be managed in accordance with Section 2.2 of these Terms and Conditions.
3.5 Visas and Entry into Japan
The Academy may provide general guidance to assist clients with applications for appropriate Japanese visas. However, The Academy has no control over visa decisions, processing times, immigration requirements or permission to enter or remain in Japan.
Clients are responsible for identifying and obtaining the visa and immigration status required for their course and any associated work placement.
The Academy is not responsible if a client is unable to attend or complete a course or work placement because they have not obtained the necessary visa, permission to enter Japan or permission to work. The cancellation terms in Section 2.1 will apply.
3.6 Injury, Illness and Personal Circumstances
The Academy is not responsible if a client is unable to attend or complete all or part of a course because of injury, illness or other personal circumstances.
No refund will be provided for unused training, accommodation, examinations or other course services in these circumstances, except where otherwise agreed by The Academy in writing. Clients should seek reimbursement through their travel or course-cancellation insurance where appropriate.
4. Client Responsibilities
4.1 Insurance
Clients must obtain appropriate insurance for the full duration of their stay before travelling to Japan. The insurance requirements are explained further in Section 5.
4.2 Visas and Immigration
Clients are responsible for applying for and obtaining the visa and immigration permissions appropriate to their selected course.
Clients participating in a course involving a work placement must obtain permission to work legally in Japan. Unless The Academy has confirmed another appropriate visa arrangement in writing, this will normally require a valid Working Holiday Visa.
4.3 Ability, Fitness and Medical Information
Clients must provide accurate and honest information about their skiing or snowboarding experience, ability and qualifications when applying for a course.
Winter sports and instructor training can be physically and mentally demanding. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they have an appropriate level of fitness, health and technical ability to participate safely in their selected course.
Clients must inform The Academy of any medical condition, injury or other circumstance that may materially affect their safety, wellbeing or ability to participate. Clients must also inform their coach promptly of any injury or health issue that develops during the course so that training can be adjusted where reasonably possible.
The Academy is not responsible if a client is unable to complete the course because their actual skiing or snowboarding ability, fitness, health or qualifications do not meet the required standard.
4.4 Conduct
The Academy aims to provide a safe, enjoyable and productive training, accommodation and work environment for all participants.
Clients must behave responsibly and respectfully towards other participants, Academy staff, coaches, accommodation providers, placement-school staff, members of the public and resort employees.
Unsafe, unlawful, abusive, threatening, discriminatory, seriously disruptive or persistently inappropriate behaviour may result in the client being suspended or removed from training, accommodation or a work placement.
Where reasonably practicable, The Academy will explain the concern and give the client an opportunity to correct their behaviour. However, The Academy may take immediate action where it considers this necessary to protect the safety, wellbeing or rights of others.
A client removed from a course, accommodation or work placement because of serious or repeated misconduct will not be entitled to a refund for any unused services. The client will also be responsible for any additional accommodation, transportation or other costs resulting from their removal.
4.5 Accommodation and Property
Clients must comply with the rules of all accommodation provided or arranged as part of their course.
A security deposit may be required. Clients are responsible for loss or damage caused by them or their guests, excluding reasonable wear and tear.
The cost of damage, additional cleaning, lost keys or other charges imposed by the accommodation provider may be deducted from the security deposit. If the cost exceeds the deposit, the client must pay the outstanding amount.
Serious or repeated breaches of accommodation rules may result in removal from the accommodation without a refund. The client will be responsible for arranging and paying for any replacement accommodation.
5. Insurance
5.1 Insurance Requirements
It is the client’s responsibility to obtain comprehensive insurance suitable for their course, activities and complete period in Japan.
Insurance should include, where applicable:
• International medical treatment and hospital expenses;
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation;
• Course cancellation and interruption;
• Skiing and snowboarding;
• Instructor training and examination participation;
• Off-piste skiing or snowboarding;
• Areas accessed through ski-area gates and terrain outside controlled ski-area boundaries;
• The full duration of the client’s stay; and
• Paid employment, where the course includes a work placement.
Winter sports are not always included in standard travel-insurance policies. Clients should carefully check all coverage, limits and exclusions before purchasing a policy.
Niseko includes lift-accessed off-piste and terrain outside controlled ski-area boundaries. Clients intending to use these areas must confirm that their insurance specifically covers these activities.
Instructor-training courses may also be longer than the maximum trip duration covered by standard travel-insurance policies. Clients must confirm that their policy remains valid for their complete stay in Japan.
5.2 When Insurance Should Be Arranged
Clients should arrange suitable travel and course-cancellation insurance as soon as they make their initial course deposit.
The amount at financial risk increases as the course arrival date approaches and the cancellation charges in Section 2.1 increase. Clients must ensure that their cancellation cover remains sufficient for the amount they could lose under these Terms and Conditions.
In particular, before paying the final course balance, clients should check that their cancellation limit is sufficient to cover the applicable cancellation charge, of their course booking, together with any other non-refundable travel costs.
Insurance policies vary. Clients should confirm directly with their insurer:
• When their cancellation cover begins;
• Whether course payments made after purchasing the policy are automatically covered;
• Whether the insurer must be notified when the final course balance is paid;
• Whether the cancellation limit can be increased if necessary; and
• Whether the policy’s cancellation limit is sufficient to cover their total non-refundable course and travel costs.
The Academy cannot confirm whether a particular insurance policy is suitable and does not accept responsibility for the insurer’s coverage decisions or the outcome of any claim.
6. Additional Conditions for Internship Courses
The following additional conditions apply to courses that include a work-placement opportunity.
6.1 Work Placement Arrangements
The Academy arranges work-placement opportunities with ski schools in the Niseko area for eligible Internship participants.
A work placement remains conditional upon the client meeting all visa, certification, conduct, suitability and employment requirements described in these Terms and Conditions and those of the placement school.
6.2 Eligibility
To commence a work placement, clients must:
• Hold a visa or immigration status that legally permits them to undertake the proposed work in Japan;
• Successfully obtain the instructor certification required by the placement school;
• Meet the placement school’s employment and suitability requirements; and
• Enter into any employment agreement required by the placement school.
If a client does not pass their first instructor examination, The Academy will, where reasonably possible, assist them in identifying the next available opportunity to retake the examination.
Any examination, training, transportation, accommodation or other costs associated with a retake are the responsibility of the client.
6.3 Suitability
Although work placements are arranged in advance, the placement school retains responsibility for determining whether a client is suitable to commence or continue employment.
A placement may be withdrawn or terminated if the client does not meet the placement school’s reasonable requirements relating to ability, certification, visa status, conduct, reliability, communication, safety or professional standards.
The Academy is not responsible where a placement school reasonably determines that a client is unsuitable or where the client fails to meet the eligibility requirements in Section 6.2.
6.4 Employment Conditions
Employment terms and conditions are determined by the placement school and may vary between employers.
These may include wages, working hours, work volume, schedules, days off, requested-instructor arrangements, staff training, shadowing, uniforms, transportation and staff accommodation.
Unless expressly included in the client’s confirmed course details, The Academy does not guarantee any minimum number of working hours, lessons, earnings or days of employment.
The employment relationship is between the client and the placement school and will be governed by the employment agreement issued by that school.
6.5 Internship Pro
Internship Pro participants will normally undertake work placements during the principal busy periods, including Christmas and New Year and the Lunar New Year period.
Between these placement periods, participants will return to The Academy to continue their scheduled training.
Exact placement and training dates may vary according to examination schedules, resort operations, client demand and the requirements of the placement school.
6.6 Insurance During Work Placements
The placement school will provide any employment-related insurance required under its employment arrangements and applicable Japanese law.
This does not replace the client’s personal travel, medical and winter-sports insurance. Clients must maintain suitable personal insurance covering training, examinations, recreational skiing or snowboarding, days off and any other periods or activities not covered by the placement school’s employment arrangements.
Clients are responsible for confirming that their personal insurance permits paid employment where applicable.