TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HOKKAIDO MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE (HMEJAPAN)
Hokkaido Mountain Experience (HME Japan) Terms and Conditions
Definitions:
Lesson: Instruction in a snowsports activity (e.g., skiing or snowboarding).
Guiding: Mountain or backcountry guiding services.
Tour: Pre-arranged itinerary with scheduled activities and pre-booked accommodations.
Acceptance: By participating in any snowsports activity provided by HME Japan, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not register for or participate in any snowsports activities.
Risk Acknowledgment:
Snowsports activities occur in hazardous environments and carry inherent risks of injury.
Activities are subject to environmental conditions and may be canceled or modified at HME Japan’s discretion without prior notice.
Activities may take place far from medical facilities. Participants must have valid travel insurance covering:
Snowsports activities, including off-piste areas.
Medical expenses for injuries sustained during activities.
Personal liability for death or injury caused to others due to your negligence.
Liability:
HME Japan and its employees are not liable for physical, mental, or financial damages resulting from your negligence or that of a third party.
Participants must seek immediate medical attention if advised by an HME Japan employee.
Failure to follow employee instructions or engaging in dangerous/inappropriate behavior may result in termination of your participation without refund.
Media:
Photographs or videos taken during activities remain the property of HME Japan and may be used for promotional purposes.
Rates and Special Offers:
All rates are subject to change without notice.
Special offers are valid only for advertised date ranges, apply only to direct bookings, cannot be combined with other offers, and require payment by the advertised deadline.
Instructor requests are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis and may not be available for special offers or discounts.
Payment Terms:
Accepted Methods: Cash (JPY), bank transfer, WISE, credit card, FLYWIRE, PayPal (website bookings), or Square mobile credit card payments or INVOICES
Fees:
Credit card payments via Square incur a 3.75% service fee, payable by the customer.
Bank transfer fees (both ends) are payable by the customer.
Deposits and Balances:
A 20% deposit is required to confirm a lesson or guiding booking.
Off-peak bookings: Balance due 2 weeks prior to activity start date.
Peak season bookings:
Christmas/New Year: December 15, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (balance due 30 days prior).
Chinese New Year: February 10, 2026 – March 10, 2026 (balance due 30 days prior).
Tours: 20–30% deposit due within 7 days of booking confirmation; balance due 60 days prior to start date, depending on booking arrangements.
Cancellation Policy:
Lessons and Guiding:
More than 2 weeks before activity: Loss of deposit (except peak season).
Within 2 weeks but more than 48 hours before activity: 50% refund.
Within 48 hours with a valid local medical certificate: 100% refund minus ¥10,000 administration fee.
Within 48 hours without a medical certificate: No refund.
Peak season cancellations: 80% refund if canceled more than 2 weeks prior; no refunds within 2 weeks.
Tours:
After deposit payment: Loss of deposit.
After full payment but more than 30 days prior to tour start: 50% refund of balance.
Within 30 days or during peak season: No refund.
All refunds incur a ¥10,000 administration fee and any applicable bank charges.
No-Show: Failure to attend without contacting HME Japan results in cancellation without refund. Delays due to weather must be communicated promptly.
Cancellations due to medical reasons require a valid local medical certificate within 24 hours of activity start; otherwise, no refund is provided.
Modifications:
Modifications to bookings incur a ¥10,000 administration fee (except during peak season, where modifications are not permitted).
Modifications within 24 hours of the activity are not allowed, and no refund will be provided.
Transfers:
Private lessons may be transferred to another person with at least 24 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Switching between ski and snowboard lessons may not always be possible.
Products/services may be transferred with a valid ticket, voucher, or booking number.
Late Arrival or Non-Attendance:
Late arrivals do not extend or reschedule activities. Group activities commence as scheduled; solo activities may proceed at the employee’s discretion but end at the original time.
No compensation or refunds are provided for late arrivals or non-attendance.
Cancellations by HME Japan:
HME Japan reserves the right to cancel activities due to environmental conditions (e.g., high avalanche risk) or other factors beyond its control.
If cancellation occurs, HME Japan will attempt to provide alternative solutions but does not guarantee them.
If no alternative is possible, a credit voucher equal to the remaining activity time will be issued, valid for 2 years, transferable, and subject to availability. No cash refunds will be provided.
Additional Terms:
Lift passes are mandatory and not included in lesson prices.
For lessons/guiding at resorts other than Niseko United, customers must cover the instructor/guide’s ski pass.
Itinerary changes for tours may occur due to weather, accommodation, or group skill levels to enhance participant experience. Additional costs will be invoiced separately and payable during the trip.
The person making the booking/payment is responsible for informing all participants of these terms and conditions.
All services are subject to availability.
Termination of Participation:
No refunds or compensation will be provided if participation is terminated due to failure to follow employee instructions, dangerous/disrespectful/abusive behavior, or voluntary withdrawal.