Damian Benente - Ski Instructor in Niseko, Rusutsu and more

Hi, I’m Damian a ski instructor with more than 15 years of experience working with a ski school accredited to teach in Niseko, Rusutsu, and others resorts.

Lessons are up to 6 persons. from 2.5yo onwards
*kids lessons are 1-on-1. *note that the recommended age to start is after 3yo also need to be able to go to the toilet by themselves or a guardian be present/readily available during the lesson.

Lessons are full day (up to 8 hrs) and half day (3 hrs). They include videos so you can have a record of your progress at no extra fee. They can also include pick-up/drop-off and transfers during the lesson to get to the best areas for your level up to 3 persons (transfer for +3 persons is subject to availability).

Lessons are in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. And can start from Grand Hirafu base, Annupuri base. (if you are staying in Niseko Village or Hanazono we can explore alternatives options).

Meeting points in Grand Hirafu are:

  • Family chairlift bottom ticket station.

  • .Base Gondola base (dot base).

  • King Gondola base.

  • Hotel ski in/out.

*All lessons are given with a ski school insured and authorized to operate in Niseko United, Rusutsu and other resorts.
* Helmet is mandatory.
* Lessons do not include ski equipment or lift tickets, but I’m happy to advise on where to get them.

photo: BSide Photos 2022
photo: BSide Photos 2022
lesson image

Full day ski lessons

8hs total of ski lesson so you can have the flexibility to learn and rest at your own peace up to 6 person

lesson image

Half day ski lessons

3hs total up to 6 person

Morning: 9am to 12pm
Afternoon 13:30am to 16:30pm

Hazel Quing avatar
Hazel Quing

Damian is the best ski instructor ever. Trust me when I say I had more than 15 ski lessons around the world… and it was my first time to learn all the important fundamentals of ski… not just “pizza”. He helped and guided me so effortlessly I can easily do it.. i dont know why. He’s so good. He said those techniques can help me go down about 80% of the mountain. I’m so thankful because I had bad anxiety because of skiing and Damian was a confident booster! I love Damian. He is the best ski instructor out there! 💯 oh and he also took lots of videos of me 😭🥺💯

Hazel Quing photo
Daniella García Rodríguez avatar
Daniella García Rodríguez

Damian is an amazing instructor. He was very patient with me (I was very nervous) and knew just what to say or how to guide me to make the skiing experience smooth and fun. I saw immediate and visible improvement every day, and by the end of our trip felt confident in my skis. He taught my partner in english and me in spanish which was awesome. 100% highly recommended.

Ivy Ong avatar
Ivy Ong

Damian is a wonderful and experienced ski instructor. He was especially kind and patient with our kids and took the time to help them and to make their experience better. We had a fantastic time and look forward to more ski lessons in the next ski season.

lin xia avatar
lin xia

A great ski instructor, there are many ways to solve the problems, to ensure the safety of students, but also to advise you to do something you can do but are afraid to do. We got good exercise and confidence. My 7 year-old son and I like to follow Damian very much.

leslie goh avatar
leslie goh

Damian instructed me and my wife for 2 days in March 25. I was a little frustrated at the very start of day 1 as I had trouble executing what he wanted me to do. But with his patient guidance, I had an eureka moment and I really improved with his instruction. I now feel so much more under control coming down the mountain. Groomed/Ungroomed, On or Off Piste, icy or creamy thick. It no longer matters! Thank you Damain!