Cancellation & weather policy
We hold a full crew and private terrain for you alone on your chosen morning. Because that morning cannot be resold at short notice, the schedule below applies. We have tried to keep it fair in both directions — you carry the risk of changing your mind, we carry the risk of the weather.
1. Deposit
A deposit of 50% of the tour price secures your date. The balance is due 7 days before your tour, or on the day if booked within that window.
2. If you cancel
| Notice given before your tour date | Amount retained |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | Nothing — full refund of the deposit |
| 30–59 days | 50% of the deposit |
| 14–29 days | The full deposit |
| Less than 14 days, or no-show | 100% of the tour price |
Bank transfer fees and non-refundable card processing fees are deducted from any refund. Refunds are made to the original payment method within 14 business days.
3. If you change your date
One date change is free if requested 30 days or more before your tour, subject to availability. Later changes are treated as a cancellation and a new booking.
4. The snow promise — if we cancel
Winter in Niseko decides its own schedule. We will cancel or shorten a tour if, in our sole judgement, conditions make it unsafe or make the photographs impossible. This includes heavy snowfall, blizzard, poor visibility, avalanche risk, extreme cold, road or access closure, or if our private road cannot be cleared in time.
If we cancel, you choose:
- another date in the same season, at no extra cost; or
- a full refund of everything you have paid, including the deposit.
We are not able to reimburse travel, accommodation, or other costs you have arranged separately. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
5. If the tour starts and is cut short
If we begin and then have to stop for safety or weather, we will offer a partial refund or a return visit, in proportion to the time completed. If more than half the shooting time was completed and we can deliver a full gallery, no refund is due.
6. Late arrival
The light we shoot in lasts about two hours. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late we may have to shorten the session, and no refund is due for the time lost.
7. Health, pregnancy and safety
Snowmobiles are driven by our professional drivers; you ride as a passenger. Please tell us in advance about pregnancy, back or neck problems, recent surgery, heart conditions, or anything else that may be affected by vibration and cold. If we judge that participation is unsafe, we will cancel and refund in full — provided you told us before the day.
If a participant arrives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or refuses to follow safety instructions, we may end the tour with no refund.
8. How to cancel
Email us at hello@firstsnowniseko.com. Your cancellation takes effect on the date we receive your email, Japan Standard Time.