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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF JAPAN POWDER CONNECTION BOOKINGS

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 reserving and participating in any snowsports activity provided by Japan Powder Connection, 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 Japan Powder Connection’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:

  • Japan Powder Connection 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 a Japan Powder Connection 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 Japan Powder Connection 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/guide 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
    • PayPal
  • Fees:
    • PayPal and Wise remittance fees must be paid by the customer. 
    • Bank transfer fees (both ends) are payable by the customer.
  • Deposits and Balances:
    • Payment in full is required in advance to confirm any booking.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Lessons and Guiding:
    • Prior to 2 weeks before activity: 25% refund.
    • Within 48 hours with a valid local medical certificate: 100% refund minus ¥10,000 administration fee.
    • Within two weeks without a medical certificate: No refund.
  • All refunds incur a ¥10,000 administration fee and any applicable bank charges.
  • No-Show: Failure to attend without contacting Japan Powder Connection 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 two weeks prior to the activity are not allowed, and no refund will be provided.

Transfers:

  • Private lessons and guiding may be transferred to another person with at least 24 hours’ notice, subject to availability. 

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 Japan Powder Connection:

  • Japan Powder Connection reserves the right to cancel activities due to environmental conditions (e.g., high avalanche risk) or other factors beyond its control.
  • If cancellation occurs, Japan Powder Connection 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 activity fees.
  • 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.