Why Japan Should be Your Next International Skiing Destination

Japan is quickly becoming a top international destination for ski enthusiasts. To find out why, we interviewed travel experts from kimkim.com, who specialize in skiing in Japan: Jessemin Sheyda-Losick, a travel and ski expert who has guided in Japan; Tracy Clemens, a skier with 20 years’ experience specializing in group and individual ski and snowboard trips around the world; Michelle Maurer, an outdoor adventurer from Tokyo; and Chris Lavey, a local Japan resident and avid skier.

Find out their take on the best months to visit, the secrets to finding the best resort, and tips on getting into the back-country for great powder.

What are the best months for planning a ski trip to Japan?

On Hokkaido, the season starts early, with resorts opening in mid-November. December and January are typically excellent months, when the island’s famously dry powder tends to dump.

— Jessemin

January is called Japanuary, as it’s the time of year they get most of their powder. But the resorts are open and still offer great snow conditions from December through March. Because of how far north Hokkaido is, it receives the Siberian storm track that brings in the amazing powder Japan is known for.

— Tracy

What makes Japan a great skiing destination?

Japan consistently has the best snow in the world. You never have to worry about droughts or there being not enough snow. Also, there is great skiing readily at hand: You can be in a skier’s paradise a short train ride outside of Tokyo. On top of that, it’s much cheaper to go skiing in Japan than the United States. In Hakuba (near Nagano), for example, a day ticket costs around $50 for an adult, while a day pass at Squaw (Lake Tahoe, CA) would cost upwards of $130.

— Michelle

The snow quality and yearly snowfall are both amazing. Last year was Hakuba’s worst in many years, and it was still better than most places in the States or Europe. Japan is unique for the food and culture that you can experience.

— Chris

Any recommendations for families planning a ski trip in Japan?

Resorts that are great for families are Kiroro and Rusutsu – they are both easy to get to from New Chitose-Sapporo airport via private or shared ride transfers. They have great facilities for children, including children’s game rooms, play areas and many other winter activities in addition to skiing. The resorts also offer children’s ski school and daycare. The resorts are very family-friendly, offering great on-site amenities, including restaurants, spas and shops. The vacation rentals are also located as ski-in and ski-out to the slopes, so there’s great access to everything!

— Tracy

Where are the best places to go skiing in Japan? What are the tradeoffs, in terms of location, access, price?

I’m biased, but I love Hakuba in Nagano prefecture. That’s where the Olympic downhill, Super G and jumps were in the 1998 Olympics. There is a wide range of terrain and something for everyone. Other people may say Hokkaido, but Hakuba is the best in my mind.

— Chris

What are some of the best places to go side-country skiing in Japan?

Hokkaido tends to have the best snow in Japan (and some would argue the world), so it’s a great place for side-country exploration. Here’s a list of my favorite places:

Niseko. The largest resort area, has quality snow and lots of lift-access side-country, especially off of the Hanazano and An’nupuri sections. Given the occasional flats, it pays to hire a local guide to show you the best lines and to ensure you don’t get stuck between thrilling steeps.

Rusutsu. A small, uncrowded mountain that gets excellent snow and has some excellent side-country lines through deep, gladed powder stashes.

Kiroro. Kiroro has some of the most consistent snow on Hokkaido, and good off-piste areas ripe for exploration.

While there are many other fine side-country options on Hokkaido, when you are ready for deeper exploration, numerous local tour operators offer guided back-country tours. One of the most challenging yet rewarding is the trek up Mt. Yotei, a volcano that dominates the landscape and offers spectacular views (on clear days) as well as some of the steepest and deepest terrain on the island.

Since little-to-no skinning is involved, you either need to pay for lift access or, in some cases, pay for a cat to take you up. Either way, the side-country terrain you can access in Japan is phenomenal (and it takes much less work than back-country!).

— Jessemin

Any final pieces of advice for planning a ski vacation in Japan?   

If possible, avoid going in December over the holidays and Chinese New Year, as rates go up and everything is more crowded. Early December, January and mid- February to March are the best times to avoid the crowds but still get great snow.

Get a mountain guide at least the first day at any of the resorts. It is a great way to get a feel for the mountain and get a local’s tips on the best areas to ski. Although Japan gets amazing an amount of snow, it is still at a low elevation so acclimating to high elevations isn’t a worry!

Also, world-class equipment rentals are available at the resorts. I recommend taking your boots if you love them and rent the skis or board at the resort – they have the right equipment for the conditions.

— Tracy

Alex Buri is an avid world traveler and Head of Community at kimkim.com, an online marketplace for planning and booking custom adventures.

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