Skiing in Japan: A Beginner’s Guide

Winter sports in Japan may seem intimidating to the newbie, but they don't have to be. Here are the basics of what you need to know about skiing in Japan.

If you’re a tropical girl like me, hitting the slopes can seem terrifying at first. Fear not! Japan is legendary in ski circles because of Japow (Japanese powder snow). These conditions make gliding on the slopes feel so effortless, like floating on a cloud. Not to mention, Japan’s snow resorts are very affordable compared to other places in the world. Here’s what you need to know about skiing in Japan, from where to go, how much it costs and what to expect

Where to Ski in Japan

If you’re a total novice when it comes to winter sports in Japan, choose ski resorts with lots of green/beginner slopes. These are gentle and wide, making it less likely that you’ll bump into other learners. Many also feature “magic carpets” (conveyor belts), which make going up and down the course a breeze. There are also nets on the edges to catch you if you run off course.

Here are some well-known Japanese ski resorts that are great for newbies.

• Tambara Ski Park (Gunma)
• Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano)
• Meiho Ski Resort (Gifu)
• Iwappara Snow Resort (Niigata)
• Kuju Shinrin Koen Ski Resort (Oita)
• Grandeco Snow Resort (Fukushima)
• Snow Park Yeti (Shizuoka)

How Much Does Skiing in Japan Cost?

If you do your research, winter sports don’t have to cost a fortune. Getting to the ski resort, however, can be a major deal-breaker. If you have to fly there, the cost is going to rack up. Consider Tambara in Gunma for a quick and easy day trip. Karuizawa Prince Hotel is also within walking distance of the shinkansen (bullet train) station. 

Lift tickets can run from ¥4,000 and up. Renting ski or snowboard equipment can cost ¥ 4,000 or more. To rent a full ski suit, set aside at least ¥3,000. Sign up for a package deal to save that precious yen: transport to the resort, ski lift ticket and gear rental in one.

Don’t forget to include locker and meal fees (you’re likely to be ravenous after a couple of hours sliding in the snow). 

Top tip: Learn from the pros at an accredited ski school. If your Japanese isn’t fabulous, sign up for classes that offer multilingual instruction. Classes can be one-on-one or in small groups, so choose according to your needs or budget. 

What Should I Wear?

Snow resorts are chilly, so bundle up! The key is to dress in stretchy, non-bulky layers. Your base layer should be something quick-dry and warm, like a heat-tech/wool thermal top and bottom. The second layer can be a high-neck midweight fleece or sweatshirt. Your third layer should be a windproof and waterproof ski jacket and ski bottoms to keep the snow out. To keep your feet warm, ski socks or knee-high winter socks are essential. 

Since COVID-19, you can no longer rent small items that come into close contact with your face and hands. Bring ski gloves, ski goggles and a beanie to keep your head toasty. A helmet is nice if you want to be extra safe. 

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and an SPF lip balm. Kairo (heat packs) that you can stick on your clothes or slip into a pocket can also keep you cozy on the slopes. 

Top tip: Bring a plastic bag for wet clothes and a small towel to dry off. Keep your lift ticket, some cash and mini tissues on hand. Stash your street clothes, shoes (non-slip soles are best) and everything else in the locker and you’re good to go!

Japanese Ski-related Vocabulary

If you’re a winter sports rookie like me, you’ll need to understand a couple of Japanese terms to avoid confusion on the slopes. Here’s a table of some common lingo you’re bound to hear at any ski resort in Japan.

What to Expect

If you’re good at skateboarding, paddleboarding or surfing, then balance is probably your thing. You may be able to shred that slope in no time. For the rest of us non-sporty peeps, please manage your expectations. 

You may fall on your butt or eject from your ski bindings several times. You may feel like an idiot if kids are getting it before you. Don’t stress! Go with the flow. Take a break. Watch the snow sparkle under the sunlight. Breathe in that clean mountain air. Eat something and get back out there! 

And if you’re really not getting it, there’s no shame in throwing in the towel. Try something less stressful. Make a snowman. Go snowshoeing. Relish the Japanese après-ski ritual of soaking those tired limbs in an onsen (hot spring). 

Need some more inspo? Read Maxine Cheyney’s personal essay about shreddin’ the gnar: a beginner’s snowboarding experience.

Dear reader, have you gone skiing in Japan? How was it? We want to hear all about it in the comments!