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Japan offers some of the best and most affordable powder skiing you will find anywhere in the world. There are hundreds of ski resorts in Japan on the north island of Hokkaido and the main island of Honshu, however many of them don't even rate a mention on maps or in tourist literature. Well known resorts include Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano and Hakuba. But, if you're a little nervous about travelling in a foreign land where English is not the first language, there's no need to worry as tourists are well catered for at all of these ski resorts. For the more adventurous who want to get off the beaten track and get away from the crowds, and be assured of fresh tracks, or experience the real Japan, there are many other options availiable, such as Asahidake, Kamui Links, and Chisenupuri in Hokkaido, or Hakkoda in Honshu. Japan offers amazing conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The weather systems that move across the Sea of Japan from Siberia are responsible for the deep, deep champagne powder. Niseko and Rusutsu are probably most well known for the deep dry powder where it can snow for weeks without stopping. Many of the resorts are renowned for being deep, not steep, but there are certainly resorts with steep pitches as well such as Sapporo Teine or Kurodake. Many people have the misconception that Japan is an expensive country to visit, and whilst that might have been true a decade ago, skiing in Japan is now very cheap compared to Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. Lift tickets are significantly cheaper, some resorts have good budget accommodation options, and cheap meals are available. Of course if you want to be pampered and enjoy the high life, then head to Appi Kogen or Niseko. Other then fantastic powder when you visit Japan for a ski holiday, you'll meet hospitable and friendly people, and have the chance to immerse yourself in the wonderfully interesting Japanese culture, that is far different from your own.
Ski Resorts: Hokkaido
Honshu |
