Planning your Japan snow trip 101

Jordy Heis, our resident expert on Japan, kicks off his contributions to CherryPow with a crash course on what skiing and snowboarding is all about in Japan.

The country that brought us the kids’ favourites ‘Hello Kitty’ and ‘Pokémon’, forgot to tell the rest of the world about the fresh powder snow in their backyard. Although Nagano had the 1998 Winter Olympics, it’s only been recently that Japan has really started to demand some attention from the international powder hunter, as a ‘must-shred’ destination.

For most Japanese resorts, the snow season generally starts around mid-December, peaking in January and February, and goes through until about the end of March. Whilst the weekends and national holidays at popular resorts can sometimes get pretty busy with the locals, on weekdays you will often find yourself riding solo on the slopes.

The huge investment into the snow scene in Japan during the 1980’s, means the large ski and snowboard resorts in Japan have fairly modern lift systems, with high-speed quad lifts, gondolas and ropeways. Many resorts now feature snowboard and ski parks, halfpipes, quarterpipes, snow tubing, and other facilities to add to your experience.

Japan has over 500 ski resorts, and two main ski areas, the Nagano prefecture, with The Hakuba Valley the most developed and popular ski area in the South Island. In the North Island, Hokkaido is the most developed ski area, with Niseko a more well-known resort location for many regulars.

The Hakuba valley incorporates 10 ski resorts, over 200 runs, 139 lifts, a local village, ski/snowboard shops, a combination of traditional and Western dining and après ski entertainment. A popular option with all skiers and boarders of any ability is the multi-resort lift pass, giving you access to Happo One, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba Highland, Sunalpina, Iwatake and Tsugaike ski resorts.

Niseko continues to grow at a fast pace and each year sees a larger number of foreigners on the slopes, meaning no language barrier problems. Niseko Annupuri, the main mountain in Niseko, has 3 resorts, with slopes for all ages and abilities. The ‘Niseko United’ pass is a great option for flexibility, giving you access to 48km of groomed trails, 57 runs, and entry to the other 2 resorts, Niseko Grand Hirafu (Hirafu and Hanazono) and Niseko Village.

And, if you’re into your 80s Rock & Pop you’re in luck! The Japan ‘ski experience’ would not be complete without the sounds of J-Pop pumping through the speakers as you carve the slopes. Songs like Wham’s “Last Christmas” will be pumping from 8am – 5pm, (the normal operating hours of the lifts), and may be a reason to make sure you pack the iPod before you leave, if hearing George Michaels’ vocals aren’t your thing!

Well, that’s the snow industry in a small, bite-sized snack. In my next article I’ll give you my top 5 reasons why a Japan snow trip is a must.

Posted by Jordy Heis on December 3rd, 2009 in Japan

Jordy Heis @skiresortsjapan

I’m Jordy Heis and I write insider tips and use my local resort knowledge to help you get the most out of your snow trip to Japan, specialising in The Hakuba Valley. During the day I work at Liquid Snow Tours, while at night I dream of fresh lines and blue birds.