Skiing in Japan

Most of us don’t think of the island nation of Japan as a skiing and snowboarding destination, but with more than 600 ski resorts of various sizes, catching some fresh powder exists and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands each year. While the Niseko area really is a treat in all four seasons, the region is largely referred to as Japan’s “Winter Wonderland,” owing to sub-Arctic winds coming from Siberia each winter and blanketing its many ski resorts in pristine powder until roughly mid-April. The area features a collection of nearly a dozen ski and snowboard operators, but there are some considerably more famous than others. Annupuri and its high-altitude offerings often give you the best chance for true powder runs. Grand Hirafu, as the largest village in Niseko, not only provides great skiing, but also offers the best range of accommodations and après-ski activities and restaurants. Niseko Village offers the steepest runs in the neighborhood, while Hanazono’s unique layout nearly guarantees freshies each morning.

Japan’s skiing opportunities are largely offered at night as well and see many hit the slopes after a full day of work until 10 p.m. While Niseko is a world-class destination, the island nation has a number of micro-resorts all over the country where skiing is actually cheap (a word not oft associated with Japan) and can be found everywhere from the sub-Arctic island of Hokkaido to the sub-tropical island of Kyushu. And, so there is no doubt, we’re talking “micro.” Many of these “resorts” offer a single chair lift and only a couple of runs. This is not to say these aren’t fun: Fukui Izumi Ski Area is a favorite spot for snowboarders looking to use the well-equipped park to practice aerial moves. There truly is something for all levels of snowboarder or skier in Japan.