Ski & Snowboard Holidays in Japan

When you think of a ski holiday, chances are your mind pans across to North America or Europe. But isn’t it time you switched things up a bit? Japan receives a lot of snow, metres overnight, in fact. It’s a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts and gives your next holiday a freshen up!

But there’s more than just the apparent powder runs. Japan’s quirky style, history and culture will leave you buzzing for more. You can stop in Tokyo for a few nights before heading to the mountains. You could watch a sumo wrestling match, ride on the bullet train or relax in a hot bath (known as ‘onsen’) with snow monkeys! You could even wander around Sapporo and see monumental ice sculptures the size of skyscrapers.

Hokkaido is the northern island in Japan and typically has the best winter conditions. The season starts in December and runs until April, but head to Hokkaido in January for the deepest, fluffiest snow. The cold air and moisture from the sea mixed with wind help create the lightest snow you’ll ever ski. Try it for yourself!

Best time to go skiing in Japan: December - late February

Bathe in a traditional Onsen

Relaxing in an Onsen (natural hot spring) surrounded by snow monkeys. A spa experience like no other. In Japan, Onsens’ are a popular way to relax, warm up and enjoy some time to yourself. Typically, there are mirrors with stools, where you can enjoy a face mask and groom yourself. You can also bathe inside or outside in the steaming pools. If the monkeys are around, they like to sit beside the water to warm up. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.

Explore Japanese cuisine

Delve into the eclectic mix of Asian food, which feels like a novelty if you’re used to fondue and schnitzel in Europe. From ramen, sushi, sashimi, tempura and more. You will be wowed by the attention to detail, taste and service in Japan.

Ski-in a volcano

If you’re feeling adventurous, grab some ski touring kit and go for a hike in the crater of the extinct volcano, Mt Yotei. A local guide can tell you the volcano’s history, and you can even ski down into the crater. The hike up is long but reasonably mellow compared to the European Alps. You can see the striking volcano from the slopes of Niseko; it’s iconic.

Ski touring

Ki Niseko

Ki Hotel in Niseko offers slopeside luxury just a few steps from the central gondola station. Meaning you can ski-in, ski-out, which can be rare to find in Japan. The hotel has beautiful, traditional Japanese decor with amazing views. The in house restaurant and bar offer fine-yet-casual dining and with two onsens and a plunge pool to warm you up after a day on the slopes.

Niseko is the hub of skiing on the northern island of Japan, Hokkaido. The resort itself comprises three separate ski areas - Grand Hirafu, Niseko village and Annapurna. There is plenty to explore, and with over 50 feet of snow each winter, it’s a powder dream!

Hilton, Niseko

The Hilton in Niseko Village is right on the slopes. The gondola station is adjoined to the hotel building, so you really can’t get much closer! The slopes surrounding the hotel are wide, open and gentle, making this the perfect place to learn to ski.

The hotel itself is ski in ski out and has an expansive hot spring that overlooks Mt Yotei, the dormant volcano. As you’d expect with any Hilton, the service and attention to detail are impeccable. Cleanliness is a top priority, and the Japanese are renowned for their friendliness and willingness to help.

Greenleaf Niseko

The Greenleaf is a comfortable, slopeside hotel with easy access to the Niseko Village ski area. The hotel boasts a large lounge with a fireplace and bar, where you can try your first taste of Japanese rice wine, Sake (pronounced sa-ki.)

The hotel has its own hot spring and spa and an extensive restaurant serving Japanese and international cuisine. Make the most of the variety on display, and make sure you try something a little different.

Roadtrip the Japanese Alps

There are plenty of smaller resorts in Japan that haven’t been discovered by tourists worldwide. If you’re up for an adventure, grab a taxi, hire a car or jump on the train and head north to Furano, Tomamu or Hidaka for an authentic Japanese skiing experience.

When it comes to the après scene in Japan, there’s a huge difference. Instead of lively bars with dancing on tables, they have cosy corners tucked away, where you take your shoes off on entry. And play board games with friends whilst sipping cocktails or listening to live music. Niseko has become a hub for westerners in recent years, so if dancing on tables is your scene, then there are plenty of bars to cater to your needs.

ski powder