8 Japan Ski Tips For a First Time Skier
Going on your very first ski holiday is extremely exciting. While many Australians choose to go skiing in Australia or New Zealand, Japan should be at the top of your list if you are a first-time skier. Japan has some of the best powder in the world which makes it one of the best places to learn. We call the snow “Ego Snow”
Before you jump on a plane and start trying to ski down the steepest slope you can find, there are a few things you need to know before you go.
- Find the Best Resort
Be honest with yourself, as a beginner, your skiing skills won’t be the best. You won’t need to be looking for the biggest and hardest mountain to ski down. Do your research before you leave and look for resorts that will cater to your skill level, which have good facilities including English speaking ski schools.
Fortunately, Japan’ ski resorts cater well for beginners, so you will have plenty of choice. It can be easy to assume your skills will develop quickly but being realistic will mean you have more fun and less time trying to navigate yourself down a mountain that is above your skill level.
- Choose the right time to travel
To some people, winter is winter. They don’t think it makes any difference when you travel. The Japanese ski season extends from early December to late March, and as the season goes on, the snow can change. Once the mountains have had a good dumping of snow and the ground is well covered, usually from late December, you will find the snow conditions to be at its best.
The snowflakes that fall in Japan have a remarkably low water content which makes the snow dry and fluffy, perfect for beginners. As the season goes on into March the powder conditions become less frequent and spring conditions develop with clearer days and warmer temperatures. Deep Powder Tours can help you decide which time of the season would be best suited to your needs.
- Book a Lesson
Booking a skiing lesson or two is a great way to learn the basics. Ski schools will be able to teach you everything that you need to know to further excel and improve your skills. Your instructor will be able to guide you on beginner runs that suit your skill level.
Ski schools will cater for adults and children. Taking the time to learn the fundamentals will allow you to improve your skills much quicker than if you go it alone.
- Hire Ski Equipment
Once you have decided where you will be skiing, look into hiring skiing/snowboarding equipment. Hiring your skis in Japan will also make travelling much easier.
Check that your resort does hire equipment before you leave Australia so that you have everything covered before you get to Japan.
- Lift Passes
Lift passes are needed if you plan on going up the mountain. A lift pass is essential for an intermediate to advanced skier but may not be needed for a beginner, depending on if the school has dedicated beginner areas.
A Deep Powder Tours ski holiday specialist will be able to let you know whether you will need a lift pass when you book your next holiday.
- Pamper Yourself
After a day of falling down and getting back up again, there is no doubt that your muscles will be feeling it. Treat yourself to a massage or soak in a local onsen to help get your muscles back in tip top condition for the next day.
From your first time skiing in Japan, we guarantee you will be hooked. Japan is one of the best places for skiing in the world, not to mention full of rich culture and history. There are many great reasons why a ski holiday should be at the top of your list.
If you would like to know more about skiing holidays in Japan, contact Deep Powder Tours. Our travel specialists are experienced skiers and knowledgeable in all things Japan.
