Have you been wondering when are the best times to ski in Japan? You need to ask yourself, are you looking for that deep, deep powder snow that Japan is famous for, its #japow, or would you prefer to ski Japan on those beautiful blue bird days, or are you just after a cheap Japan ski package? Spring is one of those times that really ticks all the boxes.
Who doesn’t love spring skiing? March is like a Kinder Surprise. You know there is something good inside but you just don’t know what until you open it. It is just like spring skiing, it is going to be good but you just don’t know how good until you are there. Days are warmer, sunnier and longer but there is still a great base and enough snowfall for fresh tracks. By now, the severity of the storms has backed off so there is time to enjoy those bluebird days. Saying that though, it is not uncommon for impressive storms to pass through dumping more than enough snow. The days will start to stay above 0° with the nights staying below. March is the best time to ski in Japan for learners and even those who are about to experience Japan for their first time and are intimidated by the large dumps of snow received in Jan-Feb. Accommodation is at a shoulder period and a lot cheaper than the peak time. The resorts are not as crowded and lift lines not as noticeable.
Photo credit: Perfect blue bird day in Kiroro
Photo credit: Late season in Kiroro
It is all coming to a close by this stage, with the warmer days and nights staying above 0°, the snow begins to melt away. Accommodation is cheap, the days are longer, but you are not going to see a lot of new falls as in the previous months. The resorts will appear a little quieter with some restaurants, shops and non-skiing activities closing by this point. It will pick up again over the Easter/spring holiday break. The popular restaurants will still require reservations, but availability generally is not a problem. Some of the smaller lifts will start to cease operating but lift lines outside of the spring holidays are not an issue. Night skiing generally will not be operating by this point. This is a great time of the season for learners with the groomed runs well maintained. You will still see countless locals on the mountain with nothing more on than t-shirts and pants getting in their final turns before the next season. With the sunny days, this is the perfect time to snap some stunning alpine shots.
Book early! The best specials, free night offers and free lift tickets deals are normally available for a short time just as the current ski season closes, between March-May. That is the time to plan ahead and book for the next Japan ski & snowboard season. Weekends are busier than mid-week, try and plan your trip around mid-week skiing. A snow holiday in Japan is more than just that, be sure to experience the local cuisine, customs and attractions. Properties right in the village centre, moments from the slopes will charge a premium, more affordable options are properties slightly out of the village but still on the shuttle bus routes.
The above is just a general guide based on what we have seen over previous seasons. We can’t predict exactly what Mother Nature will deliver each year. The resorts will aim to open and close on a certain date but the conditions at the time will essentially dictate what happens. One week may be phenomenal and the very next dismal. The snow quality at each resort does vary, generally the resorts on Hokkaido receive much lighter, dryer powder snow compared to the resorts on Honshu. The individual resorts location and elevation have a profound influence on how much snow is received.
For additional guidance on where to ski in Japan and when the best time to ski in Japan is, our Travel Professionals can help so please contact us today.
