WHY YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAY SHOULD BE JAPAN?
With Japan's ski-resorts getting more than twice the snow dumping that world-famous Utah and Colorado get in a year, it’s no surprise Japan is the flavour of the year for skiers!
From small local skifields to sprawling international resorts, Japan is famous for its quality dry snow and has terrain for everyone. Experience an exciting culture, great food & amazing skiing all at one.
MY HOT TIPS
Niseko Village is the place to go, it’s an exciting and vibrant place with three separate ski areas all linked together. This luxury ski resort is located next to a towering active volcano!
After a day of skiing or boarding unwind in an onsen pool and enjoy après-ski in style - Kumo Restaurant is the place to see and be seen.
Go to Hakuba and experience a wonderful alpine experience not far from Tokyo - take the bullet train and see the snow monkeys in Nagano.
For a fully immersive experience fly to Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido – if you go in February take part in the Snow Festival known for its amazing ice sculpture competition.
MY FAVOURITE JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS
Night skiing - lifts open to 9pm with great night skiing through trees although I will say it’s not good when you fall off in the dark!
Dinner at Dragons Den, an amazing little bar and restaurant overlooking the piste – it was the perfect place to enjoy a well earnt Sapporo and look up at the fresh tracks we had just carved into the mountain.
Sinking into an onsen at the end of a hard day on the mountain to ease the muscles then heading out for an authentic Japanese meal and maybe even a spot of Karaoke is unbeatable! Niseko has it all in my opinion, staying at the base of the Hirafu lifts is so convenient and there is an incredible array of restaurants scattered over the three mountains as well.
In Sapporo, take a tour of the Ishiya Chocolate Factory and be sure to sample their white chocolate known as ‘shiroi koibito’. And you can’t not take a tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum and sample the local brew!
BEST TIME TO GO
If you're after powder, the best time to visit is January & February.
