Snowboarding and Skiing in Japan

Japan has some great ski conditions. Japan has hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sappor and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.

When is ski season?

Ski season varies each year and by location. Some years are relatively warm and the ski season starts later. The winter season comes to different parts of Japan at different times of the year. Hokkaido gets snow the earliest and the snow stays for quite some time due to it's Northern location. The season starts around Decembter and lasts til April.

There is even skiing in Yamagata in May and June due to the amount of snow it receives in the winter.

Should you bring your board or skis?

It really depends on you. If you're living in Japan and plan on hitting the slopes often, then you might want to consider bringing your own gear. Buying new gear in Japan even on sale, will most likely cost more than retail price in your home country.

What does a lift ticket cost?

List tickets are cheap. Conditions in Japan are very good so you're getting your money's worth. An all day lift tickets cost 3,500-6,000 yen. The average price is around 4,000 yen. There are also half day and night tickets avaliable.

How much is renting?

Renting in Japan is about 5,000 yen per day for a board and boots. The board and boots are often good quality brands like Burton. Renting clothing is possible but it will likely cost you 3,000 yen or more for gloves, goggles, and pants.

Where to buy gear in Japan?

It may be difficult to find a shop that sells winter sports equipment in your area. You can go to most althletic sports store in the winter months and find your winter gear. Prices for this season gear is always expensive. It may cost you more than 5,000 yen for the same burton snow board boots in Japan than the US.

Some things to know about boarding and skiing in Japan

• Newest style clothing is expensive.
• Last years clothing is cheap.
• Newest Hard Goods are expensive.
• Older Hard Goods are very cheap if you can find them.
• Ski hills are abundant.
• It snows like a mofo here.
• There is an amazing Japanese backcountry culture. Just have to find it
• Nagano and Gifu have amazing inbounds and out of bounds skiing well into June.
• Buy a big ski bag and bring all your gear with you. Airlines let you bring a bag like this. It's called a free allowance.

	Snow Japan - The ultimate website for snowboarding and skiing in Japan. Lists of resorts as well as up-to-date weather reports during ski season. There is a forum and classified section.
	Ski Japan Holidays - Offers a comprehensive range of ski vacation packages and services to the best ski resorts within Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa and Hokkaido, Japan.
	Yahoo Auctions - A great place to buy snowboarding and ski gear when you're in Japan.