Patricia CaleonJapan has become a must-visit destination for US skiers. Once considered an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Japan has now transformed into a mainstream ski powerhouse. According to Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer of Ski.com, “Japan is officially mainstream. Every serious skier now has Japan on their bucket list.”
The numbers indeed support this surge in popularity. In 2024, Japan sales for skiing has already nearly tripled last year’s record in total, and they;ve surpassed total sales for the entire 2023–2024 season. This trend is further supported by other tour operators, who anticipate a record-breaking year for US skiers in Japan.
Also read: 20 Places in Japan that Look Just Like a Fairy Tale
Why skiing in Japan has become so popular
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Several factors contribute to Japan’s appeal for US skiers. First, Japan boasts exceptional snow conditions. In fact, this year, Sapporo experienced an earlier snowfall as compared to last year’s, giving locals and visitors the chance to experience winter longer. Cold Siberian winds meet the warm Sea of Japan, creating consistent heavy snowfall, particularly on the northern island of Hokkaido and parts of Honshu. During peak winter (January and February), skiers can experience some of the world’s lightest, driest Japan powder snow.
Second, Japan offer a plethora of activities and ski resorts. The Land of the Rising Sun alone boasts around 500 ski resorts, with the most popular ones in Hokkaido, particularly around Niseko. What’s more, Japan’s mountains also have generally lower altitude compared to the Rockies, making them ideal for skiers who prefer to avoid high-altitude challenges. Lift tickets are also significantly cheaper, with the most expensive costing around $75.
Beyond the slopes, Japan provides a unique opportunity to immerse in Japanese culture and cuisine. Many US ski passes you can purchase even include access to Japanese mountains. For one, the Epic Pass covers 10 ski areas in Hakuba Valley (near Nagano) and Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, while the Ikon Pass grants access to the four mountains of Niseko United and Arai Snow Resort. Ski.com itself offers packages to popular destinations like Rusutsu, Hakuba Valley, and Niseko United. It’s basically an enticing gift package for anyone who loves to ski!
Finding less popular ski tracks and resorts
Japan’s surge as a global ski destination has already led to some crowding at the most popular destinations, though the crowds here cannot compare with what you can encounter at North American destination ski areas.
If you’re seeking untracked and less crowded Japan powder snow for skiing, there are still plenty of other options. Skiers who are willing to venture off-piste can find fresh lines in Niseko’s backcountry areas. Without around 500 ski resorts to choose from, best believe there are many resorts that cater to skiers looking for a more remote and authentic experience.
Also read: Early Winter Hits Sapporo: Record-Breaking Snowfall
With its incredible snow conditions, diverse resorts, and rich culture, Japan is surely a dream destination for skiers from all over the world.
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