Japanese mountains are well known for their ability to deliver days of endless powder, but the resorts are also perfect for the traveler who just wants to try skiing for the first time. The combination of Japanese efficiency and convenience means you can head to a resort, get your rentals, and begin the long arduous process of getting good all in 1 day. For those who are committed to the journey of mastering skiing, Japan has some of the best slopes and snow conditions for beginners, so its worth staying a few days at a resort.
Ski Resort Features for Beginners
Here are some things a beginner should look out for when deciding on which resort to head to.
International Ski Schools / or Private Instructors
Since you are first starting out, it's a good idea to get some instruction. Resorts catering to international visitors usually have beginner group lessons in English. Others may have private English speaking instructors, but you will have to pay more.
Proximity to the City
For those coming to Japan on holidays and wanting to experience skiing as a side trip, there are many great resorts within a short distance from the major cities of Tokyo, Sapporo, Asahikawa. Some even have resort shuttle buses or are conveniently located on the train lines. You can ski all day and be back in the city for war stories over a Sapporo / Kirin at an izakaya.
Weekdays vs Weekends
Since you are traveling, you have the option of going on weekdays which is way less crowded meaning less obstacles and less time waiting for the lift. Resorts close to city get packed on weekends.
Ice? No Thanks!
Skiing on ice is absolutely torturous affair interspersed by moments of pure pain when you fall down. Times 2 for snowboarding. The good new is that it will be highly unlikely to have icy conditions in Japan unless its at the very start or end of season.
Powder? Also No!
For advanced riders this is what they have come to Japan for. And they will head into the backcountry to find that stash which no one has ridden. But for beginners, huge amounts of powder snow is the enemy. It requires different technique, can make visibility challenging, and makes it hard to get back up from if you fall. Optimally, you want just enough fresh snow to make landings soft.
Beginners Area
Also called bunny slopes, these are mildly sloping areas which are perfect for skiers and boarders making their first pizzas or falling leaf maneuvers.
They are often free or can be accessed with a cheaper ticket - which makes sense since as a beginner you will only be using a minuscule amount of the mountain.
Shielded Snow Travelator
Yes, they do exist. They save you from walking up and the shield provides some respite from the elements as you make your way back up the slope.
Empty handed Rental
Some rental centres at Japanese resorts have 'empty-handed' or full rental options. This means you can rock up to the resort without any ski gear and rent the full set from skis / boards to jackets, pants. Since Covid however you may have to buy or BYO goggles, gloves and helmets.
Beginner Chair Lifts
Nothing fills the beginners mind with dread as much as having to get off the chair lift. The prospect of sliding down a steep, but short slope in front of an audience is a rite of passage for newbies. But we are here to tell you that not all lifts are the same. Newer lifts can slow down for you and make getting off easier. There are even kids specific lifts which are shorter so little ones can reach the ground.
Groomed Runs
In Japan, ski resorts usually have statistics on the percentage of compacted vs unc-ompacted runs. Referring to whether the snow on the runs are compressed by a Snow Cat. No, not a furry Lynx, but a tractor with "cat"erpillar treads. These machines work through the night to pack the snow down gives groomed runs their distinct corduroy texture. This is perfect for beginners to learn on.
Wide Open Slopes
When you first start linking those turns, it can feel terrifying when you are hurtling towards the side of the mountain You want to go for wide open slopes. In Japan they usually name these 'family run' or "beginner run" as in the whole family could ski together without worrying about other skiers.
Iwappara Resort's WIDE slopes
Step Up Beginner Courses
Once you can confidently turn, you can head for the "panorama courses". These are set up as green runs which take you from the top of the mountains to the bottom and have the best views along the way. The "forest courses" are also beginner friendly, winding through beautiful birch forests. Don't get these mixed up with the "tree runs" - which are expert only off piste areas.