The Best Japanese Ski Resorts for Absolute Beginners

The Best Japanese Ski Resorts for Absolute Beginners


A guide for those just starting out on the Japanese slopes. Intermediates can skip ahead.
Personalised Ski Resort Finder

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.

Slope choice is important!!

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.

Tips for the chairlift

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 Ski Resort's Wide Slopes

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.

Recommended Ski Resorts

Here are some of the recommended resorts for first timers.

Takino Snow World

Located close to Sapporo, this snow park is perfect for beginners and those who are really not into going fast. Also lots of other activities to like sledding and snow shoeing.

Snow Cruise Onze

Easily reachable from Sapporo or Otaru, Snow cruise Onze prides itself on the amazing views which make you feel like you are falling into the sea. The EZ6 wide beginner area is free for beginners and sledders.

Gala Yuzawa

Gala scores because its easy to get there from Tokyo by Shinkansen. There is also English and Chinese ski schools and lots of food options.

Tsugaike

Known as the "Queen of the Greens", Tsuga has a variety of easy slopes including the large beginner area - 'Kane no naru oka' (Ringing Bell slope) which is wide and long with a very mild incline.

Iwappara

Easily accessible and less crowded than the other resorts at Yuzawa, Iwappara is very proud of its “WIDE” slopes for beginners.

Naeba

Another popular destination for beginners with a snowpark and dedicated beginner areas. There are lots of food options and free tickets for kids under 12.


Hope you find the information useful for your upcoming snow trip. You can download our app - Snow Explorers to check out other great snow experiences. 

Ganbatte Ne!

Mountain Stats

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Naeba Ski Resort

ELEV: 1789m VERT: 889m BASE: 900m

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort

ELEV: 1704m VERT: 904m BASE: 800m

Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort

ELEV: 1181m VERT: 823m BASE: 358m

Iwappara Ski Resort

ELEV: 985m VERT: 585m BASE: 400m

Snow Cruise Onze

ELEV: 300m VERT: 200m BASE: 100m

Takino Snow World

ELEV: 180m VERT: 35m BASE: 145m

Course Stats

Naeba Ski Resort

Difficulty
30%40%30%
Runs
24
Longest
4000m
Max Slope
34°

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort

Difficulty
50%30%20%
Runs
10
Longest
5000m
Max Slope
35°

Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort

Difficulty
35%45%20%
Runs
16
Longest
4120m
Max Slope
33°

Iwappara Ski Resort

Difficulty
40%40%20%
Runs
20
Longest
4000m
Max Slope
35°

Snow Cruise Onze

Difficulty
22%45%33%
Runs
9
Longest
1000m
Max Slope
30°

Takino Snow World

Difficulty
100%0%0%
Runs
1
Longest
250m
Max Slope
10°

Resort Features

Naeba Ski Resort

Features
Terrain park
Ungroomed area
Kids park
Snow park
Facilities
Ski rental
Ski in / ski out
Night ski
Lessons

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort

Features
Terrain park
Tree run area
Ungroomed area
Kids park
Snow park
Facilities
Ski rental
Ski in / ski out
Lockers
Lessons
English lessons

Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort

Features
Terrain park
Snow park
Facilities
Ski rental
Lockers
Onsen
Lessons
English lessons
Chinese lessons
Thai lessons

Iwappara Ski Resort

Features
Terrain park
Ungroomed area
Kids park
Snow park
Facilities
Ski rental
Ski in / ski out
Night ski
Lockers
Onsen
Lessons
English lessons
Chinese lessons

Snow Cruise Onze

Features
Terrain park
Half pipe
Ungroomed area
Kids park
Facilities
Ski rental
Night ski
Lockers
Onsen
Lessons
English lessons

Takino Snow World

Features
Kids park
Snow park
Facilities
Ski rental
Lockers
Lessons

ski resorts

Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort

Destination Guides

Related Stories

October 2 24
Gear for deep powder riding in Japan.
April 9 24
Bring your snorkel to these mountains which are known to dump hard.
August 6 24
In the Winter of 2024, we took a road trip through New Zealand’s South Island to sample the ski fields, food and wine.
July 31 24
Part 2 of my solo journey through Hokkaido. Traveling from Hakodate to Niseko and skiing Moiwa.
March 6 24
Discover the best places to buy ski and snowboard gear in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Find everything you need for your winter missions.
March 19 24
Part 1 of a solo journey through Hokkaido where I ski Hakodate Nanae, check out the Asaichi morning markets & eat a dancing seafood bowl.
March 25 24
A list of ski & snowboard shops where you can update your gear for your snow trip.
September 25 24
A guide for those just starting out on the Japanese slopes. Intermediates can skip ahead.
February 28 24
A guide to this Hokkaido specialty, how to eat it and locations of the best soup curry restaurants on the ski fields and in the cities of Hokkaido.
February 28 24
Tips & advice for skiers & boarders heading to Japan.
August 28 23
2020 / 2021 season Burton Hokkaido road trip part 2
September 4 24
Japanese Brews for your Snow Trip
February 28 24
For Families With Little Skiers & Boarders.
August 28 23
Snowsurfing's past and present through the eyes of Shinzo Tanuma - creator of MOSS Snowstick.
August 28 23
S20 / S21 Riders from Vector Glide in Hokkaido
August 28 23
Find out about Taro Tamai and his creation Gentemstick.
October 5 23
2020 / 2021 season Burton Hokkaido road trip part 1
February 26 24
Some of the best places to try Hokkaido's local specialty ramen!