Multi-Resort Lift Passes in Japan
Multi-resort lift passes have been all the rage ever since EPIC and IKON waged their war on the US ski scene. Whatever you feel about partner ski resorts versus independent ski hills it is undeniable that these passes can offer some of the best value skiing and snowboarding across the globe. It is fair to say that there are now a number of really great products across the world from Switzerland’s Magic Pass, Europes Snow Pass and Austria’s Tirol Snowboard… but what are the best value ski passes for snowboarding in Japan?
YOUR EXPERIENCES
Before I get into it I would love to hear from you on your experiences of using the below lift passes in Japan? Have you taken your IKON or EPIC pass to Japan? Are you planning to hit the INDY resorts this winter? Let me know in the comments.
EPIC AND IKON PASSES
Let’s start with the big players in the world of multi-resort ski passes EPIC and IKON. The EPIC and IKON passes could rightly consider themselves amongst the best multi-resort ski passes in the world. Both passes entitle holders to skiing across multiple continents. This was the reason I chose Epic back pre-pandemic as my plan was to ski in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia all on the same lift pass.
In terms of Japan, Epic Pass offers holders 5-days of skiing and snowboarding at the 10 Partner resorts in the Hakuba Valley. Further to this EPIC has also partnered with Rusustu to offer a further 5-days of additional lift privileges. IKON has added Niseko United to its offering with 7days of access to the 4 mountains in this area.
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INDY PASS
Not on the same scale as IKON and EPIC but certainly making a name for itself is North Americas INDY pass. The INDY pass offers 2 days riding at 76 resorts, four of which are in Japan. Get Kogen, Okunakayama Kogen, Shimokura and Tazawaka are all accessible on this pass that costs less than $300.
HAKUBA VALLEY PASS
The Hakuba Valley pass is great value if you intend to make the most of the 10 resorts in this area. Including world renowned Hakuba Cortina and Happo One this pass packs a punch. What I loved about this pass was the access to lesser known resorts like Sanosaka that I may not have visited had it not been for the Hakuba Valley pass. A 7 day Hakuba Valley pass will cost around £280 but remember Epic Pass holders get 5 days included for free.
NISEKO UNITED
Niseko is probably Japans most popular ski resort area famed for its endless snowfall between January and March. With 4 resorts included on the Niseko United Pass you can ski the interconnected area without having to worry about additional passes.
MOUNTAIN COLLECTIVE
Back to another American pass and the Mountain Collective is similar to INDY in that it offers 2 days skiing at its partner resorts. Niseko United is included on the Mountain Collective list of destinations but is the 2 days really worth it? This wouldn’t be my go to multi-resort lift pass of choice for Japan.
ALSO CONSIDER
It is also worth considering that lift tickets in Japan don’t always follow the same system as in Europe or America. It is possible at some ski resorts to pay by lift rather than by day. This normally works on a point system that charges points based on the list you choose. Slower lifts cost fewer points, whereas gondolas tend to charge more points as they travel further distances. Depending on whether you have a set plan for that day or are only using the lift to access a backcountry area, this could be a suitable way to access the slopes.
