Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is amongst the best powder skiing in the world. Known worldwide for the copious amounts of snowfall falling between December and March, Japan is the perfect powder ski trip. What makes snowboarding in Japan even better? The trees! In Japan, you will discover glade skiing unlike elsewhere in the world. Regulars to Japan will speak of the incredible snow conditions with resorts receiving upwards of 10m of snowfall. Some Japanese ski resorts even report DOUBLE that. Regular big dumps of snow are expected during late January and February so these are great months to plan your visit. What’s more, Japanese snow is incredibly light and dry making it perfect for throwing up into those face shots.

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is split between the North and South islands. Hokkaido on the North Island is where people head in search of major powder stashes. The ski resorts of Niseko and Rusutsu are probably the most popular resorts in the north of Japan with copious amounts of snow falling between January and March. Niseko is very popular with tourists and if you prefer a quiet resort vibe Japan always has some smaller local resorts to explore.

The South Island offers skiing within a few hour’s train ride from Tokyo airport with Hakuba being amongst the most popular. The Hakuba Valley is a combination of ten ski resorts that are all available on the same lift pass. Each resort offers something different, from Happo One (former Olympic hosts), Sanosaka (a small local resort with no crowds) and Tsugaike (some of the best tree skiing). Away from Hakuba, the resorts of Myoko, Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen are gaining popularity.

Japanese ski resorts are not just about powder laps through the trees….there is also a big freestyle scene. Terrain parks in Japan are well thought out with a good range of features. One example is Hakuba 47 which makes the most out of a small space with a full park set-up including; a small, medium and large jump line, a half-pipe and some small rail features. Japanese skiers also love bumps leading to resorts developing purpose-built mogul lines. Norikura has a freestyle moguls course and Goryu has a mogul line down its steep frontside.

After a full day of riding leg-burning powder, you may want to find a way to relax. Luckily the Japanese have just the answer, the onsen. Onsens are an incredibly important part of Japanese culture. An Onsen is a Japanese thermal bath or hot spring that can be found in every region. There are strong rules involved in onsen use that need to be adhered to. Most onsens operate a no swim-suit policy and you will need to wash thoroughly before entering. This can put some people off but you can find private onsens to protect your modesty.

Equally Japanese food is a huge part of the experience. There are plenty of international options for the less adventurous but be sure to try some local dishes as well.

Japan ski holidays can be taken during the months of December through to April. The Japanese ski season is longer in the southerly resorts with Hokkaido receiving its huge snowfall during January to March. The famous Japan powder skiing is made possible by resorts receiving between 10 - 18 metres of snowfall throughout the winter. To put that in perspective, famous European resorts such as Verbier, known for its freeride, receive an average of 6 metres of snow in winter.

Away from the snow, Japan offers plenty of cultural experiences. The numerous temples and historical sites can provide an insight into Japanese culture, whereas trips to visit the snow monkeys are well worth it!