Is Hokkaido the new Chamonix for British skiers? The ski season in Japan has become the latest gap-year work destination, family holiday spot, and line on everyone’s bucket list, and for all the right reasons. Whilst flights are no doubt more expensive, the general day-to-day coast of ski equipment hire, lift passes and food is considered cheaper than to do so in European resorts (unless you go for the most luxurious options in each).
Japan’s north island, Hokkaido has become the latest trendy spot to ski in Japan, primarily due to the highly rated snow conditions, and nightlife. The ski resorts here are generally considered suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers due to the difficulty of most routes, and relaxed approach to grooming and maintaining them. However, visitors compliment Hokkaido on the powdery snow conditions in the area. People that have visited rave about the ‘Bar Gyu’ in Niseko, which at first appears to be a sticker-clad fridge door shoved randomly onto a rock face. Inside, however, it reveals a gorgeous wooden bar that boasts a wide variety of cocktail options, and views of the scenery from the large side windows. It’s also a great option due to the international nature of the resorts, making the area more accessible for non-Japanese speakers.
The more affordable (and generally less advanced!) option is Negano, located in the Northern Alps of Japan, about three hours from Tokyo on the train. Their resume is impressive, as this destination hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, and offers a great deal of resorts and routes. It is a much more suitable option for groups of varied ability, due to the wide range in difficulty of the routes, making sure that even the newest skiers are taken care of. It is considered less luxurious than Hokkaido, so if that isn’t a problem for you – Negano is definitely worth a visit! Another great reason to choose Negano is its new ‘Snow machine festival’, which is far more than just après ski: it’s an actual festival. Their lineup this year includes DJs from a wide variety of genres, including techno, drum and bass and of course, house. A quick google search will show you hundred of images of skiers and snowboarders in only swimming costumes and their boots – partying away!
There are a few key differences between a European skiing trip and Japanese skiing. Visitors note that there is a more relaxed approach to slope upkeep, meaning beginners need to ski with caution! A big part of the skiing culture in Japan is visiting their natural hot springs, called an ‘onsen’, that helps to relax your muscles after a long day on the slopes. These baths are generally located outside, by cliff faces and valleys, allowing for a fully immersive experience. Another great benefit to choosing to ski in Japan is the cost: day to day expenses, such as lift passes, equipment hire, and food are generally cheaper than in the classic, French, ski destinations that Brits head to.
There are plenty of reasons to choose Japan as your new favourite place to hit the slopes, even if only to experience the ‘Snow Machine Festival’!
Words by Molly Derrick
Photo by Nicolai Berntsen on Unsplash. License found here https://unsplash.com/license
