japan ski season 2008/2009

Japan Ski Resorts and Season Dates

Ski in Japan this season! Get the low-down on skiing and snowboarding in Japan with info on ski season dates, ski resorts, mountains & lift passes

Whether you want the steepest runs in Japan, tons of dry powder, terrain parks, or half pipes, Ski Japan has it all! Check out our online guide below:

ski season dates, resorts & ski maps of Japan

The Japan ski fields open their ski & snowboarding runs by December of each year when the powder is fresh and heavy! These ski areas typically stay open until the Japan snow stops falling, with ski season dates closing in early May. Ski Japan cheap with our online guide below -

Check out our Japan ski maps and ski resort info below for Niseko, Furano & Hakuba ski fields:

Niseko ski Resorts in Hokkaido and Niseko Map

-Ski season runs from late Nov 08 to early May 09
-Average snowfall: 14m per season
-This Japan ski resort has 3 separate areas: Annupuri, Hirafu & Higashiyama
-Regarded as the best ski resort in Japan for 3 main reasons: weather, size & infrastructure
-Terrain park & halfpipe

Terrain Breakdown:
-Beginner  30%
-Intermediate 40%
-Advanced 30%

Niseko is the most popular ski resort in Japan for Australians because of the many bars and nightlife options!

Accommodation - Shizenkan Lodge

This Hokkaido ski resort is located within the Hirafu area of Niseko.  This lodge is conveniently located, offers the luxury of front door access to Hirafu`s ski shuttle bus, and is walking distance to the heart of Hirafu.

Accommodation - Niseko Kogan Hotel

This Niseko ski accommodation has an unbeatable location with ski-in/ski-out access to the Hirafu Gondola and a short walk to the Ace Quad lift. All rooms have ensuites and a view of either Mt Yotei or the ski slopes.

Furano Ski Resorts in Hokkaido

-Ski season runs from Dec 08 to Apr 09
-Average snowfall: 14m per season
-Furano is most suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers & snowboarders
-Cross country skiing is available in two areas
-Half pipe for snowboarders
-Volunteer ski hosts welcome you to the mountain and show you the ski area

Terrain Breakdown: 
-Beginner  30%
-Intermediate 40%
-Advanced 30%

Furano is fast becoming a popular choice for snowboarders after recently hosting an International FIS – level snowboarding event

Furano has a brand new cable car/ropeway which is one of the fastest lifts in Hokkaido.  It can hold up to 100 people and will get you from the bottom to the top in 4mins!

Accommodation - Pension Furanui

This european style Furano accommodation is located within a 3min walk (or a 30sec shuttle ride) away from Furano’s ski slopes.  Pension Furanui has its own small hot spring on the premise which guests are free to use at their leisure.

Accommodation - New Furano Prince Hotel

The New Furano Prince Hotel is the most famous hotel in the Furano area, and is the only hotel located at the base of the Furano side of Hokkaido. It is a true ski-in ski-out hotel surrounded by great restaurants, bars, activities and sightseeing choices.

Hakuba Ski Resorts in Nagano and Hakuba Map

-Ski season runs from early Dec 08 to early May 09
-Average snowfall: 11m per season
-The best snow fall occurs between Jan and Mar
-Happo-one, the biggest resort in Hakuba, boasts the longest run at a whopping five miles! And has no out-of-bounds rules!
-Hakuba Minekata is known for its cross-country opportunities
-Extensive snowboarding facilities such as long half pipes and terrain parks

Terrain Break Down:
-Beginner 30%
-Intermediate 50%
-Advanced 20%

Hakuba is one of the most popular resorts in Japan, with over 200 runs spread over 7 distinct ski areas, ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone.

Accommodation - Wind Jacket Lodge

This Hakuba ski resort is centrally located, and is only 3mins from the ski lifts and local nightlife. This lodge is a clean and comfortable western style lodge, where it all happens in Hakuba!
 

Accommodation - High Mount Hotel

High Mount Hotel is a comfortable 3 star property located 150m from the Sakka ski lifts of Happo One. This Hakuba accommodation has a spacious restaurant with adjoining bar, lobby and lounge area. High Mount Hotel also has a beautiful natural hot spring with impressive views of the surrounding snow forests.