Calling all first-timers and learners: these ski resorts are for you.
The “steep and deep” runs at Japanese ski resorts are the stuff of winter sports legend, but don’t be fooled by all the hype — beginner skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy a ski trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. Those who aren’t quite ready to go Mach 10 down a black run can make the most of the mellow groomers, wide slopes, and even relaxed off-piste terrain across the country.
Maybe you need a lesson to cover the basics from top to bottom, or maybe you’re almost ready to take the plunge and ski one more level up after a bit more practice. But no matter where you are in terms of ability level, one thing’s for sure: there’s a ski resort in Japan to fit your needs. There’s also off-slope needs to consider, since each ski area offers different ways to rest and refuel after a long day of carving turns.
If you’re just starting out in the sport and you’re not sure where to go for your ski trip to Japan, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best ski resorts in Japan for beginners. And by the end of your visit, you might just be ready to tackle some of the intermediate or even advanced runs.
1.Shiga Kogen
With 18 resorts and more than 80 kilometers of runs, Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski areas in the country. This also means ample space for beginners — about half of the terrain here will work for learners, with tons of wide, well-groomed runs and room for everyone to spread out. More specifically, beginners will have the most options at Shiga Kogen’s Giant, Hasuike, Sun Valley, Maruike, and Nishitateyama resorts, so even first-timers will be able to cover a lot of ground here. Unlike many other ski areas, Shiga Kogen doesn’t confine beginners to a boring, low-elevation bunny slope; instead, you can expect stellar views of the Nagano Highlands as you ride the mid-mountain runs. Off-slope activities, meanwhile, include onsen (hot spring baths) and plenty of restaurants.
2. Niseko
Niseko’s four large ski resorts cover a wide variety of different terrain, including a number of beginner runs that make this one of the most learner-friendly spots in Japan. Thanks to Niseko’s location on Hokkaido, those runs are typically coated in a pillow-soft covering of powder snow that will act as an excellent crash pad when you inevitably take a fall or two (don’t worry, it’s just part of the learning process). If you need to brush up or are just getting started, Niseko’s ski school provides lessons for all skill levels in multiple languages to help you reach the next stage of your riding career. After a long day of skiing, make your way down to the villages at the base of the ski slopes for a well-earned pint of Sapporo or a hot bowl of udon.
3. Hakuba Valley
Hakuba Valley is made up of 10 different resorts, all with their own beginner runs, but Tsugaike Kogen easily ranks as the best Hakuba ski area for newbies. The entire lower half of the mountain is made up of wide green runs serviced by several chairlifts, which you can ride on a discounted ticket (say goodbye to crawling Magic Carpets — you won’t miss them). Since most skiers visit Japan for more advanced terrain, the gently graded slopes of Tsugaike Kogen stay relatively uncrowded, making for a perfect place to practice without fear of being run over by bombers and powder hounds. Dining and après-ski choices are a bit limited at Tsugaike Kogen itself, but you can hop on a shuttle bus to get to bustling Hakuba villages like Echoland and Happo.
4. Naeba
One of many ski areas in the Yuzawa region, Naeba has beginner runs spread out across two separate mountains. Start your day on the lower part of Naeba, where gently inclined runs serve as the ideal training ground for anyone who needs a little more slow and steady riding. Once you’re done exploring Naeba, hop on the Dragondola lift for a sky-high transport to the neighboring resort of Kagura, which has even more fun terrain for learners, including a few boxes and rails where aspiring park rats can try to catch some air. Some of the green courses may be a little steeper than you’d expect, but that just gives you an opportunity to bridge the gap between beginner and intermediate skill levels. Naeba is also a little on the quiet side in terms of off-slope activities, so you’ll have all the more time to get those runs in.
5. Nozawa Onsen
Though best known for its advanced powder skiing, hot springs, and charming village, Nozawa Onsen also features many different runs — 40% of the resort, in fact — tailored to beginner skiers and boarders. Much of that terrain can be found at mid-mountain, where you’ll also see some of the best views in the entire resort. Once you’re ready to call it a day, you’ll cruise down a long, winding green run that will take you all the way to the base of the ski area. Then, you can spend the rest of your afternoon exploring traditional architecture and great restaurants within the easily walkable Nozawa Onsen village.
6. Myoko Kogen
Just a few hours from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train), Myoko Kogen in Niigata prefecture offers a diverse variety of runs that will suit everyone down to the humblest beginner — even those who want to dip their ski tips into the world of backcountry riding. That’s right, there’s learner-friendly off-piste terrain here, so you can get to sampling some of Myoko Kogen’s famous powder snow in addition to the more tame inbounds groomers (however, you’ll need at least a few basic skiing skills under your belt before you try to tackle the backcountry). At the end of the day, recuperate those tired legs with a trip to an onsen and grab a glass of some local sake for an authentically Japanese après-ski.
