Looking to catch some face shots this season? Here are the five best resorts in Japan to get a taste of the country’s famous powder snow.
Around the world, Japanese ski resorts are famous for one thing: “JaPOW,” or Japanese powder. Every winter, thousands of visitors stream into the country to ride this high-quality snow, which most resorts receive in abundance thanks to a combination of latitude, precipitation, and wind conditions that aren’t quite like anything else in the world.
Since some alpine areas can receive snowfall in excess of 10 meters every year, there’s more than enough powder to go around. Though authorities once heavily restricted backcountry skiing in Japan, rules have become more lax over the years and many ski areas have since opened off-piste routes. However, you’ll often be riding at your own risk, so make sure to practice safe skiing and don’t get in too far over your head. Rescues can be expensive, and nobody wants an extra bill to ruin their ski trip.
Now, on to the fun stuff. You’ll see good snow days at just about every ski area in the country, but since only the best will do for true pow hounds, we’ve put together a short list of the top resorts in Japan for backcountry skiing. These five resorts all offer ample access to fresh runs and deep backcountry snow, and several are also home to guiding companies that will help you safely get out and dive into all that powder.
Read on to discover the five best resorts in Japan for backcountry skiing, so you can plan out the powder trip of your dreams ASAP.
1.Hakuba Valley
One of the largest ski areas in Japan, the 10 resorts of Hakuba Valley typically receive around 11 meters of powder snow per year. That translates to plenty of dreamy backcountry drifts, mostly reached via Happo One, Tsugaike, and Cortina (Goryu and Norikura also provide out-of-bounds access). The slopes are steep, the powder is deep, and the off-slope amenities provide countless different ways to warm up after a long day in the backcountry. You can take a guided tour from one of several companies in the area, but if you decide to strike out on your own, be aware of avalanche risks. Authorities recommend that you ski in small groups and carry appropriate safety gear.
2. Niseko
In addition to its high altitude (1,308 meters above sea level at the highest point), the popular Niseko ski area has another advantage when it comes to snow — its location on Japan’s Hokkaido Island, which receives some of the best-quality powder in the world. The four resorts at Niseko feature 11 gates that allow guests to ski wide-open bowls, fluffy pillows, and massively deep drifts just waiting for first tracks. As an added bonus, little to no uphill trekking is required to get there, since the resort’s chairlifts service many of these gates. You can set out with a guided tour group or with fellow powder enthusiasts, but either way, you should familiarize yourself with the avalanche report and safety rules in advance. Bonus: set aside some time to ski to Goshiki onsen, a local favorite hot spring bath located on the backside of the Annupuri Ski Area.
3. Nozawa Onsen
Once strictly off-limits for even experienced riders, Nozawa Onsen’s powder-heavy backcountry and sidecountry have lately become a major part of the resort’s appeal. The soft, often unmarked snow out here can keep you entertained for hours, particularly on Nozawa Onsen’s rare bluebird days. But with all that backcountry excitement comes some risks: avalanches and crevasses are common, so even experienced skiers should consider booking a guided tour with a backcountry group (available in Japanese and English). That way, you can enjoy deliciously deep tree runs, panoramic views of the Japanese Alps, and all the insider knowledge that your guides can provide. That includes where to find both powder stashes and some of the best onsen in the country, since Nozawa Onsen is as equally renowned for its hot springs as it is for its snow.
4. Furano
Though most visitors come to Furano for its championship-level groomers inside the resort, this Hokkaido ski area also has an efficient gate system that enables out-of-bounds riding through meters-thick snow drifts. Plus, you won’t have too much competition for all that powder — Furano is among the least crowded resorts in Japan, so you may very well get certain runs all to yourself without having to fight your way through long lift lines and tracked-out trails. Several companies give guided trips into the backcountry, and at the end of the day, you can warm up by grabbing drinks at Furano’s bars, unique local cuisine at the many restaurants in town, and a well-earned soak in a steaming onsen.
5. Appi Kogen
As per the ski resort’s website, it’s hard not to be happy in Appi — the deep, soft snow and sprawling backcountry will make sure of that. A variety of guided backcountry experiences are offered through the resort itself rather than external companies, including Snow CAT rides to the top of Hachimantai mountain, private group tours, and off-piste lessons for anyone who needs a little guidance to safely shred their first tree run. Though you can head out on your own, the resort does not rent backcountry gear and avalanche safety equipment on site, so booking a guided tour may very well be your best option. Either way, you’re in for a powder treat of epic proportions at Appi Kogen.
