Japow is Calling!

Borders are open and we couldn’t be more pumped! After almost 3 years of not being able to hit the overseas pow, to say we’re stoked is an understatement.
Japan is at the top of our list for a ski holiday and they have recently announced they’re finally reopening their borders to all travelers from October 11.
Japan has some of the best powder in the world. Ski resorts get dumped with 10-20 meters of snow per season… that’s insane! The people, culture and atmosphere is also why Japan is renowned for being one of the best winter’s experience.

Gearing up for a Japan Ski /Snowboard Trip
Skiing in Japan is not too dissimilar to many other parts of the northern hemisphere with regards to the temperature, although Hokkaido is bitterly cold at times.
We have all the essentials and tips you’ll need before you head over for your ski trip!

Base layers: Smart layering is essential! Merino will be your best friend, having next-to-skin top and bottom merino or thermals will make a huge difference in the cold.  You’ll definitely need a neck warmer, merino balaclava or a thin hood under your helmet which you’ll need if tree skiing. Glove liners will also be a life saver on those colder days.
Staff recommendation: Mons Royale merino 200 base layers.
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/25/womens-base-layers
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/27/mens-base-layers

Jackets and pants: all jackets we stock at Snowcentre are suitable for overseas snow conditions, but if you are looking for ultimate weather protection or looking for technical gear we recommend Gore-Tex.
Staff recommendation: Burton AK Gore-Tex, Spyder or Black Crows jacket and pants for superior technology and style.
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/45/womens-jackets
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/62/mens-jackets

Goggles: Goggles are essential as there’s not too much sunglass weather in Japan. You’ll want to make sure that you have low light lenses. We recommend having interchangeable lenses, and a polarized lens.
Staff recommendation: Scott and Anon have an easy change lens system and polarized lens technology. Winter 2023 stock of Anon helmet and goggles arriving instore in a couple of weeks.
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/61/goggles

Footwear: Shoes with good grip are highly recommended, as it is common for people to fall over on the slippery streets.
Staff recommendation: Sorrels are well known, durable, warm and look damn good!
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/76/snow-boots

Powder Skis & Boards: If you plan to venture off the groomers you’ll need to consider the skis you’re on because the powder can be very deep in Japan. It is possible to ski on your slalom skis in shallow powder, but if you want to float in the powder, fat skis with a waist wider than 95-100mm are required. We have a skis tailored for overseas snow!
Staff Recommendation: The Salomon Stance 102, will be fun both on and off piste and can be used in NZ and overseas, the perfect all round ski!
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/12/skis

 Don’t assume that all Japanese ski resorts will rent out wide skis, and if you don’t have your own ski boots, don’t assume that the rental shops will have boots for larger feet!

Good Ski Boots: There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable ski boots! It can ruin your whole day so we always reinforce how important it is to get properly fitted for ski boots, especially if you’re heading overseas. We have top class, trained boot fitters with years and years of experience. So come and have a chat to one them, to see what you need!

Snowboards: Snowboarders will get away with a standard board in Japan, but real powder enthusiasts may consider a longer powder snowboard, or a short board that has width and taper instead of length to achieve flotation.
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/category/6/snowboard

Ski bag: We’d highly recommend a ski or board bag on wheels, particularly if you’re doing some train travel.
Staff recommendation: The Dakine Boundary Roller is padded, has many handles and straps for easy maneuvering, wheels, and boot bags inside!
https://www.snowcentre.co.nz/products/brand/33/bags?categories=47

Avalanche safety equipment is also something to look into, especially if you’re heading off trail.

The Japanese are an incredibly polite race, so it’s important to embrace this culture whilst skiing in Japan. Of course it’s rude to push into lift queues in any country (except Austria!), but the politeness needs to extend to appropriate behavior in the streets, restaurants and bars. “Please” and “thank you” in Japanese are essentials words to learn before embarking on a Japan ski trip or snowboard expedition.
Check out this article for more tips on security, accommodation, mobile phones and more: https://www.powderhounds.com/japan/travel-hints-tips.aspx

There are hundreds of ski resorts in Japan on the north island of Hokkaido and the main island of Honshu.
Our top four ski resort picks on Hokkaido - North Island.
Niseko is a very popular Japanese ski resort and is famous for the big dumps of powder, the tree skiing, the vibrant nightlife, and the family friendliness. If you’re a little nervous about travelling in a foreign land where English isn’t spoken, Niseko may be a good choice.
Furano is another large destination ski resort that is well known for the long groomed runs, the off-piste riding, and its family friendliness. It also makes a great base to visit other nearby ski areas that are ideal for powder hounds.
Kiroro is an upscale resort with great lifts, lovely hotels, and lots of kids’ activities. It also happens to score the most snow of the Japan ski resorts.
Tomamu has plenty going for it including off-piste skiing, lots of family oriented activities, and high quality accommodation and amenities.

Otherwise just enjoy! Have the most amazing time, and if you have any questions or want any advice come and chat to our experienced and friendly team, they’re always happy to help!

Thanks to this article for the help! https://www.powderhounds.com/japan/travel-hints-tips.aspx