Japan’s slopes offer cheaper and more accessible skiing

Powder hounds the world over have been gifted another choice destination this season, as the slopes of Japan open to an increasingly international clientele. Japanican.com, the JTB Group site for visitors to Japan, has released a comprehensive guide to the best ski and snowboard resorts across Japan, and is now also selling exclusive ski tours that include budget daytrips from Tokyo.

Japan’s mountainous backbone boasts over 30 separate ski resort areas, including Hakuba Happo-one, which hosted the 1996 Winter Olympics in Nagano; the powder snow mecca of Niseko Grand Hirafu in Hokkaido, which has seen a steady influx of tourists from Australia; and Alts Bandai, which will play host to the 2009 FIS Freestyle World Championship. These world-class resorts come at a surprising price: single day lift tickets are usually around JPY 4,000 / £28, much less than resorts in America, Australia or Europe, even when considering the recent rise in the yen’s value.

Skiers and snowboarders can now find a huge range of ski accommodation options on the Japanican site, as well as information on Japan’s unique hot springs, onsen: the perfect way to ease tired muscles after a hard day of skiing or snowboarding. As the season progresses, updates from resort staff will inform visitors of the current ski conditions, and discounts will be offered on lift passes to attract repeat skiers.

New for 2008-2009 Japanican is offering daytrips to resorts easily accessible by bullet train, allowing tourists to enjoy the nightlife of Tokyo and the slopes of Nagano, all on the same day. These packages, which include transportation and lift pass, start at JPY 12,900 / £91 and can save travellers almost 30%. Longer breaks including accommodation are also available.

To find out more, visit the campaign page at Japanican.com/special/ski_resorts/index.aspx.