Luxury Ski Chalets & Hotels in Japan
Rich in culture and with unique food and breathtaking scenery, Japan is the perfect destination for your next luxury ski holiday. Experience steamy hot springs, unmatched powdery snow, and maybe even meet a snow monkey. You can expect the very best from a luxury ski holiday in Japan, with stunning snowfall and a great selection of luxury ski hotels and chalets to choose from. Explore our collection of luxury hotels and luxury ski chalets in Japan below.
What to expect from a luxury skiing holiday in Japan - Ocean-Effect Snow
The snow in Japan is like nowhere else in the world. It is completely dependable, dry, and falls waist to neck-deep, giving Japan some of the snowiest winters on the planet. This phenomenon is caused when the frigid air from frozen Siberian plains blows over the Sea of Japan. The result is referred to by scientists as “ocean-effect snow”, and it is released along the coast over the western mountains in light, fluffy, and deep powder.
Incredible snow and ski conditions are just the beginning of what a luxury Japanese ski holiday holds for our most adventurous and curious travellers. Oxford Ski Company offers the very best in accommodation and tailored experiences. Our top Japanese ski destinations, Niseko, Hakuba, and Nozawa, are enthralling locations brimming with culture, nature, and luxury Japanese food.
This impressive resort is located in Hokkaido, the most northern island of Japan, and is known as Japan’s winter wonderland. The incredible skiing is almost matched by the après ski scene, from noodle joints with ramen and beer to Michelin-rated restaurants with sushi and sake.
Discover sophisticated accommodation among the stunning Japanese Alps. This valley contains nine different ski areas that receive over 12 metres of snow every year.
This location is steeped in old-world tradition and prestigious facilities. After exploring the 1,085 metres of vertical downhill skiing, relax in the natural hot springs or take a day trip to Yudanka to see the famous bathing “snow monkeys”.
When is the best time to have a luxury skiing holiday in Japan?
The general skiing season for Japan will run from mid-December to early April. There are some locations with much longer seasons due to the amount of snow they receive, and some ski resorts, such as Gassan ski resort, don’t even start the ski season until April!
The best time to ski in Japan will vary depending on location and the kind of experience you are looking for - be it quiet slopes, warmer weather, or prime snow conditions.
December: The island of Hokkaido and its resorts get the best snow first, often receiving enough cold powder to ski on before Christmas. The period between Christmas and New Year is the most popular time for the locals to ski, creating packed pistes when paired with international skiers flying in for their winter holidays.
January to February: Early January will continue to be busy, but these months will experience the very best of the cold and powdery “ocean-effect” snow. There is also the fire-festival period at Nozawa to look forward to on January 15 and the Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival in early February. Keep in mind Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year as many from China and Singapore travel to Japan to ski during these days.
March to April: These months will see warmer and sunnier weather, perfect for backcountry skiing. Snow quality will vary, but you can still experience powder days. The pistes will be quiet with little competition for fresh powder. Keep in mind that lower elevation or south-facing parts of resorts may begin to close.
How to travel to Japan for a ski holiday
Travelling to Japan is an adventure all on its own. You may not find a direct flight into Sapporo without stopping in Tokyo first. Plan for a couple of days to explore this stimulating and thrilling city. Visit Shinto temples, tour the Imperial Palace, watch a professional Sumo wrestling match, and encounter the famous Tokyo nightlife at a classic Karaoke bar.
Once you’re in Tokyo, you can take a short flight to Hokkaido, landing at the Sapporo New Chitode Airport, or take a bullet train to Nagano Station.
Nearest airports: Sapporo New Chitose Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport
Currency: Japanese yen
Language: Japanese
British citizens can enter Japan without a visa and stay up to 90 days as long as they can provide a valid passport and a return ticket at the airport. See up-to-date government travel advice and requirements here.
Helpful Japanese to learn for your ski holiday
The number of English speakers around you will vary across luxury Japanese ski resorts. Google translate can be very helpful in tricky situations, but don’t shy from trying to communicate on your own. Locals hold a deep appreciation for those who make an effort to understand and speak their language.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. If in doubt, here are the most important Japanese phrases and words to learn for your luxury ski holiday in Japan:
English: Thank you very much
Japanese: Arigato gozaimasu
English: Cheers!
Japanese: Kanpai!
English: Let’s go!
Japanese: Ickie ma-shaw!
English: Wait a moment, please
Japanese: Chotto matte kudasai
English: Snow
Japanese: Yuki
English: Cold
Japanese: Samui
Explore our luxury ski chalets in Japan
A ski holiday to Japan will always be more than just the snow. With characterful, luxury accommodation, an enthralling cultural experience, excellent food, and lively nightlife, Japan is one step ahead of your ‘usual’ ski holiday.
Oxford ski company has discovered stunning luxury ski chalets and hotels in Japan, and we offer our clients a personalised and tailored experience to ensure an exquisite holiday. Our selection of Japanese chalets and hotels are fitted with the very best. Explore our chalets by luxury facilities (such as ski-in ski-out chalets or ones with cinema rooms, spa facilities, or hot tubs) here.
Get in touch today for more information or to discuss how our dedicated Oxford Ski company team can arrange for you a stunning luxury ski holiday.
What makes us different?
Experience
We have been designing and delivering luxury ski holidays for 25 years. Our experience in the industry is unparalleled. You can trust us to create the perfect trip for you and your family.
Expertise
Our team live and breathe skiing and are passionate about the destinations we sell. We work with only the best chalet and hotel providers. All are regularly inspected to ensure our exacting standards are met.
Service
Each Oxford Ski Company booking includes our complimentary pre-arrival concierge service. Your specialist will help arrange the all-important finer details that are part of planning the perfect ski holiday.