Winter sports in Japan
Whether you like to dabble in
a bit of skiing or snowboarding, or you don't like to dabble at
all, it's the season to be making snowmen, drinking hot sake and
screaming 'oh my god' from the top of a snowy peak.
Japan happens to be one of the best places in
the world for winter sports. With over 600 ski and snowboarding
resorts dotted around the country, it's no wonder that this country
is a sporting phenomenon. Japan has done itself proud by hosting
the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and the Winter Asian Games in
1986 and 1990 respectively.
So what gives Japan the edge? Well there are a
few things which makes this neck of the woods ideal for winter sports.
For one, something called the Siberian air mass is involved. These
frequent cold fronts lend a hand to the sub-zero temperatures and
seriously heavy snowfalls that hit northern Japan in winter, especially
between Nagano and Northern Hokkaido. Add to this the fact that
most of the country is mountainous with the Japan Alps boasting
many summits reaching dizzy heights of 2,500 metres or more and
you have a guaranteed sporting recipe to thrill any snow-goer.
Artificial slopes are also all the rage, especially
outside the winter season. Kansai fakes in Kyoto, Kobe, Hyogo and
in nearby Hiroshima make it possible to continue the winter sport
phenomenon from early October to late May. Although the very experienced
may find the indoor slopes a little strange, it still means that
extra practice can be sought outside the peak months.
Snowboarding and skiing can be nightmare words
if you have no sense of balance and hate the cold. Amateur snowboarder,
Amanda, 24 from Canada, hit the slopes of Nagano for the first time
last winter. “I was really excited to see snow again but that
quickly wore off when I put on my snowboarding boots and stared
with my jaw wide open at the slope ahead of me”.
Alongside skiing, over 16 million people partake
in snowboarding, ice skating and speed skating over the cold season
— and many for the first time. Resorts are prepared for beginners
and advanced enthusiasts alike so whatever your level, suitable
conditions await you. Get out and challenge yourself or head for
one of those cute and friendly instructors to get a couple of beginner
lessons under your belt before you brave the slopes on your todd.
As for the slopes, they're a different story to
what you may expect. A feature of most resorts is the presence of
J-pop or dodgy 80s rock to keep you entertained on the peak. This
may be irritating or amusing, but either way it's a unique characteristic
of snow resorts in Japan. Take a look around and see how the amateurs
and professionals mingle together to get what they want out of their
winter sports experience. And remember help is always at hand as
staff are readily available to help you out of any pickle —
or tumble — that you may encounter.
Resorts also offer a different kettle of fish
when it comes to nightlife. Unwind any way you see fit from a choice
of Japanese restaurants, karaoke, izakaya and onsen to finish off
your hard day. Serial snowboarder Campbell, 27 from New Zealand
says the best thing about winter sporting is “being out in
the freezing cold all day and then relaxing with friends, food and
drink in front of a fire at night”. Sounds blissful!
 Package
trips are perhaps the way to go, keeping costs down and your need
to plan to a minimum. Most deals offer the essentials of transport,
accommodation, lift tickets and usually meals, so all you have to
worry about is getting there. When choosing a resort, consi-der
the lift systems, ropeways, modern lodges and equipment. Campbell
adds “I've been snowboarding at various ski fields in Gifu,
Nagano and Hokkaido. All of these trips were easily organized and
relatively hassle-free”.
It goes without saying that the larger resorts
are popular with snowy sport enthusiasts and are usually more equipped
with modern tidbits. If you're looking for a more traditional, cosy
approach, the smaller family run resorts have atmosphere and beat
the crowds. Most equipment can be hired but be warned if you want
more than 2 or 3 days sporting action, then the costs can be hefty.
Ski and snowboarding resorts come in all shapes and sizes and the
facilities are as varied as a hot pot. When choosing one, give a
little thought about what snow playing extras you'd like.
So there you have it. Snowboarding and skiing doesn't have to be
about, well… snowboarding and skiing. You can enjoy the atmosphere,
the snow and even the slopes without being an Olympic gold medalist.
Take in the fresh air, experience the sporty feeling and head for
the slopes this winter. And if all else fails, you can make a snowman
…
Top resorts
NATIONWIDE resorts
Nagano Nozawa Onsen
Station: Nagano Station
Open: 22 November - 5 May
Times: 8.20am-5pm plus night skiing
Cost: ¥4,300 for adult day ticket
Tel: 0269-85-3166
Niigata Yuwazu Park
Station: Echigo Yuzwazu Station
Open: 13 December - 4 April
Times: 7am-5pm plus night skiing
Cost: ¥4,000 for adult day ticket
Tel: 025-787-4111
Hiroshima Ski Park Samubiki
Station: N/a
Open: All year round
Times: 8am-5pm plus night skiing
Cost: ¥4,500 for adult day ticket
Tel: 0826-82-3939
Kansai resorts
Kobe Snova Freeku
Station: N/a
Open: All year round
Times: 10am-12am (midnight!)
Cost: ¥2,300 for 3 hour ticket
Tel: 078-882-3751
Kyoto Hirogawara
Station: Demachiyanagi
Open: All year round
Times: 9am-11pm
Cost: ¥3,500 for adult day ticket
Tel: 075-746-0133
Hyogo Sky Valley
Station: Youka
Open: 20 December - 31 March
Times: 7.30am-4.40pm
Cost: ¥3,500 for adult day ticket
Tel: 0796-96-0375
Helpful info
Check these out for more helpful info:
• www.snowjapan.com
•
http://gojapan.about.com/od/ wintersport/
• http://www.outdoorjapan.com/TO/03-winter-special/TO-3-winter03-areaguide.html
Text: Naheen Madarbakus • Photos: KS
|
