You’re making a great choice to travel to the mountainside for your holiday. Few vacations can compete with the scenery and adventure you get during a ski holiday. But unlike any other trip, this one requires more planning and coordination, but luckily you can find all the inspiration you need on the internet. With a simple Google search, you can find all the information you need, from accommodation solutions to ski instructors. But if you don’t want to waste time searching on multiple websites, this article provides you with the key ingredients for a perfect ski holiday. Once you decide what your destination is, you can start planning your trip.
Expect a unique experience
No matter if this is the first ski trip or you’re a seasoned mountain adventurer, a ski trip in Japan is unique. Each place has special ski conditions, customs, culture, weather, and landscape. If you live in a hot area, expect the first days to feel cold because your body isn’t accustomed to the mountains’ cold temperatures. Japan isn’t a cold country, but if you’re worried you’ll freeze on the track, check the weather to avoid booking the trip during the cold months.
If this is your first ski trip, you may think you’ll be forced to ski something too difficult for you. But all resorts have beginner, intermediate, and pro groomers. Skiing in Japan is a wonderful experience if you plan your vacation carefully.
Find a ski resort
Start planning your ski trip by renting Hakuba accommodation by Liquid Snow Tours. These days most accommodation facilities in Japan offer a list of exquisite amenities, services, and experiences. Look for the services you need and get in touch with the accommodation facility when you cannot find complete information on their website. If you’re traveling to Japan for the holidays, check if the ski resort also organizes parties or events to celebrate Christmas and New Year. If you’re traveling with a large group, you may want to rent an entire accommodation facility.
When you choose the resort consider a couple of factors like your budget, the type of terrain you want to ski, and the atmosphere you prefer for your holiday. You may want to stay in an end-of-the-rad resort because you want to have a peaceful vacation, or maybe you prefer convenience and you would better stay in a high-energy buzz resort. Consider the type of holiday you prefer before picking the resort because it can make or break your vacation.
Ski lessons
If you’re a first-time skier, hire an instructor to train you. You need to know how to stop and turn your equipment properly and operate it in specific conditions. Even if you’re an expert, but this is the first time you ski in Japan, you should get a lesson to fine-tune your style and technique. An instructor can provide you with insight on terrain and off-mountain experiences.
Get high-quality gear
During a ski trip, the gear you wear plays a crucial role in how much you enjoy the experience. Most ski destinations require you to wear a base and mid-layers. Ensure all gear is waterproof because you can easily get wet when falling on the snow. It would help if you also had ski socks, insulated mittens, and a face mask.
If you don’t have ski equipment, you can rent it from the resort, but if you want to save money in the long run, you should purchase it from a winter sports store.
If you’re passionate about skiing you should definitely buy high-quality gear. Most ski destinations require you to wear a performance vase and mid layers to prevent the cold from affecting your performance on the track. If the weather gets warmer you can shed the extra layer and add it later when the temperatures get chilly again. As stated before you also need to invest in water-proof gear (pants and jacket) so you can continue to ski comfortably even if you fall. The trick with waterproof gear is to look for moisture-wicking ski socks, gloves, neck gaiter and face mask. Head to your local winter sports store, and ask for someone’s support if you don’t know what gear to choose.
If you’re a skiing novice, it’s best to rent equipment. You want to make sure you love the winter sport before you buy ski equipment. High-quality equipment is quite pricey, and it’s not worth investing in your own gear before you’re sure you’ll head for the mountains more than once a year. You can find rental ski and snowboard equipment in every ski resort. Depending on your skill level and experience, the personnel can help you pick equipment that makes it easier for you to slide on the tracks. To ensure that you find the equipment you need when you arrive at the resort, contact a local store and ask them to book it for you for the day of your arrival.
If you have ski equipment, but you’re travelling across the world for your ski trip in Japan, you should better rent it because it’s cheaper, than to pay for airplane transport. Also, each resort has equipment that fits the terrain the tracks feature.
Both beginners and professionals should wear helmets on the ski tracks because it protects them from injuries. You may not want to wear a helmet because you think you look goofy, and you may even feel uncomfortable when you first put it on. But your safety is your priority and you should wear every piece of gear that ensures you’ll have a safe slide on the track. You’ll notice that all professional skiers and snowboards wear them. you don’t have to buy it because it takes a lot of room in your luggage. Rent if from the equipment store.
And don’t forget about goggles because they’re an essential item in your riding set. They allow you to better see the slopes when the sun shines too bright or when it pours with heavy snow.