If you are an avid skier who wants to see new sights and meet new people, you need to head to Japan. The East Asian country is most known for its delicious food and rich culture, but did you know that it also has hundreds of ski resorts?
So, hit the Obermeyer ski jacket sales and pack your suitcase. Here are all the reasons why you should head to Japan on your next ski trip.
Different Levels for Different Skiers
Whether you are just starting out or a long-time enthusiast, you can ski in Japan.
Out of its hundreds of ski resorts, you surely will find the perfect challenge for your mastery of the sport. There are wide and shallow slopes that will be easy for beginners to navigate and, in case you fall, there will be thick snow to pad your bottom. However, for those who have been skiing for years, there are steeper, longer slopes for you to explore.
In fact, in case you want an additional dose of adrenaline, you can ski toward the crater of a volcano. Mt. Yotei on the northern island of Hokkaido is a volcano that has become a popular ski destination in Japan.
Mt. Yotei is inactive so there is no chance that you will be encountering red-hot lava on your way down. It will still be a pretty thrilling ride — at 1,898 meters, it has the longest vertical ski descent in Hokkaido.
Illuminated Snowy Mountains at Night
The lifts in the resorts in Japan opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. That means you still have a couple of hours to ski after the sun has gone down.
At night, the slopes are bathed with electric light and it is pretty breathtaking. Just looking at the slopes at night will leave you in awe.
After Ski Dip
Japan is a country along the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has over 100 active volcanoes, more than any other country on Earth.
Onsens, or natural hot springs, are found everywhere. Dipping into hot water after a tiring day at the slopes will relieve your sore muscles and recharge your body for another round of skiing.
The Japanese population has long believed in the healing powers of natural hot springs. They say that bathing in its waters will clear your skin and cure your aches. They also think that it prevents your skin from aging.
It is the perfect après-ski. You can even crack open a cold can of beer while your body is submerged in hot water.
Hearty Bowl of Ramen
And, when you get hungry, there are plenty of ramen restaurants around. There is nothing that can beat eating a hot, hearty, meaty bowl of ramen in a snowy mountain. It is an experience that everyone, not just skiers, should have at least once in their lives.
The taste of authentic ramen will change your life. You will want to go back to Japan just to have another bowl of ramen.
Japan is a vibrant country that offers different adventures for all kinds of travelers. If you are a skier, Japan should definitely be on the top of your bucket list. It has some of the best slopes in the world and it will give you memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.