Planning a Ski Trip to Japan with Kids? Here are our top 10 'Travel Plus Kids' Tips

Japan with its abundant snow fall, ski resorts, breathtaking landscapes, unique culture and beautiful people, makes it the perfect destination for an incredible family ski vacation. Before you embark on your journey here are our 10 'Travel Plus Kids' tips to ensure you have the BEST time!

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1. Choose the Right Resort and Accommodation

When traveling with kids, it's essential to choose a ski resort that caters to families and varied skill levels. Look for resorts with kid-friendly facilities, such as English speaking ski schools, childcare services, and beginner slopes. Some popular family-friendly ski resorts in Japan include Niseko, Hakuba, and Shiga Kogen. Grand Hirafu in Niseko and Furano also offer free children's ski passes. If you're traveling in December/January, to get the most reliable snow, you might consider a resort in Hokkaido but the conditions will be colder with less sunny days on average. When choosing accommodation, look for proximity to the main ski areas/gondola, ski-in ski-out, distance to shops and restaurants. If staying father afield you'll need to research transport options including buses, taxis or hiring a car/minivan.

2. Consider a flexible booking

There are many resorts in Japan with varying conditions. You may wish to take advantage of free cancellation policies and book accommodation in the north (eg Niseko or Furano) and main island (Hakuba or Myoko) in advance, and choose the resort with the best conditions and forecast closer to the time. Before you leave for your ski trip, make sure to check the weather forecast. This will help you plan your activities and ensure that you pack the right clothing and gear for the conditions.

3. Pack Appropriate Clothing

Make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing for your kids. Layering is key to staying comfortable on the slopes. Don't forget to bring gloves, hats, and goggles to protect them from the cold weather and snow. Unlike in Australia, temperatures can get quite low, and a fleece mid-layer is often required. Base layers should be made materials with moisture wicking and breathability properties such as synthetic thermals, merino wool or a merino/bamboo blend, in particular, cotton makes a poor base layer as it can become wet and contribute to the cold. Merino thermals will provide the most warmth, but for some people, the fibers can irritate the skin and you may find a blend is best. You'll also need water proof boots with good grip as the villages can become icy at night.

4. Book Lessons in Advance

If your kids are new to skiing, it's a good idea to book ski lessons in advance as they often book out in peak season. Many resorts offer group or private lessons for children, which can help them learn the basics and gain confidence on the slopes. This will also give mums and dads a chance to explore the mountain, and in the afternoon its time for family fun.

4. Rent Equipment in Advance

Instead of lugging all your ski equipment from home, consider renting ski gear at the resort. This will save you space and make traveling with kids much easier. Most ski resorts have rental shops where you can find everything you need. You can prebook your ski gear to ensure you don't miss out during peak season. However, personally like to use my own snowboarding equipment as hire boards and boots can often be older and less responsive than the latest designs.

5. Use a luggage transfer service

Traveling in Japan with ski gear and using public transport can have some challenges, especially if you also have children and bags to juggle. Yamato transport services can provide same day transfer of luggage from the airport to your hotel. You can also send your ski gear to your next resort while you see the sites of Tokyo or another city for a few days.

7. Appropriate insurance cover

Many insurance policies don't include snow sports so you will need to make sure you have the appropriate snow insurance to avoid costly medical bills if an accident happens. You'll also need to consider the type of skiing/snowboarding you will be doing. If you plan to head off-piste or out of the resort boundaries you will need to check the fine print of the policy. Many ski insurance policies will only cover you if you have an accident on a groomed run. However there are a few policies that cover you off-piste within resort boundaries (check if guide required) and back country CAT or heliskiing if you are with a guide. We booked our insurance through Zoom as this policy suited our needs and skill level. Disclaimer: this is not advice - make sure you do your own research! Share your insurance policy with your partner and with a family member or close friend staying home incase of emergencies.

8. Keeping in touch

While traveling in Japan, for the most reliable phone service with data, its best to purchase an eSIM through airalo, where you'll get 10GB data and 30 days validity for $18USD. This can be purchased online before you leave to ensure you stay connected from the moment you arrive in Japan. You can also add international roaming to your phone to make calls, however data is often very expensive and you can chew through it very easily. If you are hitting the slopes and have younger children without a mobile phone, you might consider a smart watch with GPS tracker app to connect to your mobile. Educate your children about the meet up spots before you head down each run. Talk to them about what to do if they get separated. Give them a card with your number on it in case they get lost, and they can head to the nearest lift operator or helpful passer-by and ask for help.

8. Plan Non-Ski Activities

While skiing is undoubtedly the highlight of a ski trip, it's always a good idea to plan some non-ski activities as well, as it can be exhausting for little ones. Japan offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, such as hot springs, visiting the snow monkeys (near Nagano), snowmobiling, reindeer sledding (Niseko), snow tubing, and snowshoeing. For the ladies you could also consider the ultimate cultural experience of a kimono and tea ceremony.

10. Have Fun!

Lastly, remember to have fun and enjoy every moment of your ski trip with your kids. It's a unique opportunity to create lasting memories and bond as a family. Embrace the adventure, make snow angels, have a snow ball fight and cherish the laughter-filled days on the slopes.

Happy Travels from Travel Plus Kids.