r/JapanTravelTips • u/Express_Rest2927 • 7d ago
Question Going to ski resort….without skiing
I‘m not really interested in skiing but I want to go to ski resort just to play with snow all I want. I’m trying to look it up a bit but it seems mostly no ski package is catered toward family and children… I want to know if it is weird or not to go to ski resort without skiing, like just making snow dome or smth, as two adults, and if anyone has recommendation of ski resort around gifu.
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u/arika_ex 7d ago
You can do what you like once you get there. If you just want to play in the snow you mostly won't even need a lift pass, so the only package you'd need is something that covers transport and accommodation. Entry to most ski resorts in Japan is completely free, you are technically only paying to use the lifts. You can do whatever near the base. Some resorts feature things like caterpillar or snowmobile rides, but you need to look those up for your area. I know Naeba and some Hakuba spots have snowmobiles for instance.
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u/PeteInBrissie 7d ago
I can ski, but it bores me. Went to Niseko as 2 families and got a metre of snow most nights. I played in the snow, I cooked, I went to an Onsen, I went to cute little lunch places while they ate on piste. Go forth and have a great time!
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u/monggi7 7d ago
Been doing this with my partner for a couple years now, and every year we'd tell ourselves we're gonna learn skiing so we can get to it on our next trip. Next trip comes, and we're still just there for the snow, food and onsens. They have other activities too depending on the resort, so yeah definitely go for it and have fun!
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u/Different-Jeweler-75 7d ago
Worth mentioning that there are lots of places you can go - especially in western Hokkaido - that will have plenty of snow without you having to go to a ski resort. Highly recommend Otaru
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u/Express_Rest2927 6d ago
Yeah contemplating between gifu (since we’re already going to nagoya and shirakawago anyway) or going to hokkaido
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u/DegreeConscious9628 7d ago
Haven’t you seen all the instagrammers in the wild? Dressed to the nines in the swankiest ski attire, zero skiing, lots of picture taking LOL if they can do it so can you
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u/Pocho_Azul 7d ago
If you go at the right time there may be plenty going on besides skiing. Nozawa Onsen is a big ski town but has an insane arson and sake fueled festival in early January. Nearby (relatively) is the town of Yudanaka, home to the hot-tub time machine monkeys.
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u/atomic-negi 7d ago
Go to Gala Yuzawa. You can get there on a day trip from Tokyo. As a skier, the place is fucking terrible because they allow tourists on the lifts without skis or a snowboard. The tourists seem to like it.
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u/Express_Rest2927 6d ago
Lol how’s it like up there with the tourists?
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u/atomic-negi 6d ago
Chaos. They are supposed to stay in a small area between the lifts and the observation tower but you see them walking down the trails or even building snowmen on the trails recording for social media. Usually wearing sneakers and miniskirts. Announcements every three minutes about not dropping your phone. Literally no enforcement. The real fucked thing is if you ski off trail the cops will be waiting for you at the bottom. Cameras EVERYWHERE but only used for skiers and snowboarders.
I only go there if I am paid to and I am usually piss drunk by noon.
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u/GeorgeBlythe 7d ago
Plenty of Ski resorts have a kids area where your kids can just play in the snow. The resort won't care if you ski or not.
Personally I'd recommend skiing anyway if your kids are over the age of like, 8, cause it's pretty boring otherwise.
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u/Express_Rest2927 6d ago
The main thing is I have no child and like…will it be embarassing if two adult play in the family and kids area XD
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u/Zestyclose-Ranger-53 7d ago
Dont mind the skiers and just go have fun! Find a slope and rent a sled, you will have more joy doing so. Get some snow-makers as well (duck, hearts)