Plan your ski trip to Japan
Stories, guides, and tips for skiing and snowboarding in Japan — written by our team and the instructors who teach there.
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Should I Ski With My Child During Their Lesson?
One of the questions we're asked most often is whether parents can join their child's ski lesson or stay nearby to watch. The short answer is sometimes. It really depends on your family's skiing ability, your child's confidence, and what will create the best learning environment. Every lesson is tailored to the individual, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are a few general guidelines that help create the best experience for everyone.
Gate 11 — Mizuno no Sawa: Niseko's Avalanche-Controlled Zone
Gate 11 at Niseko Village is the only avalanche-controlled zone on the mountain. Guide to terrain, opening hours, the conditions that make it good, and when to avoid it.
Gate 10 — Moiwa Sidecountry: Spacious Powder Bowls
Gate 10 at Moiwa accesses wide west/southwest-facing powder bowls with no hike. Guide to terrain, the conditions that make it good, and when to avoid it.
Gate 9 — Waterfall: Consistent Fall-Line Tree Skiing
Gate 9 — the Waterfall gate — faces south/southeast and loads deep in the lee of the prevailing wind. Guide to terrain, the conditions that suit it, and when to avoid it.
Gate 8 — Hachi-Ban: Annupuri Tree Skiing Without a Hike
Gate 8 at Annupuri is a no-hike tree gate facing west/southwest. Guide to terrain, the conditions that make it good, and when to avoid it.
Gate 7 — Annupuri's Low, Sheltered Bad-Weather Gate
Gate 7 at Annupuri is a low, sheltered gate — the go-to in bad weather, but very sun-exposed. Guide to terrain, the conditions that suit it, and when to skip it.
Gate 6 — Moiwa Peak: Uncrowded Backcountry at a Separate Resort
Gate 6 at Moiwa Peak accesses uncrowded bowls at a separate resort, on a choice of aspects. Guide to terrain, the conditions that make it good, and when to avoid it.
Strawberry Fields — Hanazono's Best Inbounds Trees
Strawberry Fields at Hanazono is Niseko's most popular inbounds advanced tree zone. Guide to terrain, the conditions that make it good, and when to skip it.
Gate 5 — Hanazono Gate: Open Terrain and Tree Skiing
Gate 5 at Hanazono is a sheltered, no-hike gate with open terrain and tree runs. Guide to terrain, the weather conditions that suit it, and when to avoid it.
Gate 4 — Wind-Loaded East-Facing Sidecountry
Gate 4 at Hanazono Ridge is a no-hike, wind-loaded east-facing gate. Guide to terrain, the wind and weather conditions that make it good, and when to avoid it.
Gate 3 — Hirafu Peak: Niseko's Most Iconic Backcountry Gate
Gate 3 at Hirafu Peak is Niseko's most iconic backcountry gate, with multiple lines and aspects. Guide to terrain, the conditions that suit each, and when to avoid it.
Gate 2 — Annupuri Peak: Niseko's Longest Freeride Lines
Gate 2 at Annupuri Peak offers Niseko's longest backcountry lines. Guide to terrain, aspect, the conditions that make it good and when to stay away.