Feature Photo by Aomori Spring Ski Resort
Early Bird Ski Deals 2021-2022
If you’re living in Japan for the upcoming 2021-22 winter season, you’ll want to check out early bird discounts that ski resorts offer. Most of the discounts are for season passes and long-stay packages during the off season, and sales start as early as July 2021. We’ve rounded up a list of early bird ski resort discounts and will be updating the list regularly. Note that most of the information on the ski resorts’ websites are in Japanese only.
The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Hokkaido
Get a headstart to the season at Niseko and enjoy 10% off when you book in advance. This discount is only valid for a minimum of two nights’ stay between December 1-15 and includes accommodation, breakfast buffet, one-day lift pass, skis or snowboard rentals and free access to an onsen.
Book by December 13, 2021
Kiroro Ski Resort, Hokkaido
Enjoy unlimited access to Kiroro Ski Resort all season long. This upscale resort is offering a discounted season pass rate of only ¥55,000 for adults (¥53,000 for seniors, ¥38,000 for youths and ¥26,000 for children). This pass also includes benefits such as free access to first tracks from 8:30 a.m., ski rental upgrades, 40% off accommodation at participating Kiroro hotels, free access to onsen, the resort swimming pool and fitness center, 10% off participating restaurants and bars, discounted rates at other participating resorts in Hokkaido and more. Kiroro can also be visited as a day trip from Niseko, Otaru and Sapporo.
Book by December 12, 2021
The Westin Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido
Rusutsu is said to be one of the snowiest resorts globally. Enjoy a longer stay at this uncrowded Hokkaido resort: the early bird package is ¥136,060 per person for seven nights and includes accommodation, lift pass, free access to the onsen and fitness center and breakfast buffet. The package is valid for stays between November 27 and December 15, 2021 and after February 21, 2022. The resort is only 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport and there is a free shuttle service. This early bird package is through Japan Snow Accommodation.
Book by October 31, 2021
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Hokkaido
This resort is located right on the outskirts of Sapporo and boasts massive snowfalls—and now, season passes for ¥61,000 (usually ¥72,000) and ¥6,500 for children. Benefits include ¥600 off day passes for friends, discounted rates at the on-site restaurant, rentals and for day passes at participating resorts and one free ride on the gondola during kouyou (autumn leaves changing color) season.
Book by October 22, 2021
Kamori Winter Pass, Hokkaido
Enjoy four quality ski resorts in Hokkaido with this season pass for only ¥78,400. The Kamori Winter Pass gives you access to Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, The Westin Rusutsu Resort, Tokachi Sahoro Resort and Nakayamatoge Ski Resort. The pass includes 20% off day rates for three friends, 20% off lessons and 10% off rentals. There are premium and gold benefits available for ¥157,600 and ¥90,100. If you’ve used this pass last season, you’ll also get a surprise present!
Book by November 3, 2021
Aomori Spring Ski Resort, Aomori
Aomori Spring Ski Resort is located on the northern tip of Honshu and is Tohoku’s premier ski resort with its dry powder snow throughout the season and ski-in, ski-out convenience at The Rockwood Hotel and Spa directly on the slopes. The early bird season pass here is ¥46,200 (usually ¥54,400) and ¥24,500 for children.
Book by September 30, 2021
Appi Kogen Ski Resort, Iwate
One of Tohoku’s biggest ski resorts is offering an early bird discount of 15%. Appi Kogen Ski Resort has 21 courses and a total running distance of 43,100 meters. It is famous for its powder snow thanks to its favorable cold temperatures and low humidity. Appi Quest Park was also added to the resort this past winter; this premier snow park is designed by Charles Beckinsale of The Stomping Grounds, a popular park builder who dominates the freestyle skiing and snowboarding scene around the world. There’s a designated area for professionals to practice and also a zone for beginners and intermediates.
The 15% discount is valid for accommodation and lift ticket packages for Hotel APPI Grand, Appi Onsen Hotel and Appi Hills Shirakaba no Mori adjacent to the slopes. These hotels are equipped with a variety of restaurants. Be sure to warm up at Shirakaba no Yu, Tohoku’s largest open-air bath.
Book by September 30, 2021
Geto Kogen, Iwate
If you’re in your 20s, you’ll enjoy Geto Kogen’s early bird discounts. Early bird lift passes are ¥58,000 (usually ¥76,000), but ¥39,000 for adults 26 to 30-years-old, ¥29,000 for adults 20 to 25-years-old. The resort is popular for its long winter from November to May and also features an expanded tree run section this season. You can add free access to the onsen for an additional 5,000. The season pass includes a free gondola ride during the green season and discounted rates for the onsen, restaurant and accommodation.
Book by October 31, 2021
Lotte Arai Resort, Niigata
This resort and hotel located in the snowy highlands of Myoko Kogen enjoyed a full makeover in 2017. The premium early bird season pass is ¥70,000 (usually ¥150,000) and ¥45,000 for children, and includes access to the relaxing Hoshizora Onsen and Pool on site, four discounted day pass coupons for friends and discounted rates for rentals. If you miss the September deadline, you can purchase the season passes for ¥90,000 until November 30.
Book by September 5, 2021
Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort, Nagano
Book up to 60 days in advance to enjoy a discounted accommodation and ski package at this Nagano resort. Starting at ¥12,900, this package includes one night stay, two meals, one-day lift ticket and a ¥1,000 coupon valid for the on-site store or restaurant. Visitors have free access to the onsen and indoor swimming pool.
Book 60 days in advance
Kijimadaira Ski Resort, Nagano
Season lift passes are only ¥22,000 (usually ¥39,000) at this ski resort near Iiyama Station on the JR Hokuriku shinkansen line, and ¥27,000 including access to the onsen. The season lift pass comes with benefits including three discount tickets for your friends, 100 discounts for participating nearby onsens, 1,000 coupon for a day tour of Kitashinshu, and 50% discounted rates for participating resorts including Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, Hakuba 47, Togari Onsen Ski Resort, Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and more.
Book by September 30, 2021
Togakushi Ski Resort, Nagano
This ski resort situated in the ancient Nagano town of Togakushi is offering season lift passes from ¥39,000 to ¥45,000 (usually ¥55,000) depending on time of purchase. The season pass includes benefits like 30% off participating restaurants, 50% off day passes for friends, free test rides for next season’s models, one-night campsite reservation during the green season and more.
Book by August 31 (¥39,000), September 30 (¥42,000), or October 31, 2021 (¥45,000)
Hakuba Valley All-Mountain Pass, Nagano
If you’re a fan of Hakuba, this season pass is a no-brainer. For ¥118,800, you can access Hakuba’s 10 participating resorts including Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Iwatake Snow Field.
Book by September 30, 2021
Kawaba Ski Resort, Gunma
Season lift passes are only ¥40,000 (usually ¥55,000) and ¥25,000 (¥32,000) for children and include free parking, discounted day passes for friends, discounted rates for rentals and coupons for other participating Nippon Ski Development resorts. Kawaba Ski Resort is located on the southern slopes of Mt. Hotaka in Gunma prefecture and is a 40-minute drive from the famous onsen town of Minakami. It is popular for its parks and also offers first tracks services, park lessons and snowshoe tours.
Book by October 15, 2021
Meiho Ski Resort, Gifu
This Gifu-based ski resort is offering season lift passes for ¥39,000 (usually ¥60,000) including free parking, four curry lunch coupons, 20% discount for the on-site restaurant, ¥1,000 coupons for waxing and discounted day passes and rentals for friends.
Book by October 31, 2021
Takasu Mountains Season Pass, Gifu
The Takasu Mountains are made up of six resorts and located in the northern region of Gujo in Gifu. This area is convenient for people in Nagoya and the Kansai area, and takes less than an hours from Takayama and Shirakawago. The season pass is ¥67,000 and ¥26,000 for children, and gives you access to Takasu Snow Park, Dynaland, Hirugano Kogen, White Pia and Washigatake Ski Resort. Benefits include all-night riding at Washigatake Ski Resort, first tracks at participating resorts, coupons for restaurants, hotels and onsen and discounted rates for golf and green season activities.
Book by October 15, 2021
Macearth Season Pass
For only ¥56,780 (¥25,250 for children), enjoy riding at 21 resorts from Hokkaido to Hiroshima. The passes include free parking at these resorts, ¥300-¥500 off participating onsens, 10% off participating hotels, coupons for participating restaurants and shops and discounted rates for golf and green season activities. If you miss the September deadline, you can still purchase the pass for ¥67,890 until October 15.
Book by September 30, 2021
Early Bird Ski Deals 2021-2022
