Visitors are flocking to Japan. After travel restrictions lifted in May 2023, the country shot to the top of people’s radar. Its reputation for incredible food, truly unique culture (something increasingly hard to find in the Instagram age) and kind, polite people have drawn no less than 25 million tourists in the last year. Ski resorts are seeing a similar surge – Niseko for example saw an increase of 41% for the 2022/23 season even before travel restrictions had fully lifted.
Choosing to own a property in a ski resort is a long-held ambition for many. The joy of having a space of your own to indulge in your favourite pastimes, enjoy amazing scenery and absorb the countless health benefits of mountain life is irresistible. Add in the fact that owning a ski property offers the possibility of a sound income and that irresistibility ramps up a notch.
Read on to discover some of Japan’s ski resorts, as well as some of the key differences about between owning a ski property in Japan as opposed to owning a ski property in Europe.
Where to ski in Japan
Niseko
Set in the very north of Hokkaido, Niseko United is one of the most famous ski resorts in Japan. It’s made up of four interconnected resorts all under the gaze of magnificent Annupuri. The area is famous for its powder snow, meticulously groomed runs and incredible backcountry skiing.
Grand Hirafu, Hanzono, Niseko Village and Annupuri
The largest resort of the four, Grand Hirafu, is an excellent place to begin your discovery of ski resorts in Japan. It has over 30 ski trails, 15 lifts and gondolas, and breathtaking views of Mount Yotei . Grand Hirafu has seen significant investment in infrastructure including a brand new 10 person gondola that will see transport capacity increase from 1,800 to 2,800 people per hour. It’s a fantastic family resort, with plenty of activities for little ones on and off the slopes and adults will enjoy its reputation for lively Après Ski.
Each of the resorts in Niseko have their own character. Hanazono is renowned for its high falls of light powder snow, long ski season and impressive snow park. Niseko Village leans towards a more luxury focused clientele, with an emphasis on serenity and relaxation - it has some of the most beautiful views of Mount Yotei, regarded as the Fuji of the North. By contrast Annupuri fosters a laid back, more authentically Japanese experience with fewer crowds.
Furano
North of Niseko is Furano. This is a place famous for its flower fields in summer and fantastic skiing in winter. The season is long, with 950 vertical metres of skiing available from November to May. Furano has ten lifts, one of which currently holds the accolade of being Japan’s fastest cable car. Skiers of all levels are well catered for and there are plenty of ski schools that offer lessons in English as well as various rental outlets to make getting here a little easier.
Away from the gloriously well groomed slopes visitors enjoy attractions such as ice cafes, mystical forests and Furano Snowland which offers an abundance of fun rides and the uniquely Japanese brand of cuteness - kawaii.
Summer in Hokkaido brings its own charm. Like many ski areas, Hokkaido has superb hiking out of season. Unlike many ski areas, Hokkaido offers a landscape that is relatively free from human influence, certainly when compared to Honshu and many key European resorts. Stunning trails offer unrivalled opportunities to enjoy wildlife, flora and rejuvenation from being outdoors.
History lovers can explore Noboribetsu Village, an immersive Edo-period experience just an hour and a half from Niseko, and anyone interested in discovering the myriad of crafts and art that Japan has to offer will find artisan workshops, galleries and tours in abundance.
Nagano
Just 3.5 hours from Tokyo, this ski area gained international renown after hosting the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
The main ski area, Hakuba, is made up of numerous resorts, each with their own style and character, and all with an abundance of perfect powder snow. If you’re seeking terrain parks, halfpipes, jumps, and rails head to Hakuba 47. More of an off-piste, breathtaking view kind of skier? Head to Hakuba Goryu. Families are well catered for too, with Iwatake being a favourite, while advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the wide open slopes of Tsugaike Kogen.
Away from the slopes Nagano gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The area is famous for its Snow Monkeys, who keep warm by bathing in the natural hot springs of Jigokudani. The area is also home to Matsumoto-jo, one of the 12 original castles from Japan’s captivating Edo period. This fascinating part of Japan with an abundance of attractions is enjoyed year round, all within a short Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.
Where to ski in Europe
Skiing in Europe is more than a leisure activity - it represents the continuation of culture that stretches back centuries. In Switzerland alone, the 2022/23 ski season saw 17.4 million overnight stays (source: Statista.com). Skiing is embedded in the European winter and this heritage is part of the reason visitors return year after year.
France
France boasts some of the most famous ski areas in the world, particularly in the French Alps. Destinations like Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isère, and Les Deux Alpes offer extensive ski terrain, modern facilities, and vibrant apres-ski scenes. French resorts cater to skiers of all abilities, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste terrain. Owning a ski property in France could mean iconic views of Mont Blanc, Mont d’Or or even the Mediterranean. It means iconic food like Tartiflette or Gateau de Savoie and above all it means superb skiing in some of the best-known resorts in the world.
Switzerland
Switzerland is synonymous with pristine alpine landscapes and luxury ski resorts. Places like Zermatt, St. Moritz, Verbier, and Davos offer a mix of traditional charm and understated luxury. This is the home of the archetypal alpine village, the incredible Matterhorn and for many it is regarded as the home of European skiing. All this heritage doesn’t mean Swiss ski resorts are without innovation and investment.
Swiss resorts are known for their efficient lift systems, including the world’s first on-demand gondola, the FlemExpress. Switzerland offers the mountain dream of rich cuisines, majestic mountain scenery and superb skiing on some of the best-known slopes in the world. Some resorts, such as Zermatt and Saas Fee even offer glacier skiing which means visitors can even enjoy the slopes in summer.
Austria
Austria brings its own unique Tyrolean charm to the alpine table. Resorts like St.Anton, Kitzbuhel and Ischgl are renowned for fantastic après ski and warm hospitality. Skiing in Austria has a reputation for being more affordable than some Swiss and French resorts which adds to its appeal for many skiers.
Visitors of all skill levels will enjoy well-groomed slopes, excellent ski schools and gentle slopes that encourage even the most nervous skier to embrace the sport. Add in the natural warmth and welcome offered by the Austrian people, as well as delicious comfort food like Kaiserschmarrn, Käsespätzle or Speckknödel and you have a recipe for ski resorts with universal appeal.
Like Japan, ski resorts in Europe recognise the significance of year-round appeal. Whether you choose to marvel at the beauty of the mirror lakes in Grimentz, enjoy a tour of cheesemakers in the French alps or delve into the cultural heaven that is Vienna, a ski property in Europe offers a base for year round enjoyment and appeal.
What are the main differences between buying a ski property in Japan and Europe?
On one level, the differences are almost impossible to count - but if we are just considering the question from an investment perspective these differences fall into two main categories, cultural and seasonal.
Cultural difference is perhaps the cornerstone of Japan’s appeal. Closed to outside visitors for an incredible 200 years, it has one of the most unique cultures in the world. Skiers can enjoy the bliss of Onsen, Japanese hot spring bathing, the buzz of an Izakaya - the Japanese equivalent of a pub - as well sampling the phenomenon of Karaoke. As you spend more time in the country, you’ll gain an appreciation of the craftsmanship that pervades all aspects of Japanese life, as well as the innate politeness of Japanese people. Japan is a country that fascinates and charms in equal measure, and one that people return to year after year.
Visitors to European ski resorts will enjoy traditional alpine villages, hearty food and lively après ski. Many European resorts have a more rustic feel than purpose built Japanese resorts, and the sense of history is closer to hand. Skiing in Europe is a way of life, rather than an adopted pastime, and for many people this gives an authenticity they crave.
Language can also be another factor for visitors to consider. While Japan more than caters for its visitors in terms of signage and basic communication, visitors may find communication outside of tourist hubs more difficult - although the combination of Japanese charm and Google translate usually solves any issues!
In terms of season, ski resorts in Japan enjoy a much longer season than many European resorts. Siberian snowstorms bring the powder snow Japan is so famous for, and this contributes to a season that stretches from November through to May. Ski resorts in Europe are more dependent on altitude, and whilst some resorts can see seasons that last from October to May, the majority have a season that runs from late November to early April. Snowmaking facilities increase snow surety, but for many resorts snow conditions can vary.
Investment potential, trends and property types
The increasing popularity of skiing and snowboarding in Japan, coupled with the country's reputation for excellent powder snow, has contributed to the growth of ski property investments. Ski properties in Japan range traditional Japanese ryokans to modern ski-in/ski-out apartments and luxury chalets. Investors can choose from a variety of options, including standalone properties and hotel style apartments.
There is a trend for ski-in/ski-out accommodations, especially in popular ski resort areas like Niseko and Hakuba. There's also growing interest in eco-friendly and sustainable ski developments and many investors place sustainability high on their wishlist.
Europe has a long established market with lasting appeal. Countries such as France, Switzerland and Austria offer the “typical” alpine experience, supplemented by years of experience in offering the joy of a mountain lifestyle to its visitors. European ski properties come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional chalets, sleek ski-in/ski-out apartments, alpine cottages, and luxury mountain villas. There is an increasing demand for luxury ski properties and high-end amenities. with many luxury developments offering premium services such as private spas, concierge services, and gourmet dining.
Find your ideal ski property
Both Japan and Europe benefit from strong tourism industries, with ski resorts attracting visitors from around the world. Resorts understand the importance of offering year-round appeal and give visitors a myriad of things to enjoy away from the slopes.
If you’re looking for a new opportunity in either Japan or Europe, SnowOnly can help. We have access to thousands of properties and our new property consultation service means we can get to know you and what you’re looking for. Whether you want the traditional alpine village, or fancy plunging into a world of Onsen, yakitori and that famous powder snow, we can help you find your next home in the mountains.
Apr 22, 2024
