Whiteroom Blog

9 Things To Do Before Your Japan Ski Tour this Year

Already thinking about the holidays? If you’re planning a ski trip in Japan, Niseko is the number one must-experience and must-go-to destination thanks to its famous amounts of soft powder snow.

Before you book a flight, here are 9 things you should tick off your check list first to ensure you have a fun, safe and enjoyable ski trip to Japan:

Book your Niseko Ski Tour Early
Avoid all possible disappointments and book that tour as early as possible. December is usually the start of the ski season in Japan, especially Niseko. You can expect many ski-fanatics to jump in on every open booking. Oftentimes, most accommodations will be booked out as early as the first week of November for peak season dates.

Prep Up by Pumping Up the Iron
If you’re into sports and stay active even during off season, you can skip this and go straight to the next item on our list. Otherwise, you’d be wise to make sure you’re snow fit for the holidays. Prep up and hit the gym starting today. Skiing powder day after day is a real workout for the whole body, and especially your legs. Start building up your stamina and strength so you have the endurance to make the most of each day. Instead of being sore and tired on day three, you’ll have enough energy to enjoy your whole trip and be able to tell your friends how much fun you’ve had.

Check your Gear
Make sure your gear is just as ready as you are. Give your board/skis some love and have them serviced professionally. Have the edges sharpened and the base waxed. Inspect your bindings thoroughly to make sure everything is in working order and avoid any unwanted surprises.

Invest in Boots that Fit
You will be on your feet a lot, so make sure you have fitted and comfortable boots to wear.. Having your boots fitted professionally will ensure you avoid tightness and rubbing that can get in the way of enjoying your day.

Shop for Comfy and Quality Apparel
Invest in woollen undergarments that will keep you warm in the cold and at the same time will allow your sweat to evaporate from your body when you’re too hot. Good quality merino thermals are particularly effective. Outer garments should also be weatherproof with no rips or holes.

Don’t forget to Bring Sun Protection
Surprisingly, the sun can still be damaging even during winter time. Pack appropriate sun protection and sunscreen for your skin and your lips. Sunscreen can also help to protect you against wind burn and lip balm is your friend in the snow! Also get a good pair of sunglasses or snow goggles with UV protection. Your eyes can take a beating after a day of looking out at glare, and this can also cause migraines. Make it a point to invest in a decent pair.

Don’t check the Weather Forecast
As the cliché goes, the weather is always unpredictable. Sometimes, it doesn’t snow and other times, it snows too much. You need to be happy with what you get, it is out of your control. Just enjoy it and relax.

Get Travel Insurance
You never know when an accident can happen. If you don’t have insurance, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable. Winter weather can cause havoc with transportation, so make sure you find the best travel insurance suitable for you. Make sure to read the fine print carefully, and look for snow sports specific cover. You’ll also want to check you’re covered for travel mishaps such as flight delays or cancellations, as well as coverage to lost or damaged snow gear.

Start ticking off the list now before you hit that famous Niseko snow! If you don’t have an accommodation booking yet, Whiteroom Tours are more than happy to assist you.

If you’ve found this list useful, you should also take a look at our previous blog article for specific tips on skiing and snowboarding in Japan.

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