Can I Ski Japan in 2022

We at SkiMapIt are starting to get the annual powder trip itch and thought we would attempt to answer this tricky question for you (details are accurate at time of publishing).

Australia has been very lucky in comparison to the rest of the world, when it comes to the impact of COVID-19 and for that we should be grateful. That doesn’t mean we can’t be sad at the possibility of not skiing / riding chest deep Japanese powder in 2021 / 2022.

Considering Japan’s dense population, they have dealt extremely well with the pandemic. The potential issues we face to make this coming snow season include the availability of international flights, quarantine periods (here and there), border closures (here and there), COVID testing, and no doubt plenty more.

Another major issue is the way governments have to react and change rules in the blink of an eye. We have seen this in regards to state borders in Australia being closed and different limits placed on businesses to ensure social distancing. If the all clear is given to travel but a new outbreak occurs, there will likely be restrictions placed and your trip down the drain.

Let’s discuss the top reasons you should get yourself to Japan for the 2021 /2022 winter season:

1. Deep Powder and No Competition

It’s a powder day tomorrow! First lift? Nah, it will be there all day so we can take our time and get an extra coffee in… Said nobody ever… But you could this season! No aggressive rush to get YOUR lines in before someone else STEALS them. Ski / ride those areas that you always neglect because they get smashed. This coming season will be a dream come true.

2. Back To The Good Old Days

A common term you might have heard in regards to the busier Japanese resorts is “Bali on ice”. Aussies sure know how to claim places that aren’t theirs don’t they. It will be like jumping in a time machine back to the 90’s when it was mostly locals and the odd tourist. You really experience the true Japan when you visit the places not frequented by tourists.

3. A Cheap Trip

Ski resorts, accommodation, rentals, transport, ski schools (the list goes on) are really feeling the pinch and will be competing for a small market. That means big discounts and low deposits, and flexible booking arrangements. Even flights remain relatively cheap and are running fairly regularly from the east coast of Australia.

Now… Can I ski / ride Japan this season? The answer is “kind of”. At this stage you cannot travel to Japan as a tourist but you may be able to enter for study, work or to reunite with family, or if you have a valid Japanese residence card and re-entry permit. You will also have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival there and then again back in Australia (once they accept your return). That’s almost a month locked in a hotel room. Is it worth it? Comment in the section below. We would love to hear your thoughts. Keep a close eye on www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan for updates. Japan is very keen to open to tourists as the Tokyo Olympics are scheduled for July 2021 and there is talk of borders opening to Australian tourists as early as November 2021.

Check out our SkiMapIt store for some really unique ski / snowboard products you can take on your trip (or not take on your trip). www.skimapit.com/shop-all