The nine Prince Snow Resorts across Japan range from traditional mountain huts promising outstanding powder to family friendly resorts with slopes suitable for everyone. Each of the resorts are renowned for excellent snow, spectacular scenery and fun apres-ski activities.
Best for outstanding powder: Kagura Wagogoya Mountain Hut
The Wagogoya Mountain Hut is nestled in the alpine terrain of Kagura renowned for its high altitude and abundance of light powder. The hut is only reachable by ski lift, giving guests exclusive access to fresh snow tracks in the morning before anyone else makes it up the mountain – ideal for true powder junkies looking to perfect their skills on untouched slopes. After a day exploring the trails, skiers can head back to the hut and recharge with a speciality wagyu shabushabu evening meal before soaking in a hot bath, ready to do it all again the next day. Naeba and Kagura combine to make Japan’s longest gondola and with its consistent snowfall, enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in the country.
Best for post-ski relaxation: Manza Onsen Ski Resort
Standing on the northwest edge of Gunma, the Manza Onsen Ski Resort is renowned for its combination of dry powder snow, unparalleled views and healing Japanese onsens. The two hotels, Manza Prince and Manza Kogen, both double up as relaxing hot-spring resorts featuring traditional onsens which use naturally warm water from geothermally heated springs. After a day on the slopes, guests can soak in these outdoor baths, containing a wealth of minerals including sodium, chloride and calcium which are proven to naturally cure fatigue and muscular pain, under the beautiful starry sky set against the mountains. With nine courses including an accessible off piste terrain park with trees left uncut, a snow sledding space and speciality slopes with kickers, waves and spines, this resort is suitable for every type of skier.
Best for families: Furano Prince Resort
Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Furano Prince Hotel is enclosed by spectacular snow mountains. With 23 varied skiing trails spread across 25km, this resort is perfect for families with differing ski experience. Offering private lessons at mixed levels, Furano is fit for those who are getting on a mountain for the first time, to skiing aficionados looking to fine-tune their skills on vertical powder runs during night ski. The resort is also known for its Family Snowland, where guests of all ages can enjoy snowy fun including dog sledding, snow tubing and banana boat rafting. In the afternoons, families to the resort can head across the valley to Daisetsuzan National Park, where adults have exclusive access to the local hot springs fed by an active volcano whilst children can head to the playground to learn about the park’s natural wildlife. In the evening, parents can also visit the nearby Furano winery for a night of apres ski tasting famous Japanese wines.
