Yokoteyama Shibutoge

Don't expect Chamonix steeps - 65% of the 11.6km is beginner terrain with wide, open pistes perfect for cruising and taking in those volcanic peak views. The 9% advanced terrain is fun but not scary, and the whole mountain has that high-alpine feel without the technical demands. Snow quality is the real star here thanks to the elevation.

This is where Japanese families go for a proper mountain day without the circus atmosphere. Weekdays you'll practically have the place to yourself, weekends bring locals from Tokyo who know good snow when they see it. English is limited, the facilities are no-frills, and that's exactly the point - you're here for the skiing, not the amenities.

"Perfect resort for intermediate skiers, and because it's off the beaten track, you will have the place to yourselves. We came for the Christmas holidays and didn't queue once for the ski lifts!"

— Google Review

• ✓Powder hunters who want to extend their season into spring without dealing with variable snow conditions
• ✓Intermediates ready to cruise wide-open alpine terrain with epic volcanic peak views
• ✓Skiers who've done the Niseko thing and want to remember what peaceful powder skiing feels like

• ✗You need English menus and hand-holding - this place runs on pointing and smiling
• ✗You're chasing challenging terrain - the steeps here are mellow and the tree skiing is non-existent
• ✗Wind and weather freak you out - at 2,300m, visibility can go from perfect to zero in minutes

January-February for peak powder, but the real secret is March-April when you're skiing pristine spring snow while everyone else has hung up their skis. Avoid if wind is forecast - this high-alpine location gets hammered and lifts shut down fast.

1. Not checking weather forecasts for wind - lifts close without warning when it's blowing
2. Expecting challenging terrain - this is cruising mountain, not steep-and-deep territory
3. Showing up late thinking it's like other resorts - operations here end earlier and weather can shut things down fast

1. Check wind forecasts religiously - when it's blowing up there, lifts shut down fast and you're stuck with whatever's running lower down
2. Spring skiing here (March-May) is unreal when other resorts are done - but get there early as afternoon sun can make things sticky even at altitude
3. Pack layers like you're climbing a mountain, because basically you are - it can be 20 degrees colder at the summit than the base