If you’re planning a ski trip to Japan, one of the most important factors to consider is the altitude of the ski resort. The higher the altitude, the better the snow quality and the longer the ski season.
So, what is the highest ski resort in Japan? Let’s find out.
The Highest Ski Resort in Japan
The highest ski resort in Japan is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort, located in Yunnan Province, China near the border with Tibet. While it’s not technically in Japan, it’s still a popular destination for Japanese skiers due to its proximity and impressive altitude.
Altitude
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort has a maximum elevation of 4,506 meters (14,783 feet) at its highest point. This makes it one of the highest ski resorts in the world and certainly the highest in Asia.
Skiing at High Altitudes
Skiing at high altitudes can be both exhilarating and challenging. The air is thinner at high elevations, which means that you’ll need to adjust your breathing accordingly. It’s also important to stay hydrated and take breaks when necessary.
However, there are many benefits to skiing at high altitudes as well. For one thing, the snow quality tends to be much better than at lower elevations because it stays cold and dry for longer periods of time. Additionally, many high-altitude ski resorts are located near glaciers or permanent snowfields, which means that you can often ski year-round.
Other High-Altitude Ski Resorts in Japan
While Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort may be outside of Japan proper, there are still plenty of high-altitude ski resorts within Japan itself. Here are a few examples:
- Hakuba Valley: This popular ski destination in Nagano Prefecture has a maximum elevation of 1,831 meters (6,007 feet).
- Niseko: Located in Hokkaido, Niseko has a maximum elevation of 1,308 meters (4,291 feet).
- Furano: Also located in Hokkaido, Furano has a maximum elevation of 1,209 meters (3,967 feet).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the highest ski resort in Japan, you’ll need to look outside the country itself. However, there are still plenty of high-altitude ski resorts within Japan that offer great skiing and snowboarding opportunities. No matter where you go, be sure to take proper precautions when skiing at high altitudes and enjoy the stunning views that come with it.