World Class Skiing in Japan
Skiing is often thought of as a Western sport. Though it began almost five thousand years ago in Scandinavia, it was practiced as early as 600 B.C.E. in China. The word “ski” is from the Old Norse word “skíð” meaning split piece of wood or firewood.
A bit of ski history
Initially skis used in Sweden and northern Finland were asymmetrical. One was a straight and long non-arching ski used for sliding, while the other shorter ski was for kicking. The bottom of the longer ski was used to support the weight of the skier and had animal fat applied on its surface as in the manner of modern ski waxing, while the shorter ski was either covered in animal skin or bare. Early skiers had a single spear or long pole. The first depiction of a skier using two poles was in 1741.
Ski slopes in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Up until the mid-1800s, skiing was mainly used for transport, but over the years it has developed into a popular recreational activity and world renowned sport. Skiing has since evolved into two genres:
Nordic – the heel of the boot is not affixed to the ski. Events considered Nordic skiing are ski-jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined.
Alpine – downhill skiing. A recreational activity or sport that involves sliding down snow-covered hills on skis with fixed heel bindings.
Skiing in Japan
Japan is a mountainous region; it is not surprising that there are about 600 ski resorts in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Japan is already known as a world class skiing destination with a roster of international clientèle. During the postwar boom, skiing became a craze among the Japanese, and many developers built ski resorts to accommodate the demand.
Reliable heavy winter snowfall makes skiing in Japan a great experience. Many resorts are family run, and the genteel hospitality of the Japanese is always something to look forward to. Only in Japan can you find a relaxing dip in an onsen after hitting the slopes.
Shiga Kogen
Some of the best skiing destinations in Japan are:
Tohoku
Located in the northern portion of Honshu Island, there are several ski resorts to choose from that are thick with snow. Tohoku is a wonderful place to drink in the rich cultural heritage of Japan as well as join in on the revelry of the region’s traditional festivals.
Hokkaido
Only an hour and a half to two hours away from Japan’s capital, Tokyo, Hokkaido is a popular skiing destination. With the much anticipated annual Sapporo snow festival that exhibits elaborate snow and ice sculptures, it’s not just skiing that captivates visitors.
Nagano
Nagano, the host locale of the 1998 Winter Olympics, is just a convenient train ride away from Tokyo. You can marvel at the scenic beauty and enjoy the powdery slopes as well. Other nearby places to visit are Kyoto and Osaka.