Skiing is one of the most popular activities in the country. The winter months see a lot of people hitting the slopes, keen to escape the cold harsh British winters. Not only is it fun, but it’s also great for your health. Studies have shown that skiing can improve your mental health and wellbeing, making it the perfect escape for those gray British days.
Skiing is not only about having fun in the snow, however. The equipment is expensive and there are lots of costs associated with it. It is therefore important to know how much all of this is actually costing you. We’ve put together a rough guide to the essentials you need to know about the cost of a ski trip to Japan.
Table of Contents
Skiing Equipment
The first and most vital piece of equipment you’ll need is skis. These are long poles that you clip into the ski boots you’ll be using. The height of the poles determines the difficulty of the ski slope, with shorter poles being used for expert backcountry ski terrain and longer ones being required for expert alpine terrains. Experts recommend using at least two sets of ski equipment, one for expert backcountry use and one for expert alpine terrains, as well as a set of ice skates for those cool mornings or afternoons when you don’t feel like skiing.
Another important piece of gear is the helmet. You don’t need to have one especially, but it does protect your head from injuries in case of an accident, so it’s worth buying one. Make sure you purchase a helmet that fits firmly but comfortably on your head. Avoid choosing one that is too large as it will cause you to lose your balance or feel unstable while skiing.
Ski Transport
Whether you’re driving or resort hosting, there will always be someone available to help you with your ski equipment. At the top end of the market, your ski transport will be a 4×4 vehicle capable of climbing any mountain, transporting your gear and your fellow skiers safely and comfortably. These are pretty expensive vehicles, however, so only the most experienced and confident drivers should consider buying one. Most people will be using public transport in the Alps, due to the popularity of this area, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. This is also the case in Japan, as most resorts are not high enough to require expensive vehicles. A typical local bus will do just fine for your transport needs.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another area where you need to watch out for costs. In the mountains, people traditionally stay in large groups in village cafés or hotels, which are built around a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine. In urban areas, people normally stay at resorts, which are located several kilometers from the nearest train station. Normally, one or two-room apartments are available at the top end of the range, with the price increasing as you go down the range. The farther you go down the range, the more cramped the rooms will be and the less comfortable the beds.
The ideal solution for mid-range group tour operators is to create a booking engine that automatically selects the best-priced rooms for your specific travel dates and preferences. By doing this, you’re sure to end up in a comfortable and affordable accommodation that still has all the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
Food
While on holiday, you’ll likely be eating at a range of restaurants, from top London eateries to small and family-run Italian eateries. The key cost to watch out for here is the alcohol bill, as alcohol is frequently served at nightclubs and bars along with food. If you’re not used to spending much on food, the shock of paying more for alcoholic drinks while eating fast food will hit you. Eating out is one of the major costs of a trip to Japan, so if you want to enjoy yourself, you’ll have to learn to cook more expensive cuts of meat at home.
Travel Insurance
Another important cost to consider is travel insurance. It’s essential to purchase a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses, theft, loss of luggage, and delays. Travel insurance is essentially compulsory in case you get into any kind of accident or become sick or sickly. It’s also vital that you purchase a policy that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in Japan. If you do get short-term health issues that prevent you from traveling, you’ll want to know that the insurance will still cover you.
What About Those Damn Licenses?
In the UK, you need either a skiing pass or an ice skate license. The passes are valid for either snowboarding or skiing and cost £3.50 per day, with half-days, weekdays, and weekend days all priced the same. The ice skate license is also valid for either snowboarding or skiing and costs £6 per year, plus £1 per day when used. If you’re planning to visit one or more ice skating rinks during your stay, it’s imperative to purchase this license in advance. Without it, you’ll be fined £60 and have to find replacements for the skates you’ll have lost during your stay.
The amount of money you’ll need to spend depends on several factors, not least of which are your chosen destination and the time of year. The most expensive items on our checklist will be the travel insurance and the new equipment, so think carefully about what you need and how much you’re willing to spend. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to plan your trip and avoid any unpleasant surprises once you’re there. Have fun!