One Week Ski Trip Packing List

Here’s a practical packing list for a seven-day ski trip to Japan, including quantities for each item. This list covers the essentials for skiing and off-the-slopes comfort, keeping your luggage manageable while ensuring you have everything you need.

First, let's take a look at the weather across some of the ski areas to understand what to expect.

General Winter Weather in Japan

Japan’s ski season typically runs from late November to early April, with January and February being the peak months for powder snow. The country’s ski regions experience a mix of cold, dry air from Siberia and moisture from the Sea of Japan, creating heavy snowfall and consistently low temperatures.

Regional Weather Breakdown

Hokkaido

• Location: Northernmost island of Japan.

• Temperatures: Average daytime temperatures range from -8°C to -2°C (17°F to 28°F) during winter. Nights can drop to -15°C (5°F) or lower in backcountry areas.

• Snow: Hokkaido is famous for its light, dry powder snow, with Niseko receiving over 15 meters (590 inches) of snowfall annually.

• Climate: Cold and dry, with consistent snowstorms.

Nozawa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)

• Location: Central Honshu, near the Sea of Japan.

• Temperatures: Daytime temperatures average -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F), with nighttime lows around -10°C (14°F).

• Snow: Nozawa sees heavy snowfall due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, with over 10 meters (394 inches) of snow per season.

• Climate: Wetter and slightly milder than Hokkaido, with occasional damp snowfalls.

Hakuba Valley (Nagano Prefecture)

• Location: Nestled in the Japanese Alps.

• Temperatures: Daytime temperatures hover between -4°C to 2°C (25°F to 36°F), with colder nights dipping to -10°C (14°F) or lower.

• Snow: Hakuba receives around 11 meters (433 inches) of snowfall annually, with excellent conditions for both piste and backcountry skiing.

• Climate: High snowfall with variable weather, including occasional bluebird days.

Myoko Kogen (Niigata Prefecture)

• Location: Northwest of Nagano, closer to the Sea of Japan.

• Temperatures: Winter daytime temperatures range from -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 36°F), with nights around -10°C (14°F).

• Snow: Myoko is known for some of Japan’s heaviest snowfall, with up to 13 meters (512 inches) of snow annually.

• Climate: Higher humidity and wetter snow compared to other regions, especially earlier in the season.

Tips for Preparing for Japan’s Ski Weather

1. Layer Strategically:

   • Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms) to retain body heat.

   • Mid-layers like fleece for insulation.

   • Outer layers (waterproof jackets and pants) to block wind and snow.

2. Pack Waterproof Gear:

   • Wet snow can seep into gloves or jackets, so prioritize waterproof materials.

3. Stay Flexible:

   • Weather can change rapidly. Carry extra layers or a small backpack to adjust to conditions on the go.

4. Check Forecasts:

   • Before heading to the slopes, check local weather and snowfall reports to plan your day.

On-the-Slopes Gear

1. Ski/Snowboard Outerwear

   • 1 waterproof, insulated ski jacket

   • 1 pair of waterproof, insulated ski pants

2. Base Layers

   • 3-4 thermal tops (Uniqlo HeatTech or similar)

   • 2-3 thermal bottoms

3. Mid-Layers

   • 2 fleece or lightweight insulated jackets

4. Socks

   • 4-5 pairs of wool or synthetic ski socks (I only use merino)

5. Gloves or Mittens

   • 2 pairs of waterproof gloves or mittens (I use worker style finger gloves from the store "Workman" that cost me around 2000 yen)

6. Helmet (Optional)

   • 1 helmet (recommended for safety; available for rent at resorts)

7. Goggles

   • 1 pair of ski goggles

8. Accessories

   • 1 neck warmer or balaclava

   • 1 beanie (for après-ski or under your helmet)

Off-the-Slopes Clothing (Totally up to your preference but here is an idea)

1. Casual Warm Clothes

   • 2 sweaters or sweatshirts

   • 2 pairs of jeans or warm pants

   • 1 pair of leggings for layering or lounging

2. Outerwear

   • 1 packable down jacket (for walking around ski towns)

3. Footwear

   • 1 pair of waterproof winter boots

   • 3-4 pairs of warm everyday socks (again, I only wear merino even everyday life)

Other Essentials

1. Toiletries

   • Lip balm with SPF

   • Sunscreen (small tube for snow reflection protection)

2. Onsen Items

   • 1 small towel (you can pick one up as a souvenir at an onsen)

3. Snacks and Drinks

   • A few energy bars for quick slope-side snacks. Grab some from 7-11.

   • Water bottle.

4. Extras

   • 1 backpack for day use (to carry snacks, water, and extra layers)

   • 1 power adapter (Japan uses Type A plugs)

   • 1 small pack of hand warmers (available widely in Japan if needed)

   • Travel insurance (print or save the policy details on your phone)

Quantities for a Week

• Tops: 7 (mix of thermal tops, sweaters, and casual tops)

• Bottoms: 4-5 (including thermal bottoms, ski pants, jeans, and leggings)

• Underwear: 7 pairs

• Socks: 8 pairs

Forgot Something?

Japan is well-prepared for winter travelers. If you forget an item or need extra layers, these stores are great for picking up essentials:

• Uniqlo: Affordable and high-quality thermal clothing and base layers.

• Workman: Budget-friendly ski gear, gloves, and jackets.

• DIY Stores (e.g., Komeri, Cainz, Musashi, etc.): Great for basic winter accessories like gloves and warm socks. They also have merino socks, thermals, and hats for very reasonable prices.

With this packing list, you’ll be ready for a week of skiing and après-ski fun in Japan. Enjoy the slopes, stay warm, and don’t forget to soak in the onsen!