Want to know the best way to keep the stoke alive with the fam over this year’s holiday break? A trip to JaPow – because sometimes Fish N Chip Friday just doesn’t cut it anymore.
But we know, after the Christmas period drained your back pocket, a family holiday seems like a pretty ambitious suggestion – but really, a family trip to Japan doesn’t have to hit the bank account nearly as much as you’re expecting, especially when you’re booking for shoulder season dates in late Feb/March.
You’re Lying
No, no, no, seriously – when you’re looking at shoulder season dates, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll be saving. From discounted lessons, rentals and accommodation to easier access to restaurants suitable for every kind of budget, March stands out as the best and most affordable time for families to experience Japan’s winter playground.
The Myths:
Japan Only Gets Powder In Peak Season
Wrong! Over March, 2024, Niseko alone recorded fresh snowfall on 14 out of 31 days, so if you’re looking for fresh tracks, there’s still a tonne to be found over shoulder season.
JaPow Is Too Crowded
We’re not going to beat around the bush here, yep, over peak season all of Japan’s major ski resorts get busy….like, really busy. After Feb, however, a ghost town. Boil it down to people’s annual leave running out and the work year starting again, but if you’re looking for the slopes all to yourself, March is your best bet.
By March, All The Good Gear Is Already Beaten Up
If you’ve ever heard of Rhythm Japan, you’ve probably also heard of our Rhythm Tunes department. Think of them like the Avengers. Once the stores close their doors and employees come home, Tunes comes out to save the day (in this case, the term ‘day’ is a metaphor for your JaPow ski experience).
Every night, the Tunes team waxes and repairs (if needed) every single piece of returned equipment, so it doesn’t matter if you are hiring your gear on the 1st of December or the 1st of March, it’ll be riding like it’s brand new.
JaPow Is Too Expensive
As of today, Jan 10th, 2025, a one-day lift pass for Whistler, Blackcomb is $302 CAD ($210.50 USD). A one-day lift pass for ALL FOUR Niseko United resorts is ¥10,500 ($66.41 USD). Enough said, really.
The Truths:
Shoulder Season = Cheaper
Ever heard of early-bird discounts? The same principle applies to shoulder season – think of it as a late bird discount…because the early bird gets the worm, the late bird gets the savings.
Accommodation, lessons, rentals – honestly, the areas in which you can save a small fortune when you’re looking at visiting JaPow during shoulder season dates in late Feb/March are countless.
The key thing to keep in mind? The late bird gets the savings. As Japan’s winter is currently still in peak season, many businesses will still be advertising their full price peak season dates. Stay active and keep an eye on businesses web pages and social media and in about a week or two, you’ll have so many discounted options that you won’t know what to do with yourself (except booking with Rhythm, of course).
Endless Bluebird Days
Even the gnarliest pow-chasers in the world prefer bluebird days. How can they not? Sunny skies, warm weather, high visibility AND fresh snow – it’s the best of both worlds. It’s also rarely possible in peak season (there has to be some trade off for snow constantly falling–visibility is it).
Not only that, but the runs are essentially bare by the time March rolls around, so if you’re looking for nice, quaint JaPow slopes for you and the fam to hone in your skills without having to worry about another beginner skier barraging into you, March has you sorted.
Pick Of The Litter
Ever wondered why instructors quite often have nicknames on their name badge? Because they are hot in demand! At most ski resorts around the world customers can request lessons with a specific instructor, more often than not, one who they have skied with during previous visits or in other mountains around the world.
So if you’ve been browsing our instructor profiles and are keen on a specific instructor’s style, but find they are always booked out, March will be your best time to secure your instructor of choice!
Walk-In’s
Booking early not your steez? Of course it’s not, that’s why you’re reading an article about booking in a last minute holiday!
Still, when visiting popular tourist destinations like Niseko and Hakuba (which receive millions of visitors each winter season) it’s not as easy as just rocking up at a restaurant and grabbing a table for four. Most restaurants around ski resorts are booked out months in advance, and if you weren’t one of the people to book early, you’re left with minimal options when you’re looking for an after-ski meal. That’s not an issue over March when the tourist population is much more low-key and demand for restaurants is significantly reduced.
So if you haven’t already booked early or just prefer the spontaneity of choosing a restaurant based on what you’re feeling on the night but still want to make the most of Japan’s amazing cuisine, we recommend the shoulder season.
Family Lessons
Did you know that you can book a private lesson for you and the fam? Yep – if your young ones are over the age of 7, they can join the same lesson as you! Imagine that, shredding down Niseko’s famous slopes with your nearest and dearest, all while progressing your skills under the guidance of a dedicated and certified instructor – now that’s a photo op if we’ve ever heard of one.
And did we mention that over the month of March all Rhythm Rides services (lessons, guiding and touring) are all 20% off!
Kids Week
Feeling like your shredding skills are in fine form but the young ones could use a little guidance? We recommend Kids Week!
Offering weekly lessons (Monday-Friday) with the same group participants and instructor all week, Kids Week provides an awesome opportunity to boost up your gross confidence on the slopes while also making friends in a fun and comfortable environment.
Plus, and this is a big one, Kids Week provides free lunch every day!
Off-Snow Attractions
Think back on all your ski trips in your early 20’s… how many of those memories are actually on the slopes?
Don’t feel guilty, we’re not judging – it’s the same for everyone! Only 50 percent of all snow travellers are there for the snow, the rest? The bountiful off-snow activities on offer! Snow kayaking, high ropes courses, snug coffees at a cafe window onlooking scenery that feels suitable for a computer desktop background – the snow offers up a lot of different activities that don’t involve strapping into ski boots at all.
So if you’ve ever wanted to visit all the snowy Japan destinations that you see flooding your instagram feed, but unsure if you actually like skiing or snowboarding, visiting one of Japan’s ski resorts will still stand out as the highlight memory of your Japan trip even if you’re only enjoying off-snow activities.
Goodbooks
Your partner got a favourite sweater that everytime it gets complimented they say ‘thanks, (Your Name) got it for me’? Of course they do! You can’t beat a sentimental gift. They’re forever gifts that stand the test of time through thick and thin– just like a great memory.
So if you’re still riding on the coattail of a good gift seven Christmases ago, maybe it’s time to one up yourself and get a gift that’ll put you in the good books for another seven years…if you’re not picking up what we are putting down, we’re talking about a trip to JaPow.
Why Now’s The Time To Book
Discounts, baby, discounts – currently Rhythm Rides is offering up a whopping 20% off all services in March, including lessons, guiding and touring experiences.
The best part? For the month of March, all Rhythm Japan inclusions in our Trips packages will also be 20% off!
Wait, What’s A Trip Package Again?
Everything you could ever need in one! We’re talkin’, lessons, guiding, rentals, accommodation, lift passes and airport transfers all in the one package. Seriously, a family JaPow trip has never been easier–all you need to do is book flights and reap the benefits of all the brownie points you score!
It’s not too late! If you haven’t booked your trip yet, check out our all inclusive TRIPS packages to score accommodation, lift passes, lessons, guiding, rentals and airport transfers all in one sweet package!
