Skiing is one of my top 3 favorite things to do in the world. Skiing in Japan is on another level entirely, and something I’m convinced the majority of my future ski seasons are going to consist of. However, while I pride myself on my research skills, I must admit that I’ve only just found out that it’s technically possible to ski on Mount Fuji. How cool is that!?
In fact, there are two ski resorts next to Mount Fuji that give you the experience to shred on the immortal mountain. Looking for something a little more challenging? Try a backcountry ski tour which will allow you to descend from the summit of Mt Fuji Itself!
Let’s take a look at both of those resorts, and the ski tour to find out which, if any, would be the best choice for skiing on this legendary mountain.
Resorts Next to Mount Fuji
1. Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
字藤原-2428 Suyama, Susono, Shizuoka 410-1231, Japan
Best for – Families looking to ski next to Mount Fuji
Price
| Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti – Ski Pass Cost | Date Available | Adult | Child |
| Day Ticket | Weekends | ¥4,500 | ¥3,500 |
| Day Ticket | Weekdays | ¥3,900 | ¥2,900 |
| Night Ticket | Everyday | ¥2,650 | ¥2,150 |
| Visitor Only (Sled, Playing, Watching) | Everyday | ¥1,450 | ¥1,000 |
Access
While not as easy to get to as some ski resorts, Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti is still only around 2 hours by car from Tokyo. There’s also a bus that runs from a few local stations such as JR Gotemba, JR MIsihma, JR Susono, JR Fuji, and Yoshiwara Chuo.
About
With four runs, three lifts, and three magic carpets Snow Resort Yeti definitely isn’t going to be winning any prizes for the biggest ski resort in Japan. But, that’s not what this resort, or the next one, is about.
It’s not a Japanese resort likely to be of huge interest to advanced skiers due to the somewhat limited and easy terrain, but if you’re looking to ski in the shadow of Mount Fuji and being able to tell your friends you’ve skied on the immortal mountain, it’s a great idea for one day at least.
Snow Resort Yeti has a full rental shop with around 2,000 skis, 1,000 snowboards, and 700 sets of clothing. Not only that, but they also have lockers, a cafe, a restaurant, and a snow playground. So, while small, it’ll have more than enough to entertain the family for a whole day.
2. Fujiten Snow Resort
〒401-0320 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Narusawa, 字富士山8545-1
Best for – Intermediate skiers or groups with a variety of abilities
Price
| Fujiten Snow Resort – Ski Pass Cost | Date Available | Adult | Child |
| Day Ticket | Weekends | ¥5,000 | ¥4,000 |
| Day Ticket | Weekdays | ¥4,000 | ¥3,000 |
| Night Ticket (16:00 – 21:00) | Everyday | ¥2,500 | ¥2,500 |
| Super Afternoon Ticket (13:00 – 21:00) | Everyday | ¥5,000 | ¥4,000 |
| Season Ticket (Open – 16:30) | Everyday | ¥45,000 | ¥36,000 |
Access
Getting to Fujiten Snow Resort takes about 20 minutes from the closest station, Kawaguchiko. It’ll cost around ¥5,000 each way if you’re using a taxi, or 10,800 yen for a round trip using the Fujiten Ski Taxi during the season. If you’re planning on using the ski taxi, remember it has to be booked at least two days in advance.
About
Fujiten Snow Resort is a little ski resort at the bottom of mount Fuji. Though small, it’s got plenty of runs to keep slightly more skiers happy, at least for a few hours anyway. Multiple snow parks, long and gentle slopes, as well as a few challenging ones, make a great location for those who like a bit of variety with their skiing.
The hardest slope, Downhill EAST maxes out at 32 degrees, gives incredible views of Mt.Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, and at over 1500m long it’s the perfect run to practice!
Mt Fuji Ski Tour
For a lot of you, skiing next to mount fuji at those two resorts probably isn’t going to be worth it. Luckily enough, there is one option that’ll satisfy even the most extreme skiers among you. That option is signing up for a Mt Fuji ski tour.
Mount Fuji ski tours will allow you to pair up with an experienced guide and ski directly on the face of the mountain. For instance, this tour by Explore-Share will have you skiing from the summit of Mt Fuji to the 5th station. That’s around 1 hour 30 of hardcore skiing, which means you’ll need to be physically fit, able to ski advanced slopes in any condition with ease and be comfortable with the use of crampons and an ice axe.
So, if you’re looking for one of the most memorable and legendary ski experiences of all time, I’d highly suggest giving this a go. Be honest about your ski ability, though.
I’ve been skiing for years, and I’m comfortable on any groomed slope and almost all off-piste conditions and slope angles. That said, I’ve never used a ski axe and haven’t had proficient training with crampons, so I’ll have to count myself out for the time being!
Is Mount Fuji Skiing Worth It?
Being able to actually say you’ve been skiing on Mount Fuji will definitely be enough to make some of you venture out here. If you’re a beginner looking for somewhere to learn, an intermediate skier looking to test yourself on a few different slopes, or an expert looking to conquer the immortal mountain, there are definitely options for you.
But, for a lot of people, I don’t think making the journey is worth it unless it’s on your way. With most ski resorts in Nagano or up in Hokkaido, visiting Japan for a 1-2 week ski holiday isn’t likely to take you down to Fuji.
However, if you’re with a group of people, or your family, and you fancy skiing for a day or two (rather than making an entire holiday out of it) then both of these resorts offer great options for you.
Pick Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti if you’re a complete beginner, and go for Fujiten if you want a little more challenge. The best part about this is that both ski resorts on Mount Fuji give you the opportunity to rent everything you need for a few runs on the slope. That means clothing, skis or boards, and helmets, perfect for those spontaneous trips!
Would you plan a ski trip to Mount Fuji? Or are you likely to stick to the more well-known areas like Hakuba and Niseko? Taking a guided tour for a ski descent on mount fuji is extremely high on my bucket list, so that’s what I’ll be aiming for next!
