[Save this] 10 Recommended Ski Tour Companies! Choosing a Tour That Won't Disappoint

The appeal and benefits of ski tours

The biggest appeal of ski tours is their convenience . The cost of transportation, accommodation, lift tickets, and rentals are all included in the package, so even those who aren't good at planning or preparing, or those who are going on a ski trip for the first time, can have peace of mind.

Even if you don't have a car or aren't confident in driving long distances, you don't have to worry about driving! Just go to the meeting point and you can take a bus or bullet train straight to the slopes, so you can sleep well during the trip and conserve your energy, and then enjoy yourself to the fullest on the slopes. Another advantage is that you can use your time effectively if you choose the "night departure plan," which leaves at night and arrives at the slopes the next morning.

Another attractive feature of traveling with a large group is that everyone can ride the same bus and enjoy the time they spend traveling together.

How to Choose the Right Ski Tour Company

Even for ski tours to the same slopes, prices and content vary depending on the company. Here are five points to help you choose a tour that will give you the most satisfaction.

Choose by tour price and included services

The services included in the basic fee vary greatly depending on the tour company. Even if a tour is advertised as "cheap," you may still need to pay for lift tickets and rental fees separately.

When comparing prices, don't just look at the displayed price, but also take a closer look at what's included and what's optional . Depending on the tour company, you might even get a "hot spring bath ticket" or "meal ticket" included!

Choose from a wide range of plans

It's also important to consider whether or not the plan you choose has a wide variety of options . In addition to the number of slopes to choose from, some companies now offer plans with comprehensive services, such as "plans that include hot spring bathing" or "plans that include lessons for beginners."

Choose a tour that suits you best from the wide range of plans, based on your purpose and needs, or by prioritizing things like snow quality.

Choose from morning or evening departures, departure points, etc.

It is also important to choose a time that suits your desired departure time , such as "I want to leave after work" or "I want to leave after getting a good night's sleep at home."

If you choose a tour that departs at night, you can depart after work or school and arrive at your destination while you're sleeping on the bus, so you can make the most of your time. If you choose a tour that departs in the morning, you won't have to sleep on the bus, so you can conserve your energy.

We also recommend choosing a ticket based on your desired departure point and the mode of transportation you want to use (bus, Shinkansen, JR, etc.).

Ease of booking and cancellation policy are also important

Ease of booking is also an important factor. Companies that allow you to check availability and make instant reservations online are recommended, as they allow you to plan your trip smoothly. On the other hand, if you need to make a reservation by phone, you need to be aware of business hours and make your call accordingly.

Additionally, be sure to check the cancellation policy in advance in case of sudden illness or changes in plans. The timing and amount of cancellation fees will vary depending on the tour company and plan. It's best to choose a company with as flexible a cancellation policy as possible.

Be sure to check the tour company's reviews and ratings!

Customer reviews are an important source of information about the reliability of a tour company and the quality of its service. In addition to the official website, check reviews on social media and travel information sites to check things like support and the comfort of the bus. You can feel at ease if the company has many repeat customers or has a high reputation for its staff's service.

Of course, it is important not to blindly believe everything you hear, but to make a comprehensive judgment based on various information and choose a trustworthy company.

[Save this] 10 recommended ski tour companies!

From here, we will introduce 10 highly recommended ski tour companies that we have carefully selected from the many available. Compare the features and strengths of each company and find the tour company that is right for you.

Orion Tours | A wide range of tours that are both affordable and fulfilling!

Orion Tour is a popular ski tour company that is supported by a wide range of people, including those who prioritize value for money, beginners, and student groups. Orion Tour, a group company of H.I.S. Co., Ltd., a leader in Japan's travel industry, is known for its low prices and comprehensive content , and offers a wide variety of plans, including day trips, overnight stays, and lift ticket packages.

They are particularly strong in bus-based ski tours, offering tours to famous slopes across the country from major cities in Kanto, Tokai, Kansai, Kyushu, and other areas at exceptionally low prices! Many plans include rental gear, so you can easily participate empty-handed. Reservations can be made online, 24 hours a day.

If you want to enjoy the snowy mountains in comfort and at a great price, we recommend checking out Orion Tours first.

Four Seasons Skiing | A ski-specialized tour company with 45 years of history

As its name suggests, Shiki Ski is a long-established tour company that specializes in ski and snowboard tours and has a long history since its founding 45 years ago. It has partnerships with major ski resorts across the country and is well-known for the variety and quality of its tours.

The number of seats has been reduced compared to conventional buses, providing seats that are specialized for " comfortable seating ," and the "half-night course" that allows you to avoid overnight travel and check into a hotel directly is also popular. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a "relaxed snow trip."

https://www.shikiclub.co.jp/ski/

JTB | The peace of mind that only a major company can provide! A wide range of accommodation options

JTB , a major player in the industry, offers a wide range of plans for families and students, with plenty of options including lift tickets, hot springs, and meals!

One of the advantages of being a major company is the large number and high quality of the accommodations it has partnered with . You can choose from a variety of accommodations, including famous hotels and hot spring inns, depending on the purpose of your trip, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy not only skiing but also the "trip itself."

In particular, they have a wide lineup of tours with accommodations using the Shinkansen and JR lines, and have a comprehensive support system, making them a recommended tour company for those who want to enjoy a premium ski trip.

https://www.jtb.co.jp/kokunai/promotion/theme/ski/

Big Holiday | A long-established company with a reliable reputation and comprehensive day trip plans

Big Holiday is a long-established travel agency with over 60 years of history. They are particularly strong in bus tours, and are known for the trust they have built up through their many years of experience, as well as their attentive service that meets the needs of their customers. They offer a wide range of great value plans that include bus fare and lift tickets, and are also suitable for those who want to "quickly hit the snowy mountains on the weekend."

Of course, there is a wide range of accommodation plans available, from relatively inexpensive options to high-end hotels, so you can choose one that suits your budget and purpose.

https://bigs.jp/

Kinki Nippon Tourist | Plenty of flights departing from major regional cities!

Kinki Nippon Tourist, which has branches all over the country, offers a wide range of services, from domestic and international tours to reservations for inns and hotels. Their ski tours are notable for their wide selection of tours departing from regional cities . Because they offer tours departing and arriving from a variety of regions, they're ideal for people living in rural areas or for group trips with members coming from a wide range of departure points.

There are plenty of options for hotels, including those right on the slopes and those with hot springs, to enhance your trip! In addition to online reservations, there are also physical stores in various locations, so it's also recommended for those who want to come and consult with them.

B-Wave | Travel agency specializing in domestic travel and ski tours

B-Wave is a tour company specializing in domestic travel and ski tours, and offers a wide range of products, from budget bus tours for young people to accommodation plans for families. The tour transportation options are not limited to buses and JR trains, but also include planes and private car plans, so you can choose the one that best suits your purpose and needs.

Also, if you're having trouble choosing a hotel, there's a convenient " Videos & Reports " category where you can check out videos and reports taken by B-Wave staff who actually visited each accommodation facility!

Travel Inn | For an overwhelming lineup of slopes, come here!

Travel Inn , which covers over 65 ski resorts across the country, is a travel agency that boasts an overwhelming lineup of slopes and a wide variety of plans. They handle many tours to not only famous slopes but also hidden gems, with departure points from Kanto to Kansai, so they are recommended for those who want to plan a ski trip that suits them.

Another attraction is that customer satisfaction is high, at over 90% in surveys, and there are many repeat customers! This is a recommended tour company with reliable service content and a well-established support system.

VIP Tours | Choose from a wide variety of tours to suit your needs! Even love-hunting tours!

VIP Tours , which is directly managed by a bus company, is a travel agency that plans many unique themed tours. In addition to low-cost bus tours, they also offer "dating tours" and "girls' trip plans," and are popular among young people. It's perfect for those who want to try their hand at finding love or marriage while enjoying skiing.

Of course, there are plenty of regular ski plans available, covering a wide range of slopes to suit everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. There are also many bus tours that depart in the evening or morning, allowing you to make the most of your time, and another plus is that they are cheap and easy to join.

JAMJAM Tours | Specially designed bus tours are popular!

" JAMJAM Tours " is a travel agency that specializes in bus tours, and offers a wide range of tours departing at night and in the morning. They are committed to providing comfortable bus travel, and use vehicles equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi. What's more, they operate "Snow Liner" buses, which were created in partnership with bus companies that have undergone strict safety checks, providing safe and secure travel.

This is the perfect tour company for those who want to "make travel comfortable and safe, while still being able to ski to their heart's content when they get there!"

https://jamjamtour.jp/ski_tour/

View Travel | If you're looking for a tour by Shinkansen or JR, this is the place to go!

View Travel, a travel agency run by the JR East Group, specializes in ski tours with excellent access using the Shinkansen and JR lines. They offer a wide range of plans that include round-trip Shinkansen tickets, accommodation, and lift tickets, allowing you to arrive at your destination in a short amount of time, making it possible to make the most of your stay.

Another big attraction is the peace of mind that only the JR Group can provide, as well as the ability to choose convenient accommodations, such as hotels directly connected to stations. If you're not good at traveling by bus or want to shorten your travel time and make your trip more comfortable, be sure to check it out.

Useful to know! Frequently asked questions about ski tours

Here we have compiled some frequently asked questions about ski tours and their answers. It's packed with useful information, so be sure to check it out before joining a tour.

Q: Can I participate alone?

A. Many ski tours accommodate solo participants.

Ski tours may have a strong image of being a group trip with friends or family, but in recent years, an increasing number of tour companies are welcoming solo travelers. Bus tours, in particular, tend to have a minimum number of participants of just one person. However, there may be additional fees (single rates), so be sure to check when booking.

Q: When is the cheapest time?

A. Generally, the cheapest times are early to mid-December at the beginning of the season and mid to late March during the spring ski season.

Ski tour prices are highest during peak season (year-end and New Year's holidays, late January to February) when the snow quality is at its best. On the other hand, tour prices are comparatively cheaper in early December when the season starts and the snow is still unstable, and in mid to late March when the peak season subsides and the snow begins to melt, so be sure to check! Many tour companies also offer early bird discount campaigns, so be sure to check them out and enjoy ski tours at an even better price.

Q.When is the best time to make a reservation?

A. For weekend trips or tours to popular ski slopes, it is best to make reservations at least 1-2 months in advance, ideally 3 months in advance.

Ski tours tend to fill up early during peak season when the snow quality is good, as well as popular dates such as the New Year holidays and three-day weekends. Popular bus tours that offer particularly good value for money often fill up early, so it's important to make your reservation well in advance. The ideal time to book is three months before departure, but it's best to book at least one to two months in advance. Early reservations often qualify for discounts.

Enjoy the best snow trip with ease by using one of our recommended ski tour companies!

In this article, we introduced recommended ski tour companies and how to choose the right one. Ski tours include accommodation, lift tickets, and rental fees, making them appealing for their convenience and value for money .

Choose a company that suits your travel goals and budget from among the various strengths of companies such as Orion Tours , which offers both low prices and comprehensive services, and JTB and Kinki Nippon Tourist, which offer the peace of mind that only major companies can provide. Enjoy a fulfilling snow trip by choosing a company that suits your travel goals and budget from among the various strengths of companies.