Ski tours are decided by morning departures and day trips! How to choose and recommended bus tours

What makes the morning departure one-day ski bus tour different from other tours?

As the name suggests, a morning day ski tour is a tour with a schedule that involves departing early in the morning, enjoying skiing or snowboarding during the day, and returning at night. Since there is no need to sleep in the car like with an overnight bus, it is less physically demanding and you can relax at home after skiing. Another great thing about this tour is that it is reasonably priced , as there is no need to stay overnight in a hotel!

Another attraction of bus tours is that you don't have to pay tolls, gasoline, or the burden of driving like you would with your own car, and you can relax and recover on the bus after skiing. Even on day trips, there is plenty of time for skiing, and the balance of "easygoing," "cost-effective," and "efficient" makes them popular with a wide range of generations.

How to choose a morning day trip ski bus tour

There are many morning-departing day-trip ski tours available, and in order to find the perfect plan for you, it's important to pay attention to a few points. Use the points below to help you choose a tour you won't regret.

Choose by departure point

When choosing a tour, it is recommended to first choose a tour that starts from a place that is easily accessible from where you live or your base of operations. If you choose a meeting point that is far from your home, you may end up tiring just from the morning commute, or you may lose sleep, which can be a burden.

In the Tokyo metropolitan area, tours often depart from major terminals such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, but recently there has been an increase in tours departing from suburban areas. It's best to choose a departure point that is close and easy to get to.

Choose by plan (lift ticket included, rental included, etc.)

There are various plans for morning departure day trip ski tours, and the prices vary depending on what is included, such as "lift ticket included" or "rental included ." If you already have your own equipment, you can choose a reasonable plan that includes only the lift ticket, but if you are a beginner and don't have any ski wear, it is safer to choose a plan that includes rentals or lessons.

Choose from a wide variety of plans to suit your needs.

Choose by ski resort level and facilities

When choosing a tour, it's also important to consider whether the ski resort's courses are suited to your skiing level . Beginners can feel at ease at ski resorts with gentle slopes and a wide range of schools, while intermediate and advanced skiers will have more fun at ski resorts with powder snow, steep slopes, and park facilities.

It's also a good idea to check information about facilities, such as whether the food on the slopes is delicious and whether there are ample rest areas. You'll have a more comfortable experience if you choose a ski resort tour that suits your and your companions' levels and how you like to enjoy the ski resort.

Be sure to check the local skiing times!

On day-trip ski tours that depart in the morning, your time there is limited, so be sure to check the departure and meeting times, as well as the available ski time at the destination. Beginners in particular may need time to prepare and rent equipment, so we recommend a tour that allows you at least 5 to 6 hours of skiing time.

To enjoy skiing efficiently, it's a good idea to know the schedule from start to finish in advance.

Ski tours are perfect for day trips starting in the morning! 4 recommended slopes and bus tours

Here we will introduce a carefully selected list of recommended slopes and ski bus tours departing from Shinjuku that you can enjoy as a day trip in the morning. Be sure to check them out and find the tour that suits you best.

Tambara Ski Park | Burton STEP ON® rentals available, perfect for beginners!

Tambara Ski Park in Gunma Prefecture is a popular ski resort that is easily accessible, just 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, and has a great environment for beginners. It has many gentle long courses, and the high altitude and good snow quality make it easy to ski on the powder snow.

This day trip, departing from Shinjuku in the morning, offers a generous six-hour stay , and transportation and lift tickets are included for a cost-effective price of less than 10,000 yen per person! Furthermore, with the introduction of "Burton STEP ON®" rentals, even beginners can easily enjoy a comfortable snowboarding experience.

There is also a kids' park, cafe, and rest area, making this a ski slope and bus tour recommended for groups of friends, couples, and families.

Recommended tour: [B-time departure and arrival at Shinjuku] Morning departure to Tambara Ski Park (approximately 6 hours stay)

Hunter Mountain Shiobara | The largest ski slope in the Kanto region with excellent access from the city center

Hunter Mountain Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture boasts one of the largest scales in the Kanto region, and with easy access from central Tokyo, it's a ski slope that's perfectly satisfying even for a day trip. With a wide variety of courses, it's suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The long course, with the longest run of approximately 3,000m, is extremely popular. Rentals and lessons are also available, so even those new to skiing can rest assured.

The morning departure day trip guarantees approximately six hours of skiing time, making it a great way to enjoy a day trip! There are plenty of restaurants, rest areas, and a kids' park, so you can enjoy your time outside of skiing. There are also plenty of hot spring facilities nearby, so it's also recommended for those who want to soothe their fatigue before heading home.

Recommended tour: [B-time departure from Shinjuku] Morning departure day trip to Hunter Mountain Shiobara [Spending time: approximately 6 hours]

https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2031896900010&rtc=80

Kawaba Ski Resort | Powder snow is popular! Paid lounge access plans available

Kawaba Ski Resort is a popular ski slope where you can enjoy some of the best powder snow in Gunma Prefecture. While compact overall, it has a wide variety of courses, including gentle forest courses that are safe for beginners, as well as many challenging courses for intermediate and advanced skiers, making it popular with snowboarders. It can be reached in about three hours from Shinjuku, and you can have about six hours of skiing time.

The facility also has a premium lounge called "POWDER LOUNGE" that requires a fee, and you can choose a plan that includes a lounge access ticket! It has a raised area, sofas, and counter space, and you can enjoy free drinks, so you can have a luxurious ski resort experience that is one level above the rest.

Recommended tour: [B-time departure and arrival at Shinjuku] Morning departure to Kawaba Ski Resort (approximately 6 hours stay)

https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2031872900010&rtc=80

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort | About 80 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area! Recommended for families

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Kamui Misaka Ski Resort is easily accessible , about 80 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area . Although it is a small slope, it has many courses perfect for beginners, making it a popular ski resort for basic practice and debut skiers. It also has extensive rental equipment and a kids' area, making it a great choice for families.

Even among the morning departure day tours, the bus travel time is short, ensuring a total stay of about 7 hours ! The tour price is also very reasonable, ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 yen , so it's perfect for those who want to enjoy the snowy mountains casually in a short amount of time and want to minimize travel fatigue.

Recommended tour: [D-time departure and arrival at Shinjuku] Morning departure to Kamui Misaka Ski Resort (approximately 7 hours stay)

https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2031894900010&rtc=80

Check it out! The pros and cons of a morning day trip ski bus tour

Morning day trips on ski buses have a lot to offer, but there are also some things to be aware of. Be sure to understand the pros and cons before choosing the perfect tour for you.

The benefits and appeal of a morning departure day trip ski bus tour

Since you don't need to pay for accommodation, which takes up the majority of travel expenses, you can enjoy skiing on a budget. Another feature is that there are many affordable plans that include transportation and lift tickets.

Even if you don't have much free time or only want to enjoy the weekend, you can participate for just one day, so you can enjoy skiing in between work and other plans. Another advantage is that you can get a good night's sleep at home before setting off, rather than sleeping in your car, so it puts less strain on your body. There's no need to drive after skiing, so you can take the bus home and rest up.

If the plan includes rental clothing, skis, etc., you can easily participate empty-handed. Another great thing about this tour is that all you have to do is go to the meeting point, and the tour company will handle everything from transportation to the slopes to arranging your lift ticket, making the process easy.

Disadvantages and points to note about morning departure day trip ski bus tours

Because the tour itinerary is fixed, the actual skiing time is about 5 to 7 hours, which may not be enough for those who want to ski for a long time.

Also, in order to ensure as much time as possible for skiing, buses often depart early in the morning, which can be a challenge for those who don't like getting up early.

Tips for enjoying a morning day trip ski bus tour

Here are some tips to help you make the most of a morning day ski tour, even if you have limited time.

Prepare comfortable clothing and belongings

The bus ride is long, so choose clothes that are comfortable to wear on the bus. Wearing compression socks , bringing a neck pillow , and an eye mask will help reduce fatigue when you arrive at the slopes.

It is also a good idea to prepare spare socks, hot packs, and a bag to put wet items in for your return trip.

Beginners should choose a plan with lessons.

If you're skiing or snowboarding for the first time, or haven't done it in a few years and aren't confident, choosing a plan that includes lessons is a good idea. You'll improve in less time than if you were to ski on your own, so you can spend your limited time skiing more enjoyably and meaningfully.

Another advantage is that it reduces the risk of injury from falls. You can learn the basics thoroughly even in a half-day lesson, so beginners, especially, should check school information in advance.

Increase your time efficiency by using techniques to move around after arriving at the slopes!

Try to think up ways to move so that you can start skiing as soon as you arrive at the slopes. For example, to shorten the time it takes to change, it's a good idea to wear an inner layer under your gear beforehand. The reception desks for rentals and lift tickets are often crowded, so it's recommended to make a reservation . You can also avoid busy times at restaurants by having lunch earlier or later.

If you have a hot spring, you can enjoy more than just skiing.

Some slopes have on-site hot springs and bathing facilities . Soaking in a hot spring after skiing will increase your satisfaction! You can reset your tired body from the cold and muscle fatigue, so you can spend the bus ride home in comfort.

Of course, it's not just effective in relieving fatigue, but it also gives you the feeling of being on vacation, so if there's a plan that includes a hot spring, be sure to consider it.

Enjoy a fulfilling trip with a morning departure one-day ski bus tour

Morning day trips by ski bus allow you to save money while still enjoying a fulfilling ski trip, making them the perfect choice for those with limited time or budget, or those looking to efficiently enjoy a day trip. Beginners and experienced skiers alike can fully enjoy the world of snow-capped mountains in just one weekend day.

Use the tips in this article on how to choose and enjoy a morning day trip ski bus tour to find the perfect tour for you and create some amazing memories on the slopes!