Hokkaido Ski and Snowboard Packing List: Advice After Multiple Visits
A practical Hokkaido ski packing list based on multiple trips to Niseko and Rusutsu. What to bring, what to rent, and what’s easy to overlook when skiing in Japan.
A practical Hokkaido ski packing list based on multiple trips to Niseko and Rusutsu. What to bring, what to rent, and what’s easy to overlook when skiing in Japan.
Figuring out transportation in Hokkaido is one of the biggest hurdles for a ski trip to Niseko or Rusutsu. I’ve done it both on a tight budget and with a rental car, and this guide walks through the options so you can choose what makes the most sense for your trip.
Japow still delivers, but the crowds pushed me to look beyond Japan for my 2026 ski trip. I dug into places like Jyrgalan, Shymbulak, and China’s far west before circling back to Gulmarg in Kashmir. This post walks through the full search and how I landed on my final choice.
Muju Deogyusan Resort offers a scenic, laid-back ski experience in South Korea’s Jeollabuk-do province. Located farther south than the major Gangwon-do resorts, it’s a great option for skiers based in Daegu, Daejeon, or Busan. This local guide covers terrain tips, lift tickets, rentals, lodging, and why Muju is worth a visit, even with its quirks.
After the 2025 attack in Kashmir, most people assumed I canceled my ski trip. I didn’t. I wrote this to share why I’m still going, how I’m preparing, and what the journey means to me.