Want good snow and close-up views of Mt. Fuji? Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti ticks both of those boxes and more. This affordable ski resort is perfect for families and beginners and is close enough to Tokyo to make day trips possible. We agree that Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti sounds like a B-grade Japanese horror movie, but we assure you, it's legit. Previously known as Snow Town Yeti or Snow Park Yeti, it's a ski resort on Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, and, though small, it's fully kitted out for families. It can be a good place to practice your moves before you head to Hakuba or one of the other larger resorts later in winter. Pro tip: For an easy day out, book an all-in-one Yeti package online. Want private transfers to or from the airport? NearMe is offering a special discount for Tokyo Cheapo readers for up to off your first trip. Opening in late October every year (albeit with fake snow), the resort, situated at the second station of Mt. Fuji, is one of the earliest to start the ski season. Natural snow usually kicks off in December. In 2024, the first slope opened on October 25, and all slopes are set to be open by early January 2025. .ct-beginner { fill: #1BB808; } .ct-intermediate { fill: #0037E9; } .ct-advanced { fill: #2A2A2A; } .ct-chart .ct-label { padding-top:10px; display:block; height: 30px; width: 100%; border-radius:4px; margin-bottom: 10px; fill: #ababab; color:#ffffff; font-size:1.3rem; text-align:center; } /* .ct-series-b{ fill: "green" !important; } */ .ct-pie { /* The width of your bars */ /*stroke-width: 50px; */} Terrain difficulty There are two very gentle slopes (slopes A and B) for beginners and intermediate snowsters, while two other slopes (C and D) are more suited to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. There's also a modest park with beginner-friendly ramps as well as a sledding slope and snow play area for kids. Resort stats Elevation Base elevation: 1300 metersSummit elevation: 1450 metersVertical drop: 150 meters Number of runs 4 Longest run 1000 meters Lifts Quad chairs: 1Pair lifts: 2 Gradient Maximum: 25 degrees Night skiing Available On-piste restaurants 1 2024/25 season lift passes The following passes are available for the 2024/25 season and can be bought from the ticket shop at the entrance. Day tickets are valid all day from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., while you can buy night tickets from 3:30 p.m. onwards. The admission-only ticket will get you into the resort for sledding, playing in the snow, or watching, but you can't bring equipment in or rent equipment with it. There are also season passports available ranging from for early-bird weekday passes to for a regular season passport. If you're looking to save money, a variety of discounted online tickets are available via the Fujiyama Connect website. Ticket type Adult Children (3–12) & Senior 1 day (weekday) 1 day (weekends & holidays) Night skiing (Mon - Thurs) Night skiing (Fri - Sun) Admission only Rental gear The rental shop has over 3000 items available, and a ticket machine keeps the rental process smooth. A full-day rental of a ski or snowboard set (which includes skis and poles/snowboard and boots) will set you back for an adult and for children and seniors. You can also rent equipment or clothing individually, but the set is better value if you don't have any of your own gear. Lessons and guiding The resort has its own ski school, and lessons can be booked on the day at the school building. A 1.5-hour adult beginner ski or snowboard lesson costs . The information about the ski school is only available on the Japanese website, so we wouldn't go in expecting English-speaking instructors. Off the slopes For fun and relaxation off the skis. Food and drink The only restaurant in the area is the one that's part of Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti. The menu isn't exactly extensive but will keep you warm and full with your choice of ramen, rice bowls, or curry. You've also got some sides and salads on there, as well as a small selection of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks. Alternative snow activities Keeping in line with their family-friendly atmosphere, Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti has a dedicated sledding slope and snow playground. Entry into these is included with the admission ticket, so if you or your little ones aren't keen on hitting the slopes, you can still have a snow day. You can rent a sled from the rental shop for and snowshoes for . How to get to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti From Tokyo, you can get to the ski resort by train, bus, or car. Going by train is the fastest option if you're willing to splurge on a Shinkansen ticket: you'll get there in about 2.5 hours (with a bus transfer at Mishima Station) for one way. From November 23, you can also get a direct bus from Shinjuku, Ueno, and Shin Yokohama stations. This package covers round-trip transport, a 1-day lift pass or admission-only ticket, and a discount voucher for rentals. From Shinjuku station, the package costs per adult. Additional pick-up locations around Kanagawa and Shizuoka will open from late December. If you'd like a lesson and rentals included, there is also a Snow Resort Yeti all-inclusive package deal, which includes a round-trip bus ticket, gear, a ski lesson, and a one-day lift ticket for /adult. You can book online here. If you're driving, expect it to take 2.5–3.5 hours. Depending on the route you take, you'll encounter road tolls. Since 2023, however, parking at the resort is free, making this a reasonably economical option. Getting around Three buses per day run from Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti to JR Gotemba Station. It takes between 55 – 75 minutes and costs . Fewer regular bus departures can get you to JR Mishima, JR Susono, JR Fuji, and Yoshiwara Chūō stations. Besides that, there are no shuttle buses or similar services, so if you want to get around a different way, your best bet is to drive. Where to stay The closest hotels to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti are in the nearby city of Gotemba or the part of Susono City near Fuji Safari Park. However, given the small size of the resort and its relatively close proximity to Tokyo, many people just make this a day trip and save on a night's accommodation. Looking for other ideas for winter day trips and snowboarding escapes? Our guide to ski spots near Tokyo has you covered. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in December 2015. Last updated December 2024 by Patrick Balfe.
The ultimate guide to Japan travel
The ultimate guide to Japan travel
The ultimate guide to Japan travel