Karuizawa

“I visited Karuizawa, conveniently located just a quick, free bus ride from Karuizawa Station, making it an excellent option for a day trip. I found it welcoming for all skill levels, with half of the courses designed for beginners, and the remainder evenly split between intermediate and advanced levels. It's an excellent place to practice and hone your skills. During my visit, I noticed a large number of novice snowboarders. The lifts could get a bit congested at the peak, but with good timing, it's possible to enjoy a smooth ski session without any hold-ups. One minor drawback was the somewhat small size of the changing rooms and lockers designated for day visitors. Additionally, I observed a lack of stands by the rest area to securely store snowboards, so many visitors had to lay their equipment on the ground.”

“Karuizawa is a fantastic ski resort, particularly suited for families with young children or those with children in elementary school. It's a welcoming environment for beginners, with many novices around, reducing any potential nerves or embarrassment. The Chestnut Tree lift is a particular highlight, with all snowboarders exiting there. The courses offered are gentle and accommodating for beginners, with several options to choose from. They are a bit narrow, however, so beginners should take note. For safety, it's suggested to use a helmet. This provides an added layer of security should your child accidentally bump into someone or something. The weather at Karuizawa is generally sunny, which is great for children who might not enjoy cold or snowy conditions. However, it can get quite warm, so wearing something like fleece under your clothes can cause sweating. The ski school is very accommodating, especially on weekends where applications open from 8:30. It's advisable to get there as early as possible due to the crowd. The school is well-equipped for beginners, with teachers who are experienced in teaching children. Credit card payments are accepted and lift tickets for children in elementary school or younger are free. If you plan to purchase lift tickets, it's recommended to buy them online to avoid waiting in long lines, particularly in February. If you are signing up for the ski school, lift tickets can be purchased simultaneously. A deposit of 500 yen is required for cards which will be returned later.”

“I found Karuizawa to be an excellent spot to relish quality time with family and friends. It's a great location for entertainment and bonding. The atmosphere is lively, and the activities are engaging, making it an enjoyable experience overall.”

“I found all the courses at Karuizawa to be quite slippery, yet the stunning scenery truly enhances the overall experience. Conveniently, the location is just a short walk from Karuizawa Station, which is an added bonus.”