Japan’s pillow lines and powder bowls are calling, and there is no better time to book a ski trip to the land of the rising sun. Foreign tourists were shut out of Japan in March 2019, but that changed this past week on October 11th, when Japan officially re-opened its borders. A dream trip to Japan is now on the table, and with the weak Yen and Japanese resorts eagerly awaiting international travelers. If you have an Epic Pass Australia, this might be the year to catch some Japanese powder before swarms of tourists return to the slopes.
Traveling to Japan is a skier and snowboarder’s dream. Japan is one of the snowiest places on the planet, with many resorts receiving more than 10m of fluffy dry white powder snow a year. There’s a reason why professional skiers travel to Japan every year to film. There isn’t anywhere else in the world that you can consistently ski powder snow.
If you own an Epic Australia Pass, you already have free lift tickets in Japan at select resorts. The Epic Pass has made touring abroad more effortless than ever before, and this is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of all that extra convenience while you still can.
So if you’re planning a trip to Japan this winter, grab your Epic Pass and book your tickets today. The world-class powder snow, incredible resorts, and great prices of Japan await!
Epic Pass Australia
The Epic Australia Pass gives unrestricted access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a host of other international ski destinations, including Japan. With over 6 million acres of powder and incredible ski terrain, Japan is one of the premier destinations for winter sports enthusiasts.
As an Epic Australia Pass holder, you can enjoy free lift tickets at select resorts in Japan. Whether you’re looking for memorable powder days, endless corduroy runs, or backcountry adventures, Japan has something for every type of skier or boarder.
Access
The Epic Australia Pass gives you access to world-class resorts in Australia, Japan, North America, and Europe.
North American Resorts
The Epic Pass provides access to some North American resorts, including – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Stevens Pass, Kirkwood, and Whistler Blackcomb.
Japan Resorts
The Epic Australia Pass gives 5 days of unrestricted access to both Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu.
Bring A Mate Tickets
Give away 6 x 1-day tickets to your mates.
Discounts
The pass also offers a variety of discounts. These vary by resort but include things like on mountain dining discounts, access to first tracks, discounts on Creek and Hotham lodging, and Hotham in resort benefits. Here is a list of some of the benefits you can expect. Be sure to check the Epic Pass Site for more details.
- 20% off private and group lessons
- 15% off accommodation
- 20% off equipment rental
Insurance
Epic coverage may cover a prorated refund for your season pass purchase in the event of certain qualifying events, including job loss, injury, and Resort Closure Events. Although not an alternative to ski insurance, it does provide some peace of mind.
Other Pass Options
- Military Epic Pass – For Australia Defence Force (ADF), including members of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force(RAAF) – active and reservists.
- Epic Australia Adaptive Pass -season-long passes for guests with permanent disabilities.
Japan Ski Resort Access
For the 2022/2023 ski season, Epic Pass Australia offers unrestricted access to two of Japan’s best resorts. Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu. The pass provides 5 consecutive days at each resort regardless of holiday restrictions and national holidays.
Hakuba Valley
With over 9 resorts, 200+ runs, and 11 meters of snow, the Hakuba Valley is one of Japan’s most popular ski destinations. The variety of resorts offers some of the best possible experiences regardless of your on snow abilities. First-timers will enjoy the mellow beginner slopes and readily available English Ski Lessons. At the same time, expert skiers and backcountry enthusiasts will be awed by some of the best powder skiing in the world. There is a reason why Hakuba is one of the most popular stops for athletes for events like the Free Ride World Tour.
Hakuba has a vibrant nightlife and a variety of other activities, including snow monkey tours, sake brewery tours, and traditional tea ceremony opportunities that will have guests wanting to come back for more.
Rusutsu Ski Resort
Found in Hokkaido, Rusutsu resort has long been a top powder destination for skiers and borders. Although not as well-known as Niseko, Rusutsu is an epic resort with a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain.
The resort offers over 3000 acres of freeride terrain and is known for some of the best tree skiing in Japan. Rusutsu also has a terrain park, great restaurants, and friendly locals who make every visit unforgettable. Rusutsu is also a family-friendly destination with a wide range of activities for all ages. From dog sledding to ice fishing, Rusutsu has something for everyone.
How to Use Your Pass in Japan
Using your Epic Pass in Japan is incredibly easy.
Using the Epic Pass in Hakuba
Epic Pass holders can present their valid Epic Pass card and photo ID to the lift cashier at any of Hakuba Valley’s resorts to redeem a five-day lift ticket regardless of holiday restrictions.
The 5-day Hakuba Valley lift ticket gives unlimited access to all of Hakuba’s 9 resorts. To use the lift ticket, scan it at any lift gate. The 5 days start as soon as the pass is scanned.
The lift pass also gives you free use of the Hakuba Valley shuttles. Using the pass on the shuttle will start the clock on your 5-day pass.
Using the Epic Australia Pass in Rusutsu
Like Hakuba, to receive your unrestricted access 5-day lift pass from Rusutsu, bring your valid season pass card and a valid photo ID to a Rusutsu Resort ticket window.
Customers who have not yet received their season Epic Pass card but have completed the Vail Resorts liability waiver can show a copy of their confirmation email and a valid photo ID.
FAQ
Can I use my epic pass in Australia?
Yes, you can use your Epic Pass at Australia’s Perisher, Falls Creek, and Hotham ski resorts.
Is Epic Australia pass worth it
Hey, no one can answer this for you. The fact is, this is a personal decision. As an avid skier who skis 100+ days a season a year, it’s worth it, but your situation is different than mine, and you need to run the numbers and decide whether you’re willing to spend the money versus the skiing rewards. Your call…
How much is an Epic Australia Pass?
For the 2022/2023 season, the Epic Australia Pass is AUD 899.
How long will Epic pass be 20% off?
The Epic Australia Pass promotion ends on January 31st, 2022. After this date, the Epic Australia Pass will return to its regular price of AUD 899. So take advantage of this limited-time offer and purchase your Epic Australia Pass today!
Why Is Japan very famous?
Japan is famous for several reasons. It is known for its history, pop culture, and unique cuisine, as well as its vibrant cities and natural landscapes. It can be a mind-bending, beautiful experience that will leave you in shock and awe.
Is it hard to go to Japan?
To go to Japan, you will need to take a flight. Japan has several major international airports, including Narita and Haneda in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Getting to Japan is not particularly challenging, but you must plan to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents and ready for your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an expert skier looking to explore the backcountry or a family looking for a fun winter vacation, the Epic Australia Pass is the perfect way to access some of Japan’s best ski resorts. So why wait? Book your trip now!
See you on the slopes!
About Us
Hakuba Ski Concierge is a ski school in Hakuba, Japan, offering high-end personalized lessons to small groups and private individuals. We provide great lessons with instructors who go beyond to ensure you have the best experience possible.
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