Questions and Answers

What is a typical Tokyo Snow Club trip like?

Fun! Most club trips leave Tokyo by bus early Saturday mornings and return to Tokyo Sunday night. We usually arrive at our hotel around 11am, unload our luggage, pick up our rental gear (if needed) and are up on the mountain by noon. Saturdays are usually a half day of skiing/boarding followed by dinner and drinks in the evening. Sunday is a full day on the mountain with the bus leaving directly from the ski resort and arriving back in Tokyo around 9pm. Club Trips leave from Tokyo by private bus and 25 to 90 members come along for the ride so there's always plenty of friendly people to socialise with after a day of outdoor activities.

Where do we travel to?

We spend the most time at resorts in Hakuba, Nagano, Niigata and Minakami, Gunma. We choose snow areas based on the amount of snow that usually falls there, choice of ski resorts as well as easy access to bars, restaurants and onsens.

Are club trips compulsury?

No way! As member you can choose which trips you want to come on. You can come along on one trip, two trips, every trip, or no trips at all, the choice is yours!

Do club trips cater for beginners and first timers?

Definitely! The Ski resorts we travel to have at least 40% of their slopes dedicated to beginners. Traveling on a Tokyo Snow Club trip is a great way to experience your first time on the slopes, as well as pick up tips from the more seasoned riders.

Can I rent ski/snowboard sets and snow wear?

For sure! Full snowboard / ski sets and snow wear are always available at very discounted prices on every club trip.

I'm a first timer, do I need lessons?

Its entirely up to you! Skiing and snowboarding are great sports in that it doesnt take much time at all in order to become skilled enough to confidently get from the top of the mountain to the bottom. That said, if its your first time, you should expect to fall on your bum alot on your first day! There are always several experienced Tokyo Snow Club members attending each trip, who can give you tips and guidance, which is sometimes all you need to get up and going. Of course, English language snowboard and ski lessons can be arranged at discount prices for members. Full details are provided to members by email.

Do I need insurance?

Tokyo Snow Club takes out basic Ski and Snowboard insurance for each Club trip which covers hospital costs on the day if you injure yourself. It is compulsury that each member also has their own insurance, whether its travel, national health or through school/work in order to attend a trip.

How do I reserve a spot on a trip?

The best way is to use the online reservation form. Reservations can also be made by email or phone. Full details are provided to members by email. You must become a member (free!) of Tokyo Snow Club before reserving a space on a Club Trip.

How do I pay for the trip?

Payment is by credit card by direct deposit/bank transfer to the Tokyo Snow Club Account or over the counter at any Japan Post Office. If paying by direct deposit (furikomi) or at the Post Office, payment is due within three days of your reservation. Full payment details are emailed to members after reservation.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

You can cancel your reservation at any time but as we have to book and pay deposits for Accomodation, transport etc in advance the following charges apply.

21 days or more before - Free
14 - 20 days before - 30% of trip cost
2 - 13 days before - 50% of trip cost
Day of the Trip/day before the Trip - 100% of trip cost

In the unlikely event that the Trip organisers have to cancel a Club Trip for any reason you will be refunded 100% of the cost of trip and we will let you know as soon as possible!