The way you purchase lift tickets varies depending on the ski resort. Some allow you to buy online, while others only sell tickets on-site. In some cases, you need to line up at vending machines. For Japanese skiers, guidance is usually plentiful, so it rarely becomes a problem. However, for foreign visitors, the process can feel confusing or intimidating.
This article explains, in simple terms, the main ways to purchase lift tickets in Japan, and how these methods differ from those in North America, Europe, and other overseas ski resorts—so even beginners can avoid mistakes.
1. How to Buy Lift Tickets at Japanese Ski Resorts
① Buying at the On-site Ticket Counter
The most traditional and beginner-friendly method is buying tickets on-site. Ticket windows are located inside the base lodge or near lift stations, where you can choose from several ticket types such as full-day, half-day, hourly, or multiple-ride tickets.
Advantages
- You can ask staff directly
- You can choose the best option based on weather or schedule
Disadvantages
- Mornings often get crowded
- On-site prices are usually higher than online prices
At popular ski resorts, lines of 20–40 minutes are common during peak hours. If you don’t want to waste valuable ski time, purchasing online is recommended.
② Buying on the Ski Resort’s Official Website
This has become one of the most common methods in recent years. Many ski resorts allow you to purchase tickets in advance on their official website. A QR code is issued, which you simply scan at the automatic ticket machine on arrival.
Advantages
- Discounts available for early booking
- No waiting at ticket counters
- Completely cashless
Disadvantages
- No refunds or date changes at some resorts
- If your phone battery dies, you may not be able to show your QR code
Online-exclusive deals such as “early-bird tickets,” “weekday discounts,” and seasonal promotions make online purchasing the most cost-effective option.
③ Buying at Convenience Stores
During the season, stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson sell “lift ticket vouchers.”
How it works:
- Buy at the convenience store → receive a voucher printout
- Exchange the voucher at the ski resort’s ticket window
Advantages
- Often cheaper than buying at the ski resort
- You may be able to change the ticket type at the resort
Disadvantages
- You might still have to line up at the window
- Forgetting the voucher can be disastrous—you may need to buy another ticket
④ IC Card Lift Tickets
More Japanese ski resorts now use IC card lift tickets, similar to Suica. Data is written to the card and scanned automatically at the gate.
Features:
- Touch-and-go gate access
- Refundable deposit (around 500 yen) may be required
Some resorts allow topping up the IC card via smartphone, and the system is expected to expand further.
2. Differences in Lift Ticket Purchasing at Overseas Ski Resorts
In overseas destinations—especially North America (U.S., Canada) and Europe—the culture around lift ticket purchasing is different from Japan.
① Online Purchasing Is the Standard
At many overseas ski resorts, buying a ticket on the day is far more expensive than buying online. Prices change dynamically depending on demand—known as “dynamic pricing.”
Example:
- 7 days before: 10,000 yen
- 1 day before: 13,000 yen
- Same day: 16,000 yen
In short: “the earlier you buy, the cheaper it is.”
② RFID Cards Are the Standard Ticket Format
Most overseas ski resorts use reusable RFID lift cards. Once you purchase the card, you can recharge it online and use it again in future seasons.
Advantages
- Reusable in the next season
- No need to show your phone at the gate
③ Global Season Passes: “Epic Pass” and “Ikon Pass”
These passes cover multiple major resorts, and are extremely cost-effective if you ski several days per season.
- Epic Pass: 70+ resorts worldwide (Japan includes Rusutsu and Hakuba)
- Ikon Pass: Many top-tier resorts across North America and Europe (Japan includes Shiga Kogen, Myoko, etc.)
④ Residence Discounts Are Common Overseas
Local residents often receive significant discounts—sometimes half price—while tourists pay full price. Japan also has some resident-only discounts, but there are no special “foreigner discount” lift tickets.
3. Summary of Differences Between Japan and Overseas
| Category | Japan | Overseas |
|---|---|---|
| Main purchase method | On-site or official website | Online purchasing is standard |
| Pricing | Stable pricing, early-bird discounts available | Dynamic pricing based on demand |
| Ticket format | Paper tickets + IC cards (mixed) | Mostly IC/RFID cards |
| Discount types | Early-bird, convenience-store discounts | Regional passes and resident discounts |
| On-site crowding | Long lines at ticket booths | Fewer booths; pre-purchase required |
4. Conclusion
Lift ticket purchasing may look simple, but in reality there are many factors—pricing, crowding, ticket formats, and ticket types. In Japan, on-site purchasing is still common, yet online pre-purchase is becoming significantly more advantageous. Overseas, online booking is nearly mandatory, and prices fluctuate, making early purchasing essential.
By understanding the characteristics of each method, you can eliminate stress on the day of your trip. Use this guide to choose the best way to purchase your lift tickets and enjoy a smooth, comfortable skiing or snowboarding experience.
