“I’m a beginner, but when is the best time to go skiing?”
“I want to practice when the slopes are less crowded.”
If you’ve had thoughts like these, you’re not alone.
Starting something new always comes with worries—whether you’ll get in the way of others, or if you’ll really be able to enjoy yourself. That’s why we recommend spring skiing in March for beginners.
In March, the weather is milder, the slopes are less crowded, and you can ski with far less stress. With fewer people around, the risk of collisions is lower, so you can practice safely and at your own pace.
In this article, we—ski and snowboard instructors running a school at Rusutsu in Hokkaido—will introduce the charm of spring skiing in March, the best ski resorts to visit, and how to make the most of your trip by combining skiing with sightseeing.
Why Skiing in March is Great for Beginners
When you think of skiing, you probably imagine December, January, or February. But for beginners, March may actually be the best season. The reasons are simple: weather, snow conditions, and crowd levels.
Comfortable Weather
In midwinter, temperatures often drop below –10°C, but in March it’s usually closer to 0°C during the day. This makes skiing less physically stressful and far more enjoyable for beginners.
Too much cold forces you to take frequent breaks, but in spring you can practice more efficiently without freezing.
Longer Days and Better Visibility
March brings longer daylight hours and bright sunlight reflecting on the snow. Clear visibility makes it safer to practice, and you’ll even have time to enjoy night skiing.
Softer Snow = Safer Falls
Spring snow tends to be slightly wet and soft, cushioning falls and reducing fear. Unlike dry powder snow, spring snow doesn’t make you go too fast, which is perfect for beginners learning to control their speed.
Why Beginners Should Debut in March
Less Crowded Slopes
Peak season around New Year’s and February means long lift lines, packed hotels, and busy beginner areas—making it hard for newcomers to practice calmly.
By contrast, March slopes are much quieter. Lift lines are short, courses are open, and you’ll have space to focus on improving your skills.
Lower Costs
Many resorts offer spring ski discounts starting in March, with cheaper lift passes and rental fees. Hotels and flights are also more affordable, so you can stay longer for the same budget.
Learn About Different Snow Conditions
In the morning, snow is firm; by afternoon, it softens. Experiencing this change helps beginners understand how conditions affect skiing—an excellent part of the learning process.
Things to Keep in Mind in March
Spring skiing is fantastic, but there are a few tips to make it even more comfortable:
Dress in Layers:
Mornings and evenings are chilly, but midday can be warm. Wear thin base layers and fleece for easy temperature control.
Bring Extra Clothes:
Unlike midwinter, sweat and wet snow can soak your gear. Always pack a change of clothes to avoid skiing in damp, cold wear.
Snow Gets Heavy in the Afternoon:
Melting snow turns slushy, making skiing harder and more tiring. Beginners should focus on practicing in the morning and switch to sightseeing or longer breaks in the afternoon.
Protect Against UV Rays:
Sunlight reflecting off the snow in March is surprisingly strong. Always bring sunscreen, goggles, and UV lip balm. Otherwise, you’ll end up with obvious goggle tan lines!
Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido for March
Even when snow starts to melt on Japan’s main island, Hokkaido’s colder climate keeps conditions ideal. Resorts that are crowded in peak season become far quieter in March, making it a dream for beginners.
Rusutsu Resort
Gentle, wide slopes perfect for first-timers. Facilities include pools and hot springs, great for families.
Rusutsu ski and snowboard school
Niseko Grand Hirafu
World-famous, with a vast range of courses for all levels. You won’t get bored even as your skills improve.
Kiroro Snow World
Easily accessible from Sapporo or Otaru, with many beginner-friendly slopes and reliable spring snow.
Combine Skiing with Sightseeing
One of the best parts of spring skiing in Hokkaido is that you can combine skiing with sightseeing. Unlike the busy peak season, March allows you to balance skiing with exploring nearby towns.
Otaru
Stroll along the historic canal, browse glassware and music box shops, and enjoy fresh seafood like sushi and donburi.
Sapporo
Feast on Hokkaido specialties such as jingisukan (grilled lamb), soup curry, and miso ramen. Just outside the city, Jozankei Onsen offers a relaxing hot spring soak with snowy views.
By mixing skiing, sightseeing, and local food, your trip becomes more fulfilling. Beginners especially benefit by sightseeing in the afternoon when they’re more tired, saving energy while still making the most of their trip.
Conclusion
March is the best season for beginner skiers: mild weather, fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and safe snow conditions. Hokkaido in particular offers reliable snow, beginner-friendly slopes, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities in nearby Otaru and Sapporo.
A perfect itinerary could be: ski practice in the morning → sightseeing or hot springs in the afternoon. This way, you can enjoy skiing without pushing yourself too hard while creating wonderful memories.
At Samurai Snow Concierge, we specialize in private ski and snowboard lessons at Rusutsu in Hokkaido. Our mission is to provide safe, tailored, and high-quality instruction to each guest.
If you have any questions about spring skiing for beginners or lessons in Hokkaido, feel free to reach out to us. As active instructors, we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your first ski trip!
コメント