To celebrate the company’s 85th birthday, Inghams is most excited to be adding Japan to its already extensive ski portfolio for the 2019/20 season!  What’s more, they’re combining it with optional city breaks in Tokyo and/or Kyoto too.  What’s not to like? 

The Japanese Alps were first put on European skiers’ radar after the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Their appeal is clear to see – abundant snow and pristine powder conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities to enjoy – the legendary “Japow” – plus a fascinating ancient cultural experience, all rolled into one…not to mention the mouth-watering cuisine.  AND Japan is a surprisingly child-friendly destination.

Ingham’s two new Japanese resorts include the Hakuba Valley, which spans across 10 diverse ski areas, all included in one lift pass (which is included in the price of the holiday). Inghams guests will stay in the main resort of Happo-One, with easy bus links accessing the other resorts. At Happo-One, the instructors are native English.

The second resort is Nozawa Onsen, which started life as a hot spring village for resting travellers: the first onsen (traditional Japanese bath house) was constructed in the 16th century. Today, the onsens are still managed by the local people and are a perfect remedy  for aching muscles after hitting the slopes all day!

Skiing in Nozawa was introduced by the Austrians in the early 1900’s. It offers plenty of varied terrain, long runs and a great section of tree-lined off-piste skiing, plus the area has a reputation for the heaviest snowfall in the Nagano district.

Accommodation in both of these resorts with Inghams ranges from more Western in style to traditional Japanese-style hotels with communal onsens, for those seeking convenience, comfort and an authentic, cultural stay.

As it’s undeniably a long way to go, and because there’s so much more to see than just the mountains, pistes and hot springs, Inghams has added a optional city break to their ski holidays – to enjoy the unique culture and tranquillity of the temples in Kyoto. Combinations and durations are flexible, with the option to ski in either one of Inghams’ resorts and add on Kyoto, which was the Imperial Capital of Japan for over a thousand years. What’s more, all trips start with at least one night enjoying the bright lights of Tokyo.

Is it family-friendly?… well, the Japanese delight in children (which tend to always be very well behaved!) and welcome them in hotels and restaurants. Ski instruction is excellent, with English-speaking instructors   There are plenty of other fun activities for all ages too, from snow rafting, snowmobiling and snow-shoeing, ringo-ing and ice sculpting. There are swimming pools, and games rooms and some hotels. At Hakuba, you can take a day trip to visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey park.

As for the raw fish etc on the menu… there’s always plenty of rice, vegetables, noodles (the perfect solution for pasta-loving kids) fruit and biscuits, not to mention some colourful  and visually-appealing new dishes to expand your children’s palates. If you’re concerned, opt for one of the more western style hotels, which offer a full menu of western dishes.

Finally, just remember, that “Japow” provides a wonderfully soft landing for toddlers and adults alike!

Inghams offers a five-night trip to Tokyo and Hakuba from £1,869 per person based on two sharing. Price includes return flights (direct from London Heathrow), coach transfers, accommodation with ensuite facilities, five breakfasts and the Hakuba lift pass. The package is valid for travel departing on 14th December 2019, 29th February 2019, and 7th and 14th March 2019. To book, visit www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays or call 01483 938 047.