The conversation missing from the Japow hype: safety, courtesy, and respect on Japan’s ski slopes

Five essential reminders every skier should know before dropping into Japan’s legendary powder.

Ski resorts in Japan are renowned for their deep snow, peaceful slopes, and seamless organization that makes life easy for everyone. However, when people disregard the warning signs or take needless chances, even the most seemingly safe mountains can become dangerous. Every winter, ski patrols throughout Japan deal with avoidable accidents, many of which are the result of poor choices rather than bad luck.

Even at a smaller resort like Geto Kogen in Tohoku, an inbound avalanche tragically claimed the life of an experienced foreign skier. These aren’t far-off tales but instead are reminders that Japan’s incredible snow comes with real risk, even when in resort.

NHK reports on the tragic avalanche at Geto Kogen that claimed the life of an experienced foreign skier. Image: NHK

Japow is one of the pinnacles of skiing or snowboarding, but it comes with shared responsibility. As Japan continues to welcome record numbers of international visitors year after year, understanding common sense safety and etiquette isn’t just good manners. It is essential to keeping yourself and others safe.

Respecting ropes

I’m sure that we have all looked at the ropes blocking off an area and thought “That area looks completely fine”. But those orange and yellow boundaries aren’t suggestions: don’t duck the ropes. Ski patrol marks areas as closed for a reason.

Warning sign at the boundary of Kamui Ski Links’ managed area. Image: Hendrik Morkel

Often, these zones lack avalanche control, hide unmarked drops, or contain dense trees that make rescue operations difficult, especially in adverse weather. Even a few meters beyond the rope can mean unpatrolled and unmonitored terrain.

Each country has their own level of comfort when ducking ropes. Typically Japanese follow these rules strictly unless given clearance otherwise. While some visitors treat the ropes more casually as a suggestion, assuming that if it’s inside the resort map, it must be safe. It isn’t. Going beyond these boundaries puts not only your safety but also the safety of the patrol members who may have to perform search and rescue in an emergency.

Spotlight under the lift

When hitting powder under the lift, it is an unwritten rule that you have to look cool doing it. There is no point in going under the lift if you aren’t going to give the lift riders a proper show. But just because there is untouched powder under the lift, doesn’t mean that the resort is accepting of customers breaking some rules for a good show. Each resort has its own rules related to skiing under the lifts so be sure to double check the norm.

Powder heaven beneath the lift at Choei Yuda Ski Area, where tickets will be revoked for skiing under the lift. Image: Eliot Cochrane

A common sight is people skiing directly beneath lifts or cutting through maintenance areas. It might look harmless but these areas are often closed because of falling snow, dropped equipment, or unstable snowpack. A single chunk of ice falling from above or a hidden ski pole in the powder below can cause serious injuries. Any restricted areas aren’t about limiting fun. They are about keeping the mountain running safely. Ski patrol and lift operators are constantly monitoring these zones for risk.

If a ski resort has an area closed off, respecting the boundaries keeps everyone, including workers, out of harm’s way. But if the area is open and properly marked, put on a show for those on the lift!

Using short skis and under the lift, a skier at Yamagata Akakura Onsen puts on a show. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Trail awareness and flow

Harmony and respect for others are highly valued in Japan. People’s behaviour on the mountain reflects these ideals as well. Yet it is common to see people sitting to rest in the centre of trails, stopping just below blind drops, or merging trails without checking for uphill traffic.

The Shirakaba trail is a common merging area at Appi Kogen. Image: Eliot Cochrane

These seemingly minor things can lead to dangers, particularly on busy days, which are becoming almost daily at the main resorts. Pull over to the side of the trail if you need to rest or adjust your equipment, and make sure to check uphill before reentering traffic. The uphill rider often holds much of the safety responsibility, but the downhill rider is not admonished of their responsibility either. When skiing with friends, stop in visible and open spaces to the side of the trail so others can easily spot you for safety and not disrupt the flow.

“Harmony and respect for others are highly valued in Japan. People’s behavior on the mountain reflects these ideals as well.”

Listen to the patrol

Ski patrol in Japan may seem strict compared to other countries. But their priority is safety, not punishment. If a patroller asks you to stop, it’s not personal. They frequently have to deal with a staffing shortage, difficult working conditions, and a growing number of foreign visitors who might not speak the same language. All of these together put an incredible amount of stress and importance on the patroller.

Appi Kogen patrol and grooming staff work alongside volunteers to set up emergency boundaries. Image: Eliot Cochrane

A little respect goes a long way in Japan. If you’re unsure about any areas that may be closed, ask politely. Most patrol staff will gladly explain in simple English or gestures to explain the situation as best they can. Also be sure to say “thank you” or “arigatou gozaimasu” because oftentimes they don’t hear it enough.

A culture of courtesy

Every video on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok emphasizes that the atmosphere and the surrounding people can be more beautiful than the actual snow when visiting Japan. On the mountain, people show respect for the environment, other travellers, and the people who look after it.

The beautiful view from the lookout at the top of Geto Kogen. Image: Eliot Cochrane

The mountains are ever changing environments that demand your attention. Every rope, sign, and warning is there for a reason. Someone with vast amounts of training and experience has studied the terrain, weather, and adverse risks that lie beneath the surface that may not be seen. Japan is often characterized as a place where people dedicate incredible time to their craft. Ignoring the warnings and signs isn’t just careless, it is borderline disrespectful for those who oftentimes devote their lives to keeping others safe.

The ski patrollers, groomers, and lift operators ensure the snow is safe throughout the mountain and create the ideal corduroy every morning. Their efforts ensure that skiers can enjoy the mountain at its best yet many of them will remain unseen throughout the season.

Light fencing covered in snow and ice at the top of Amihari Onsen Ski Resort blocks entry directly below the upper terminal of the No. 3 Lift. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Respect not only goes for those who make the sport possible, but also for others on the slopes. Yielding to beginners, keeping safe distances from others, and being in control are other forms of respect. A quiet and courteous approach doesn’t just prevent accidents. It helps to preserve the atmosphere that makes Japow special.

When everyone does their part, Japan is considered to be among the safest and most enjoyable countries in the world, on top of their world class snow. Respecting closures, observing the mountain’s natural flow, and keeping in mind that sound judgment is the foundation of a successful Japow day are all ways that visitors can contribute.

View from the pitch change at the top of the Shirakaba trail at Amihari Onsen Ski Resort. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Every turn, every lift ride, and every moment on the mountain is a chance to show respect for the people and places that make Japan’s winter season so special. If we all carry that mindset, we can keep Japow not only the best snow on earth but also the best experience.