Yes, you can ski Mount Fuji, but the experience is split into two distinct realities: a highly specialized, non-resort, backcountry descent from the summit, or a traditional, lift-serviced day at one of the established ski resorts located on the lower slopes. The symmetrical cone of Japan’s highest peak offers a challenge for expert backcountry enthusiasts who are prepared for a full mountaineering expedition. For the general public, the lower slopes provide an accessible winter sports experience with stunning views of the volcano.
The Backcountry Reality: Skiing from the Summit
Skiing from the summit of Mount Fuji is a demanding mountaineering endeavor that requires a full hike-up before the ski-down. There are no lifts or facilities operating on the upper mountain outside of the summer hiking season, meaning the descent is earned through a strenuous ascent with all gear. The climb typically begins from the 5th Station, requiring a vertical gain of approximately 1,300 meters to reach the 3,776-meter summit.
The terrain is unique, consisting of volcanic ash and scree beneath the snowpack, which results in variable and challenging conditions. The descent offers a massive, open slope with a vertical drop spanning over 1,000 meters, providing a run for those with the technical skill to navigate it. This experience is reserved for expert-level backcountry skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable with steep slopes, often ranging from 30 to 40 degrees near the top.
The Best Time and Conditions for a Descent
The ideal window for a summit descent is late spring, running from mid-April to early June, distinct from the main winter ski season in Japan. This timing is preferred because the snowpack begins to stabilize and the weather becomes more predictable. During this period, the daily freeze-thaw cycle transforms the snow into “corn snow,” which is softened by the sun and allows ski edges to bite effectively for a controlled descent.
Attempting the descent during the deep winter months, from December to February, is significantly more dangerous and often impossible. Extreme cold and powerful winds, which can exceed 30 meters per second, strip the snow from the upper slopes, leaving behind hard ice. These conditions make a safe descent too risky, as the icy surface offers little purchase for skis or mountaineering equipment.
Safety, Gear, and Regulations for Off-Season Skiing
Off-season descent requires mandatory mountaineering equipment. Essential gear includes an ice axe and crampons for the ascent, as well as a helmet and full avalanche safety equipment, such as a transceiver, probe, and shovel. The mountain is officially “closed” outside of the summer hiking season, meaning all mountain huts, aid stations, and public toilets above the 5th Station are shut down.
Anyone attempting an off-season ascent must file a Climbing Plan, or tozan-kei, with the local police before starting the climb. This document details the planned route, schedule, group members, and emergency contacts. Climbers are also required to bring their own portable toilet to preserve the mountain’s environment, as no facilities are available. Due to risks, including strong wind gusts that can lift climbers off the slope, a certified guide is often recommended for those unfamiliar with the mountain’s specific hazards.
Ski Resorts Near Mount Fuji
Several established ski resorts operate on the lower slopes of Mount Fuji, offering a traditional, lift-serviced experience. Fujiten Snow Resort and Snow Town Yeti are two popular options, offering groomed runs and modern facilities. These resorts cater to a wide range of abilities, from beginners to intermediate skiers, and are easily accessible from the surrounding areas.
Snow Town Yeti is notable for its early opening, sometimes starting as early as October due to extensive artificial snowmaking capabilities. These resorts offer a family-friendly environment with terrain parks and dedicated kids’ areas. Visitors can enjoy winter sports and the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji without the extreme technical demands of the backcountry.