Skiing Near Mount Fuji: Snow Town Yeti & Fujiten Resort Guide

Why Ski Near Mount Fuji

Most travelers don't associate Mount Fuji with skiing, but two small resorts sit on opposite sides of Japan's most iconic peak — and they offer something no other ski area in the country can match. At Snow Town Yeti (スノータウンYeti) on the south slope in Shizuoka Prefecture and Fujiten Snow Resort (ふじてんスノーリゾート) on the north side in Yamanashi, you ski with Fuji filling the horizon.

These aren't destination ski resorts. Neither has steep terrain or deep powder. What they do offer is easy access from Tokyo, affordable lift tickets, dedicated kids' snow play areas, and that singular backdrop. For families, beginners, and travelers who want a half-day snow experience woven into a broader Fuji-area trip, they hit a sweet spot that larger resorts like Hakuba or Niseko simply can't replicate.

Both resorts rely heavily on snowmaking cannons (人工降雪機) to maintain their runs, which means conditions are consistent but the snow leans artificial. Snow Town Yeti is famous for being one of Japan's earliest-opening ski areas — often welcoming skiers by late October. Fujiten opens later but runs into early April and offers more varied terrain.

Snow Town Yeti vs Fujiten: Quick Comparison

Before diving into each resort, here's how they stack up side by side.

	Snow Town Yeti	Fujiten Snow Resort
Location	South side of Mt. Fuji (Susono, Shizuoka)	North side of Mt. Fuji (Narusawa, Yamanashi)
Season	Late October – Late March	Mid-December – Early April
Courses	4	7
Night skiing	Yes, until 20:00 on weekends/holidays	No
Adult lift ticket (weekday)	¥4,300 (~$29)	¥5,500 (~$37)
Adult lift ticket (weekend)	¥5,000 (~$33)	¥6,200 (~$41)
Rental ski set	¥4,000 (~$27)	¥4,500 (~$30)
Kids' snow park	Yes (opens mid-Dec)	Yes
Best for	Early season, toddlers, night skiing	More slopes, less crowded midweek
From Tokyo	~90 min by car (Tomei Expressway)	~90 min by car (Chuo Expressway)
Fuji views	South face, dramatic from slopes	North face, close-up from observation lift

If you want more space and varied runs, Fujiten is the better pick. If early-season snow or night skiing under an illuminated Fuji appeals, choose Yeti.

Snow Town Yeti: Japan's Earliest-Opening Ski Resort

Snow Town Yeti sits at around 1,300m on Mount Fuji's south slope in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its claim to fame is opening as early as late October — weeks before most Japanese ski areas — thanks to aggressive snowmaking that blankets its four courses well before natural snowfall arrives.

Slopes and Snow Play Areas

Yeti has four courses spread across a compact layout. The terrain skews firmly toward beginners and intermediates, with gentle gradients and short runs. A magic carpet (a conveyor-belt lift for beginners and kids) makes the learning curve manageable for first-timers.

The dedicated Kids' Snow Park opens in mid-December and features sledding runs, small snow hills, and a fenced-off play area for toddlers. It's separate from the ski slopes, so young children can play safely while older family members ski. Sled rental costs ¥1,000 (~$7) for the day.

One caveat: early season (October–November) conditions are purely machine-made snow on limited terrain. The full snow play areas aren't operational until mid-December, so if you're visiting specifically for kids' activities, time your trip accordingly.

Night Skiing With Fuji Views

On weekends and holidays, Yeti extends operations until 20:00 with floodlit slopes. Night skiing here is a unique experience — the south face of Mount Fuji looms above the runs, and on clear evenings the mountain is visible against the twilight. Many visitors on TripAdvisor highlight the night sessions as Yeti's standout feature.

Fuji views depend entirely on weather. The mountain is clearest on calm winter mornings; cloud cover rolls in frequently by afternoon. For the best chance at that iconic backdrop, arrive early or stay for the night session on a clear day.

Prices and Hours

	Weekday	Weekend/Holiday
Hours	9:00–17:00	9:00–20:00 (night skiing)
Adult lift ticket	¥4,300 (~$29)	¥5,000 (~$33)
Child lift ticket	¥2,800 (~$19)	¥3,200 (~$21)
Rental ski set	¥4,000 (~$27)	¥4,000 (~$27)

Prices shown are from the 2024/25 season. Check the official site for current rates, as 2025/26 pricing had not been announced at the time of writing. Lessons are available by reservation.

Fujiten Snow Resort: More Slopes and Space

Fujiten Snow Resort sits on Mount Fuji's north side in Narusawa, Yamanashi Prefecture. With seven courses compared to Yeti's four, it offers more variety and generally feels less crowded — particularly on midweek visits.

Courses for Beginners and Families

Fujiten's seven courses include wide, gentle runs ideal for beginners alongside a few intermediate options with slightly steeper pitches. The runs are longer than Yeti's, giving new skiers more room to practice turns without the stop-and-start of very short slopes. A magic carpet and observation lift add to the beginner-friendly setup.

The resort is particularly popular with families from the Tokyo and Yokohama area who want a step up from Yeti's compact layout without committing to a multi-hour drive to Nagano or Niigata.

Kids' Snow Park and Sled Area

Fujiten's Kids' Snow Park is a dedicated zone with sledding, tubing, and gentle slopes for children. It's a solid option for families with young kids who aren't ready for the main slopes. The area is fenced and supervised, keeping it separate from skier traffic.

Prices and Hours

	Weekday	Weekend/Holiday
Hours	9:00–16:30	9:00–17:00
Adult lift ticket	¥5,500 (~$37)	¥6,200 (~$41)
Child lift ticket	¥3,200 (~$21)	¥3,700 (~$25)
Rental ski set	¥4,500 (~$30)	¥4,500 (~$30)

Note that Fujiten closes earlier than Yeti on weekdays (16:30 vs 17:00) and does not offer night skiing. The resort is closed on Tuesdays during the season. Online ticket purchase is recommended. Prices are from the 2024/25 season — check the official site for updates.

If you're looking for places to stay near the resort, see our guide to hotels near Fujiten Snow Resort.

Getting There From Tokyo

Both resorts are roughly 90 minutes from central Tokyo by car, but they sit on opposite sides of Mount Fuji and use different highway routes.

Reaching Snow Town Yeti

• By car: Take the Tomei Expressway to Susono IC, then follow Route 469 to the resort. About 90 minutes from Tokyo in normal traffic.
• By train: Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima (40 min), then bus to Susono (30 min), then resort shuttle bus (20 min). Total approximately 120 minutes.
• By bus: Highway buses run from Shinjuku to Susono on weekends and holidays during the season. Check schedules ahead of time as service varies by year.

Susono Station on the JR Gotemba Line is the nearest rail stop.

Reaching Fujiten Snow Resort

• By car: Take the Chuo Expressway to Fuji IC, then follow signs to Fujiten. About 90 minutes from Tokyo.
• By bus: Highway buses run from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station (about 110 minutes), then transfer to a resort shuttle bus (25 minutes). Total 90–135 minutes depending on connections.
• By train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station, followed by the resort bus.

Fujikyuko Kawaguchiko Station is the nearest rail stop and a good base if you want to combine skiing with Fuji Five Lakes sightseeing.

Planning Your Mount Fuji Ski Trip

Best Time to Visit

The window depends on which resort you choose. Yeti opens as early as late October, making it one of the first ski areas in Japan to welcome visitors each season. However, early-season conditions are artificial snow only, and kids' play areas don't open until mid-December.

Fujiten opens in mid-December and runs into early April. The best natural snow at both resorts falls between December and February. If Fuji views are a priority, clear winter mornings (especially January and February) offer the highest visibility.

Gear Rental and What to Bring

Both resorts offer full rental sets (skis, boots, poles) starting at ¥4,000–4,500 (~$27–30). Snowboard rental is also available at similar prices. A few things to keep in mind:

• Bring your own gloves and jacket — rental outerwear at both resorts is piecemeal and can be expensive
• Book ski lessons in advance at Yeti, as walk-in availability is limited
• Helmets are available for rent but bringing your own is recommended for children
• Goggles and sunscreen are essential — the reflected light off machine-made snow at altitude can be intense

Tips for Non-Japanese Speakers

English support at both resorts is minimal. Neither has dedicated English-speaking staff, though basic ticket and rental transactions are straightforward. A few practical tips:

• Use Google Translate for signage and rental forms — most information is displayed in Japanese only
• Buy lift tickets online in advance where possible (Fujiten offers online ticketing)
• Trail maps at both resorts include some English labeling, but safety announcements are in Japanese
• Keep the resort's official website open on your phone for reference — Google Translate handles the Japanese sites reasonably well

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a day of skiing near Mount Fuji cost?

Budget approximately ¥8,000–11,000 (~$53–73) per adult for a full day including lift ticket and rental gear. Snow Town Yeti runs ¥4,300–5,000 for a lift pass plus ¥4,000 for rental. Fujiten costs ¥5,500–6,200 for a lift pass plus ¥4,500 for rental. Kids' tickets are roughly 40% cheaper at both resorts.

Can I ski near Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes. Both resorts sit about 90 minutes from central Tokyo by car, and highway buses run from Shinjuku (for Yeti) and Tokyo Station (for Fujiten) during the winter season. An early start gets you on the slopes by mid-morning with plenty of time for a full day, or you can combine a half-day of skiing with Fuji Five Lakes sightseeing.

Which resort is better for beginners and families?

Fujiten has wider, longer slopes across seven courses and tends to be less crowded on weekdays — it's the better pick for beginner skiers who want room to practice. Yeti is a stronger choice for families with toddlers, thanks to its dedicated snow play park and the option of night skiing on weekends.

When does ski season start near Mount Fuji?

Snow Town Yeti opens as early as late October using snowmaking equipment, making it one of the first ski resorts to open each year in Japan. Fujiten opens in mid-December with more natural snow supplemented by snow cannons. Both close between late March and early April. The peak period for reliable conditions and natural snowfall is December through February.