Skiing Near Mount Fuji: Fujiten, Yeti & Fuji-Area Ski Resorts

Can You Ski on Mount Fuji?

If you have searched for Mount Fuji skiing, you have probably wondered whether you can actually ski down Japan's most famous volcano. The short answer: no — at least not in the way most people imagine.

Resort Skiing vs the Mountain Itself

There are no ski resorts on Mount Fuji's upper slopes. The two ski areas near Mount Fuji — Fujiten Snow Resort and Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti — are located at the mountain's base, at the 1st and 2nd stations respectively. They offer groomed resort skiing and snowboarding with views of Fuji, not skiing on the volcano itself.

Backcountry skiing on Mount Fuji's upper slopes does exist, but it is an extreme and dangerous activity that requires permits, alpine mountaineering experience, and specialized equipment. It is not a tourist activity and not what this guide covers.

What you can do is ski at two small, family-friendly resorts that sit on Fuji's lower flanks — both viable as day trips from Tokyo. These are beginner-oriented resorts with short runs, snow machines, and Fuji views. If you are looking for serious powder skiing, head to Hokkaido or Nagano instead. If you want a casual day on the snow with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, read on.

Fujiten Snow Resort: Fuji's Northern Base

Fujiten Snow Resort (富士テン・スノーリゾート) sits at Mount Fuji's 1st Station (第一合目) on the mountain's northern side, in Narusawa village, Yamanashi Prefecture. According to the official Fujiten site, the resort has 7 courses ranging from beginner to advanced, making it the larger and more varied of the two Fuji-area options.

Courses and Terrain

Fujiten's 7 courses spread across the mountainside with a maximum run length of approximately 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). The terrain is primarily suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers will find the runs short and relatively gentle compared to major Japanese ski resorts.

According to Japan Guide, the resort typically operates from mid-December through late March, with hours of approximately 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The 2025-2026 season opening was December 13, according to Japan Ski Guide. Snow machines supplement natural snowfall, which can be inconsistent at this relatively low elevation.

Chibikko Island Kids Snow Park

Fujiten's standout feature for families is Chibikko Island (ちびっこアイランド), a dedicated kids' snow play area that is one of the largest in the Kanto region. The area includes sledding slopes and snow play zones separate from the ski courses, making it safe for young children who are not ready for skiing.

This is a genuine draw — many visitors specifically choose Fujiten over Yeti for the family facilities. According to visitor reviews, the kids area keeps young children entertained while parents take turns on the slopes.

Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti: Fuji's Southern Side

Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti (富士山スノーリゾート イエティ) sits at Mount Fuji's 2nd Station (第二合目) on the southern slope, at an elevation of approximately 1,300-1,450 meters (4,265-4,757 feet). This is notably higher than Fujiten, which can mean better snow conditions.

Courses and Conditions

According to the official Yeti site, Yeti offers courses with a combined total of approximately 3 km. The resort is compact and primarily beginner-friendly. The higher elevation compared to Fujiten means slightly more reliable snow, though snow machines are still used.

Yeti operates on a seasonal schedule similar to Fujiten (approximately December through March). The resort offers 4-hour session packages that include lift tickets and equipment rental — a practical option for visitors who want a short skiing experience without committing to a full day.

Fujiten vs Yeti: Which Resort to Choose

Both resorts are small, beginner-focused, and close to Tokyo. Here is how they compare:

Feature	Fujiten	Yeti
Location	1st Station (north)	2nd Station (south)
Elevation	Lower (~750-1,000m)	Higher (~1,300-1,450m)
Courses	7 courses	Fewer, ~3km total
Kids area	Chibikko Island (large)	Smaller
From Tokyo	~90 min by car	~2 hours by car
Nearest station	Kawaguchiko	Gotemba
Free shuttle	Yes (from Kawaguchiko)	No

Choose Fujiten if: You are traveling with young children, want more course variety, or are coming from the Fuji Five Lakes area. The free shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station and the Chibikko Island kids area make it the better family choice.

Choose Yeti if: You want slightly higher elevation for better snow conditions, are coming from the Gotemba direction, or want a shorter session (4-hour packages). Yeti's southern slope position also offers a different perspective on Mount Fuji.

For experienced skiers: Neither resort is a destination for advanced skiing. If you want challenging terrain and deep powder, consider Hokkaido or Nagano resorts instead.

Getting to Fuji-Area Ski Resorts from Tokyo

Driving and Parking

According to the official Fujiten information, Fujiten is approximately 90 minutes by car from central Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway to Kawaguchiko IC, then 12 km to the resort. Parking is available at the resort.

Yeti is approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by car, closer to Gotemba — about 15 minutes from the town center.

According to TripAdvisor visitor reports, roads to both resorts' parking areas are usually dry, but carrying tire chains is recommended as a precaution during peak winter.

By Train and Shuttle

Fujiten: Take the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅). Fujiten offers a free shuttle bus from the station — a 10-minute ride. Request the shuttle when purchasing your tickets.

Yeti: The nearest major station is Gotemba Station, accessible from Tokyo via the JR Tokaido Line or bus. From Gotemba, it is approximately a 15-minute drive to the resort. Check with Yeti for current shuttle availability.

For visitors without a car, Fujiten's free shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station makes it the more accessible option by public transport.

What to Know Before You Go

• Set expectations: These are small resorts for beginners, families, and casual snow days — not destination ski areas. Runs are short and terrain is limited.
• Snow is often machine-made: Both resorts use snow cannons to supplement inconsistent natural snowfall at their relatively low elevations.
• Check conditions before driving: Call ahead or check resort websites for current snow and operating status, especially in early December and late March.
• Weekdays are quieter: According to visitor reports, weekdays have significantly fewer crowds than weekends.
• Rentals available: Both resorts offer full equipment rental (skis, boards, boots, clothing) — no need to bring your own gear for a day trip.
• Lift ticket prices: Exact 2026 prices were not available at the time of writing. Check the official Fujiten and Yeti websites for current rates.
• Season: Both resorts typically operate from mid-December through late March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually ski on Mount Fuji?

Not in the conventional resort sense. The two ski areas — Fujiten and Yeti — are at the base of Mount Fuji (1st and 2nd stations), not on the volcano's upper slopes. Backcountry skiing on Mount Fuji's higher elevations does exist but is extremely dangerous, requires mountaineering experience and permits, and is not a tourist activity.

Is Fujiten or Yeti better for beginners and families?

Both are beginner-friendly, but Fujiten has the edge for families. It offers 7 courses (vs Yeti's fewer options), a large dedicated kids' snow play area called Chibikko Island, and a free shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station. Yeti has a higher elevation for slightly better snow conditions and offers convenient 4-hour session packages.

Can I do a day trip from Tokyo to ski near Mt Fuji?

Yes — this is exactly what both resorts are designed for. Fujiten is approximately 90 minutes from central Tokyo by car, with a free shuttle available from Kawaguchiko Station. Yeti is about 2 hours by car from Tokyo, accessible from Gotemba. Both have rental equipment, so you can travel light.

Do I need snow tires or chains to drive to Fujiten or Yeti?

Roads to the resort parking areas are usually dry according to visitor reports, but carrying tire chains is recommended as a precaution during peak winter months. Snow tires (studless tires) are not always necessary but are advisable in January and February when conditions can change quickly.