Many children get their first taste of skiing on a school trip. School ski trips are a fantastic way to give children the chance to try something new. Not only are students given the chance to gain a new skill, discover a new hobby and have a memorable educational experience with their friends, but they are also encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and become more independent.
At Educating Adventures, we love helping schools and teachers organise once-in-a-lifetime ski experiences. Not only do our ski trips incorporate skiing and educational activities, but they also help students experience an exciting new world of possibilities.
Japan is fast becoming a popular destination for a school ski trip. Not only is it home to some of the best ski terrain in the world, but as a destination, Japan also offers a variety of learning experiences for a ski trip. Not to mention, it’s a place that is safe to travel with children and brimming with culture.
As skiers ourselves, we know what it takes to create the ultimate school ski trip experience. While we’re all about the skiing, we also know how to strike the right balance between time spent on the slopes and enjoying other experiences on offer to make your school trip one to remember.
Here’s what to expect on a ski trip to Japan with Educating Adventures.
Japow
Japan is home to some of the best powder in the world, often referred to as Japow. During the winter, Japan receives consistent dumpings of light, fluffy champagne powder. The soft snow combined with varied terrain and world-class lift infrastructure means there is no better place for children to learn to ski.
Hakuba is our favourite destination to send school groups on a ski holiday. Nestled in the Nagano Valley near Tokyo, Hakuba offers a range of piste terrain for beginner to advanced skiers and snowboarders. It is also a place that gives students the chance to have an authentic Japanese ski town experience. When you’re not on the slopes, Hakuba offers a good range of non-skiing activities for you to enjoy.
Culture
It’s the little extras in your itinerary that will transform your school ski trip to Japan into an experience of a lifetime.
After a day of hitting the slopes, you and your students will have the chance to enjoy après ski the traditional way. Head to one of Hakuba’s popular outdoor onsen spots for a soak. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and one of the many quaint restaurants that line the ski village streets. Visit Japan’s national treasures, the 16th century Matsumoto Castle or the 1400-year-old Zenkoji Temple. Head to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the famous Japanese snow monkeys in their natural habitat. Even try your hand at making your own soba noodles under the guidance of Hakuba’s experts.
One of the most significant benefits of a ski trip to Japan for school students is the opportunity for them to gain real-world experience by stepping outside their comfort zone in a new way. Away from the familiarity of home. This can be extremely beneficial for them going forward in life and is one of the most rewarding elements of a school group tour to a foreign country.
Easy travel
Travelling to and around Japan is nothing to worry about. All school tours with Educating Adventures include a local Japanese tour manager to travel with you for the entire duration of your trip. Not only will they coordinate your group's transport needs, but they also get the most out of your trip in terms of experience and insight.
Whether you’re arriving by plane or travelling from Tokyo by bullet train, Hakuba is an easily accessible destination for a school tour. The flight time from the UK to Tokyo is approximately 12 hours. This may be the furthermost some of your students have travelled away from home, which can be an exciting experience in itself. Tokyo to Hakuba is around a 2.5-hour commute. Depending on your tour dates, you could easily add a day or two of sightseeing in Tokyo to your itinerary to break up the trip.
A holiday for you, too
The main benefit of a ski trip organised by Educating Adventures is that you’ll get to enjoy your snow holiday too.
While organising a school trip can be hairy process at times, once you’re away, we do our best to ensure all your needs are taken care of. Our team work behind the scenes to ensure your trip runs seamlessly.
Not only is your Japanese tour manager there to help you and your students get the most out of your time in Japan, but they will also deal with any issues that may arise.
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