Less running around.
More skiing.

We learned a lot from our first Japan trip. For 2027, we’ve rebuilt the itinerary around what actually matters: five full ski days, easier mountain logistics, more included food, and time in Tokyo on either end.

Shiga Kogen was one of the venues of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, hosting Olympic alpine skiing and snowboarding events.

We’ll spend five days skiing across the same massive mountain network that hosted Olympic competition.

Shiga Kogen sits high in the Japanese Alps and is known for dry, light natural snow. In the right conditions, expect genuine Japanese powder — not just groomer laps with a little fresh snow on top.

There are groomed runs across the enormous resort too, but if Japan delivers the snow we’re coming for, you’ll want equipment that lets you actually enjoy it.

If you normally ski a narrow frontside or carving setup, strongly consider renting powder-capable skis in Japan.

A wider ski provides substantially more flotation and makes deep snow easier and much more enjoyable. You do not need to buy powder skis just for this trip — powder-capable rental equipment is available locally.

If your skis are built primarily for Ontario hardpack, Japan may be the trip where you leave them at home.

This is not a learn-to-ski or learn-to-snowboard trip. Japan is best suited to confident intermediate, advanced and expert riders who can ski independently for a full day.

You should be comfortable handling changing snow conditions, navigating a large resort and skiing or riding confidently without continuous instruction or supervision.

Previous powder experience is an asset, but it is not required. If deep snow is new to you, come prepared to adjust your technique, slow down when necessary and use appropriate equipment.

Our current leading accommodation package includes:

That means you are not arriving at a Japanese ski resort and suddenly discovering you need to budget for three mountain meals every day.

Of course, you can still eat elsewhere or buy snacks if you want. Tokyo meals and personal spending are not included.

Saturday, February 13
✈️ Depart Toronto for Japan

Sunday, February 14
🇯🇵 Arrive Tokyo
Check in, eat, explore and attempt to understand what time it is.

Monday, February 15
🚄 Tokyo → Nagano → Shiga Kogen
Mountain transfer + hotel check-in.

Tuesday, February 16
🎿 Ski Day 1

Wednesday, February 17
🎿 Ski Day 2

Thursday, February 18
🎿 Ski Day 3

Friday, February 19
🎿 Ski Day 4

Saturday, February 20
🎿 Ski Day 5
Return to Tokyo after skiing.

Sunday, February 21 / Monday, February 22
🗼 Tokyo + return to Toronto

We are leaving Toronto on Saturday, February 13. Before flights are purchased, the confirmed group will meet and decide when we want to come home.

Our current estimated trip price assumes the Monday return. A Sunday return is expected to be approximately $125 less per person, subject to final airfare and hotel pricing.

Land-only participants are responsible for arriving in Tokyo in time to join the group itinerary.

You must be ready to travel with the group from Tokyo to Shiga Kogen on Monday, February 15.

The current ~$2,500 estimate assumes approximately $1,500 in group airfare. The final land-only price will be based on the actual airfare cost removed from the full package.

Shiga Kogen is an Ikon Pass destination.

For the 2026–27 season, the Ikon Base Pass includes 5 days at Shiga Kogen and the full Ikon Pass includes 7 days.

Ikon Base blackout dates are February 13–14, but our scheduled ski days are February 16–20.

Lift tickets are not included in either trip package.

The official 2026–27 Shiga Kogen 5-day all-mountain pass is currently:

Currency conversion will fluctuate. Most U of T participants will fall into Shiga Kogen’s adult ticket category.

Ski and snowboard rentals are also not included in either package.

Final 2026–27 rental pricing has not yet been released, but there are rental shops directly in the Shiga Kogen ski area.

If you are skiing, we strongly recommend selecting a powder-capable / high-performance ski rather than automatically taking the cheapest frontside rental.

What isn’t included?

Lift tickets for participants without applicable Ikon Pass access, ski/snowboard rentals, Tokyo meals, local personal transportation, travel insurance, personal spending outside the included hotel package and optional activities.

Most UTSSC international trips have required participants to budget separately for meals throughout the trip. Japan 2027 is different: the majority of your meals during the ski portion are built directly into the package.

Japan requires UTSSC to commit significant funds to accommodation and airfare well before departure.

For Full Package participants, once group flights are purchased, the airfare portion of your payment may become non-refundable or subject to airline restrictions.

Land-only participants are solely responsible for their own international airfare, flight changes, delays and associated costs.

After the final payment deadline, refunds cannot be guaranteed. If you withdraw, any refund will depend on whether UTSSC can replace your spot and recover costs already committed on your behalf.

Register because you intend to go — not because you want to hold a spot while you decide.