A lift pass, sometimes called a lift ticket, is your admission pass to the ski resort’s lifts.. Without one, you won’t be able to ride chairlifts or gondolas, which means no skiing or snowboarding.

Lift passes can often be purchased online beforehand or in person when you arrive. At some resorts, they may be a part of a hotel package so it’s a good idea to ask and research your options.

Japanese ski resorts offer a wide variety of lift pass options, which can be confusing for first-timers. These choices are designed to suit different skiing styles, schedules, and budgets.

Lift passes will vary by resort, though I’ve laid out the basic types below. Be sure to check with your resort, however, to see exactly what they offer. Always check your specific resort’s website for details.

Most Japanese ski resorts use either IC card systems or paper tickets.

IC CARDS / RFID SYSTEM
This system is common at large and international resorts and is very convenient.

How it works:
• Purchase your pass at the ticket window or online
• Receive an IC card (a plastic card about the size of a credit card usually)
• Put the card in your jacket pocket or lift pass holder.
• At the lift, there's a gate with a sensor. When you go through the gate, it will automatically scan your card
• Gate opens if your pass is valid
• No need to take the card out of your pocket

Pro Tips:
Most sensors are on the left side of the gate, so store your pass in a left-side pocket for smooth scanning.
Many IC cards require a deposit of 500 to 1,000 yen. Return the card at the end of your trip to get your deposit back.


Important: Keep the card away from phones, credit cards, or foil-wrapped items, as these can interfere with scanning.

PAPER TICKETS
Smaller or more traditional resorts still use paper tickets.

How it works:
• Purchase ticket at window
• Receive a paper ticket
• Most ski jackets will have a clear ski card holder on the sleeve or in the lining of the jacket to keep the pass safe from getting wet. You can also buy a separate holder if your jacket doesn’t have one. Place the lift pass in this pocket.
• Staff at lift will visually check your ticket. Depending on the resort you may have to take it out for them to punch or stamp it.

Pro Tip:
Many ski jackets in Japan include a clear sleeve window for lift tickets. If yours does not, pass holders are sold at resort shops for a few hundred yen.

Important:
Do not lose your lift pass! Usually you will have to purchase another one if you misplace it. Take a photo of you with your pass, as if you lose it, the resort may be able to reissue it using the ID number.

Magic Carpets
These are essential conveyor belts, where all you need to do is stand on them while they take you up the mountain. These are the best for absolute beginners as you do not need to learn how to unload.

Chairlifts
These are the most common lift type that usually fit around 2-6 people. With chair lifts, you’ll wait in line until your turn comes and then stand in front of the chair as it rotates around and toward you. The seats hang from a cable, and when it comes beneath you, you’ll sit down on it. If there is a safety bar, you’ll pull that down in front of you after you are seated. When the lift comes to the top, you’ll have to unload and usually ski or snowboard down a small hill. This does take some skill, balance, and getting used to, so be aware of this if it is your first time.

Gondolas
These are enclosed cabins that will take you up to the top of the mountain. Generally, you’ll carry your skis or snowboard and the gondola will arrive at another lodge type place where you can put your gear back on and get situated.

T-Bars / J-Bars
These are essentially long hook-like lifts that you place between your legs or behind one leg. It will pull you up the mountain along your skis, so they can be a little bit tricky for beginners.

If you are an absolute beginner, I would recommend getting a shorter pass (like a half-day pass) to test out how you feel on the mountain first. If you plan on skiing for multiple days, this is a great way to get a feel for things without tiring yourself for the rest of the trip.

Also, be sure to check the weather. In whiteout conditions or on days with very high winds, some lifts will close. You don’t want to buy a full-day pass and then realize you can’t use it.

Some of the popular resort regions are part of multi-resort areas, and so their passes work for different resorts as well. Be sure to check this out as it can be fun to have more variety and check out other resorts!

There may also be different types of discounts for different seasons, for children, or as part of multi-day passes or packages. So, just be sure to do your research in order to get the best deal possible.

A lot of the etiquette surrounding ski lifts is common sense, and it goes without saying to be patient and wait your turn in line. Popular resorts will draw big crowds during the peak seasons, so being orderly and polite allows everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe.

That being said, here are some quick tips to follow.

Figuring out the lift system can be a bit tricky for first timers. While it’s easy enough to buy a pass, getting on one and unloading can be difficult. It’s always helpful to watch a video or a demonstration to see how it’s done as well. But hopefully this guide gave you some quick tips on what to expect, and how to find lift passes that suit your needs.

Enjoy your time on the mountain, and for more tips, guides, and information about skiing in Japan, check out our other articles!