For many international visitors, knowing when Japan’s ski season begins is an important part of planning a winter trip. Most ski resorts open in December, while a handful may start as early as November. Opening dates can shift each year depending on weather and snowfall, so it’s always best to confirm with official sources before booking.

This is where Shizuoka’s Yeti stands out. Yeti opens every October, making it Japan’s earliest ski resort to welcome skiers and snowboarders. In 2025, it opened on October 24, marking the resort’s 27th consecutive year as the first in the country to start the season.

Yeti sits at the second station of Mt. Fuji in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is operated by PICA Resort, part of the Fujikyu Group, which manages transport, leisure, and hotel facilities across Yamanashi and Shizuoka. PICA also runs a variety of campgrounds and outdoor facilities designed for travelers looking to enjoy Japan’s winter outdoors.

Backed by this experience, Yeti offers a solid environment for those eager to hit the slopes before winter fully arrives, as well as for anyone simply wanting to try out some early-season snow activities.

Snow Park Yeti is a convenient and beginner-friendly resort where new skiers and snowboarders can feel comfortable from the start. Most slopes are gentle, and the resort’s structured beginner lessons make it simple and safe even for first-timers. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, with dedicated play areas for small children and spaces for casual snow activities.

Because it offers easy access from Tokyo, a full day of skiing is possible on a simple day trip. Yeti adds extra fun with seasonal entertainment like opening-day events and free lift access for visitors who arrive in costume. The snow here is softer due to the lower elevation, but it’s an ideal choice for travelers who want relaxed snow play or a light introduction to skiing.

Yeti is known for being the first ski resort in Japan to open each year, usually from late October to early November. Since the opening often coincides with Halloween, the resort hosts a special event where visitors who arrive in costume on opening day can enjoy free lift access.

On the opening day of the 2025 season, Yeti welcomed guests with a fun promotion that offered free lift access to anyone who arrived in costume before 10 AM. Around 500 skiers and snowboarders gathered to celebrate Japan’s earliest ski opening. Despite light fog and rain, the slopes opened with a lively countdown, and participants in colorful costumes enjoyed their first runs of the season. The idol group Tsuyokute New Game and Susono City’s mascot “Susonon” also made appearances, adding extra excitement.

The first person on the slopes was a visitor from Yuzawa Town in Niigata Prefecture. To mark the occasion, the resort served 300 portions of Shizuoka’s local specialty, Shizuoka Oden, free of charge. Many guests warmed up with the hearty dish and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. A live idol performance rounded out the event, filling the venue with upbeat music and cheerful dance routines.

Snow Park Yeti features mainly gentle slopes, making it ideal for families and those trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. With well-equipped kids’ areas, beginners can enjoy the slopes with confidence.

For more details, check the Yeti course map on the official website here.

Perfect for first-time skiers! Yeti’s main course, approximately 1 km long with a vertical drop of about 150 meters, is the earliest to open in Japan each season, usually in late October, and remains available throughout the winter.

Designed for beginner to intermediate skiers, the first half of the course features gentle slopes, and the area is equipped with a moving walkway and a quad lift for comfortable access.

On clear days, the upper section of the slope offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, making it a perfect photo spot.

This course is suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers, with a moving walkway installed in the upper area, allowing easy access and ideal practice for newcomers.

The terrain becomes more varied toward the middle and lower sections, with wide, open slopes where you can fully enjoy dynamic carving and a greater sense of speed.

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, featuring steep slopes and varied terrain in the middle section that provide a satisfying challenge.

The BADGETEST Level 1 ski certification is also held here, making it an ideal course for skiers and snowboarders aiming to improve their skills and advance to the next level.

This is Yeti’s most challenging slope, designed for intermediate to advanced skiers.

With an average gradient of 16° and a maximum gradient of 25°, it offers a highly demanding course that promises an exciting and thrilling experience.

A highlight of Yeti is its signature “Snow Ramp.” The park is designed with layouts and features that make it easy for beginners to practice safely.

For those looking to improve their skills, park lessons are also available, so be sure to join and take your riding to the next level.

Types of Lift Tickets
Yeti operates as a ticketed ski resort.

How to Save Money When Buying Tickets

・Advance Web Tickets
Purchasing an advance web ticket allows you to get admission tickets at a discounted price.

・Route Bus & Lift Ticket Set
Special tickets are also available that combine a route bus from Gotemba Station, Mishima Station, or Fuji Station with a lift ticket to Snow Park Yeti.

Yeti’s rental service is easy to use and offers a wide range of beginner-friendly equipment. Enjoy stylish ski and snowboard gear unique to the slopes.

To rent equipment, purchase a rental ticket at the ticket counter or the vending machines at the rental building, then proceed to the rental counter.

Yeti’s ski school operates with the motto “Japan’s safest and most reliable snow school.” All instructors undergo specialized training in first aid and safety knowledge. Participants are fully supported to ensure they can learn and improve their skiing or snowboarding skills safely and enjoyably.

The following programs are available:
・Ski School (SAJ-certified) from 4,000 yen (1.5 hours)
・Snowboard School (JSBA-certified) from 4,000 yen (1.5 hours)
・Snow Kids Program (for preschoolers)
・SAJ & JSBA Badge Tests
・English and Chinese lessons (reservation required)

The 2025–2026 season school programs are scheduled to start in mid-December. Beginner ski and snowboard lessons do not require prior reservation.

Yeti also features a dedicated sledding area. This slope is designed exclusively for young children, making it a perfect place for families to create fun memories. With Mt. Fuji as a stunning backdrop, visitors can enjoy sledding to their heart’s content.

Only standard plastic sleds are allowed on the sledding slope. Snow striders, tubes, bike-shaped sleds, and other specially shaped sleds are not permitted.

Yeti has a kids’ room where children can take off their shoes and relax. It provides a space for kids to rest after playing in the snow, with toys available for fun activities. After a day of snow play, children can unwind comfortably in the warm indoor environment.

Yeti is primarily a day-use snow park, but visitors can also stay nearby and enjoy local sightseeing. If you choose to stay in Gotemba, which offers the most convenient access to Yeti, here are some ways to make the most of your visit.

We recommend the day-use hot spring “Konohananoyu” located within the Gotemba Premium Outlets. This onsen features its own natural hot spring source and offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. The facilities are well-equipped, including 19 private open-air baths for a personal bathing experience. Inside, there are spacious rest areas, a comic corner, and dining options, making it a perfect place to relax during your trip.

The restaurant is located in the town area near the parking lot. Shops, the rental building, and the information center are also nearby.

The menu includes a variety of options such as rice balls, ramen, udon, and curry.

You can enjoy a variety of local flavors in Gotemba. Popular options include hand-made Gotemba Mikuriya Soba, Gotemba Kogen Beer, juicy Gotemba Croquettes, puddings and soft-serve ice cream made with milk from the Asagiri Plateau, and dishes featuring fresh winter vegetables grown at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Finally, here are the main ways to get to Yeti. The resort is accessible from Tokyo as well as other areas in the Greater Tokyo region, including Kanagawa.

There are four main types of access: train + bus, local bus, highway bus, and car. Use this guide as a reference when planning your visit.

When traveling from Tokyo to Yeti by train, you will need to transfer to a local bus at one of several connecting stations. Here’s a summary of the main routes to the transfer stations:

JR Tokyo Station → JR Gotemba Station
・Tokyo Station → (Tokaido Line: approx. 1 hour 10 min) → Kōzu Station → (Gotemba Line: approx. 50 min) → Gotemba Station

JR Tokyo Station → JR Mishima Station
・Tokyo Station → (Shinkansen: approx. 40 min) → Mishima Station

JR Tokyo Station → JR Fuji Station
・Tokyo Station → (Shinkansen: approx. 1 hour 20 min) → Fuji Station

Once you arrive at your transfer station, board a local bus to reach Yeti.

Here is a summary of one-way fares and travel times for buses to Yeti for your reference:

JR Gotemba Station → Yeti (approx. 55 min)
・One-way fare: 1,570 yen
・Board the Grinpa-Yeti bus at JR Gotemba Station.

JR Mishima Station → JR Susono Station → Yeti (approx. 1 hr 10 min)
・One-way fare: 1,830 yen from JR Mishima Station / 1,630 yen from JR Susono Station
・Board the Grinpa-Yeti bus at JR Mishima Station South Exit or JR Susono Station.

JR Fuji Station → Yoshiwara Chuo Station → Yeti (approx. 1 hr 20 min)
・One-way fare: 1,870 yen from JR Fuji Station / 1,700 yen from Yoshiwara Chuo Station
・Board the Grinpa-Yeti bus at JR Fuji Station or Yoshiwara Chuo Station.

These buses do not require reservations. Note that IC cards such as PASMO and Suica can be used.

Fujikyu buses also offer affordable plans that include a round-trip bus ticket and a one-day ski pass for unlimited lifts.

Round-trip bus ticket + 1-day ski pass (unlimited lifts)
・Adult: 5,800 yen
・Junior & Senior High School Students: 4,700 yen
・Child: 3,600 yen

There is also a plan that includes ski (skis, poles, boots) or snowboard (board, boots) rentals, perfect for those who want to travel light.

Round-trip bus ticket + 1-day ski pass (unlimited lifts) + rental set
・Adult: 9,200 yen
・Junior & Senior High School Students: 7,500 yen
・Child: 5,600 yen
・For more details, see the Fujikyu Travel website

Direct buses offer the advantage of using a dedicated entrance, making entry easier even during busy times. The bus fare also includes a one-day ski pass, making it a great value.

Here’s a summary of travel times and fares (including admission) from several departure points to Yeti:
・Shinjuku Station (approx. 2 hr 30 min) – 12,000 yen per adult, day trip
・Fujisawa Station (approx. 2 hr) – 11,500 yen per adult, day trip
・Shizuoka Station (approx. 1 hr 40 min) – 11,000 yen per adult, day trip
・Numazu Station (approx. 1 hr 10 min) – 11,000 yen per adult, day trip

For more details, see the Yeti Resort website.

Details on Tokyu Bus are available on the official Tokyu Bus website.

For families or large groups going skiing, access by rental car or private vehicle is recommended.
Parking at Yeti is free.

Tomei Expressway
・From Susono IC: approx. 20 min (via Minami Gaishu Road)
・From Gotemba IC: approx. 30 min (via Mt. Fuji Skyline)
・From Fuji IC: approx. 40 min (via Jurigi)

Shin-Tomei Expressway
・From Shin-Fuji IC: approx. 30 min (via Jurigi)

Chuo Expressway
・From Kawaguchiko IC: approx. 60 min (via Higashi Fuji Five Lakes Road)

Here are some easily accessible sightseeing spots around Gotemba that can help with your travel planning.

One of Japan’s largest outlet malls, featuring numerous brand shops and restaurants. With a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji, it’s a great place to spend the whole day shopping and dining.

Offers a drive-through safari experience, opportunities to interact with animals, and feeding experiences. Popular with families, it’s easily accessible from Gotemba and can be enjoyed for a full day.

A park on a high hill with views of Mt. Fuji. It features the Butsari Pagoda, Kannon statues, and Asian-style guardian dogs, providing a peaceful and scenic environment for a relaxing walk.

Here are some recommended hotels around Gotemba.