Miffa and family love ski – our Niseko travel
Miss Chan and family, including the adorable Kewpie, and Mr. Gutang who was not a fan at the beginning, are keen fans of ski and winter sports and were dreaming of the unique Japanese power slopes that one can find in Hokkaido.
Unfortunately the year we were able to ski in Niseko they had the worst and least quantity of snow in the last 1o years and during the week we were there all the gates were closed.
But this time we would like to write about a small ski resort, quite close from Tokyo, actually there are some resorts you can arrive via Shinkansen (Bullet train)
Miffy, Japan and Ski
In Katashina Kogen you will be able to not only ski with little kids but to spot the cute little rabbit cartoon named ‘Miffy’ – on the toilet doors, signposts or as a snow sculpture. Dutch artist Dick Bruna created the character in 1955 as ‘Nijntje’ (short for konijntje = rabbit) while he was on the beach, this small rabbit has evolved through time (gaining weight mainly) and became very popular in Japan.
Katashina Kogen it is a great place for beginners or as a relaxing and not too challenging ski trip, it brings you back to the basic roots of the skiing experience. With 6 ski lifts, its lifts and pistes higher up are quite empty, so you are free to enjoy the simplicity of this winter sport. However, the pistes are not too demanding, with the steepest slope having a maximum of 25 degrees.
Her alternative name is ‘Miffy’ (probably because non Dutch people can not deal with the ‘lange ij’). Some Japanese toy companies produce Miffy merchandise with unique designs, and while looking for some Miffa Chans sisters we founded that they even have a ski resort dedicated to this bunny.
Miffy Ski School
Miffy Ski School used to equip their instructors with Miffy inspired gear licensed by Mercis. The school offers ski lessons for children and also for grown ups (even if you are not as in the bunny business than us)
The lessons include various fun facilities that are appealing to different age groups (4+ years). If you want to go skiing yourself but have a toddler (2-4 years), they can safely play at the Miffy Ski School daycare while you ski.
If you’re advanced and keen to improve your racing skills, you can take classes from the previous Olympic skier Tomii Takeshii.
Ideal place for beginners and well priced
Katashina Kogen it is a great place for beginners or as a relaxing and not too challenging ski trip, it brings you back to the basic roots of the skiing experience. With 6 ski lifts, its lifts and pistes higher up are quite empty, so you are free to enjoy the simplicity of this winter sport. However, the pistes are not too demanding, with the steepest slope having a maximum of 25 degrees.
Ski Passes in Katashina Kogen are priced at affordable rates, as compared to other ski resorts in Japan.
