I Wouldn’t Ski Japan Again Without This One Thing

When January rolls around each year, skiers from right across the world fly to Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island and its largest and northernmost prefecture. Why? Because there is some of the most reliable, deep, cold powder you’ll find anywhere in the world. It tends to snow here every day, with six inches to a foot of light snow being added every day. Niseko, for instance, gets an average of 590 inches of snow every year.

South, on Honshu, there’s not as much snow, but it’s easier to get to from Tokyo. Added bonus: you can visit the snow monkeys in Nagano.

It doesn’t matter where you choose to decide in Japan, there’s one thing you need to know: it’s really bloody cold. Much colder than you think it might be. The warmest it gets in Niseko in January is -2ºC. That’s the warmest. You can be out on the slopes and battling -7ºC. 

When you’re pulling your kit together, plan to take extra gloves, beanies, a down parka to go under your ski shell, and lots of thermals made from moisture-wicking fabrics. Most days, you’re going to need to wear a double layer.

I’m one of the people who feels cold really badly though, and some days on my first trip to Hokkaido, even with numerous layers, I still felt like I was going to end up with hypothermia.

When I got home, I did a bit of research. The skiing was incredible, but I wasn’t sure I could deal with those temperatures again. That’s when I found Flamin Fitness, which makes ToastyBody heated base layers. Available in men’s and women’s sizes in XXS to 3XL sizes, this set of long-sleeved shirt and long johns, has 28 strategically placed heated areas. You pop them on, add the rest of your gear, then turn the bottom layer on using a power bank when things turn chilly. There are three adjustable heating modes to keep you comfortable regardless of how cold it is outside.

They don’t come cheap. The set is $250, without the power bank, but there are also heated gilets, jackets, trousers and gloves, which are all less expensive and would likely suit anyone whose body temperature is a little easier to regulate than mine.