We were lucky to have very light snowfall during our visit there in March (-4 cm per day), but it wasn't enough to refresh the slopes overnight. Snow was also icy instead of powder, but we were there in Spring, so even having snowfall was a fortunate blessing indeed.
I am a beginner skier, so kept mainly to the green slopes such as Kogen & Family. With the snow conditions as it was, it was a challenge to me but it helped me to greatly improve my skiing skills and increase my confidence on the slopes.
There are also no shortage of ski schools and rental shops, and it is extremely easy to find an English speaking instructor.
Grand Hirafu is a great resort, with lots of restaurants within walking distance. Most staff in the restaurants can speak at least some English (probably due to the high influx of tourists there), so no need to worry if you can't speak or read Japanese.
Another highlight is the presence of an onsen with indoor and outdoor baths - a great way to relax sore muscles and joints after a hard day of skiing!
Date visited:
From 19 March, 2016 To 24 March, 2016
Snow condition on visit:
Slushy thick snow to icy slopes
Things I liked:
No shortage of English speaking instructors, easy to find food & restaurants
Things I didn't like:
Not all the ski lifts are open in Spring. I had to hike across the car park & climb up a steep slope in my ski boots & carrying my skis and poles to reach Kogen. No other way of getting to that slope as I could not ski down the other steeper slopes that would connect to Kogen.
