Thanks to the huge investment in the 1980's, the large ski and snowboard resorts in Japan tend to have fairly modern lift systems with high-speed quad lifts, gondolas and ropeways. Slow single lifts and t-bars in Japan are rare. Large resorts have modern lodges and other facilities. Smaller resorts, on the other hand, some of which are family owned and operated, may not have the latest equipment. However, the reason people often visit these smaller resorts, is more for the atmosphere and to get away from the crowds than the amenities.

It’s important to note that not all ski areas offer a wide range of ski slopes to please everyone, and so it is worth finding out about what each area offers before choosing where to go. Course classifications in Japan are something that experienced skiers and snowboarder may notice is different from in their own country as the classifications used in Japan are not the international standard. This means that beginners will have no difficulty tackling some "intermediate" runs in Japan and intermediate skier may be able to negotiate an "advanced" course without too many problems. This is not always the case, however, and there are some long, steep and difficult runs at many resorts in Japan for even the most advanced riders.

Most Japanese resorts offer a good selection of slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders with mogul runs popular on steeper slopes. The percentage of more challenging slopes at an average Japanese resort may be smaller than in other countries, but this is by no means the case at all resorts.

Ski patrol at some resorts in Japan have also tightened the reins as there have been several highly publicized accident, some of which have involved non-Japanese skiers and boarders who have strayed off-piste and "out of bounds". Although enforcement varies from resort to resort, skiers and boarders should stay within the boundaries or risk getting their lift ticket taken – at the very least.