Is Gransnow Okuibuki Crowded on Weekdays This Year?
So, I finally made it to Gransnow Okuibuki this year, and let me tell you, it was an adventure! I’d been hearing so much about this place—how it’s a skier’s paradise, how
the powder is unreal, and how it’s way less crowded on weekdays. Naturally, I decided to test that last claim for myself. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly true, but with a few quirks that made the trip even more memorable.
The Early Bird Gets… Too Early
I arrived at the resort at the crack of dawn, partly because I was too excited to sleep and partly because I wanted to beat any potential crowds. Turns out, I overdid it. The lifts weren’t even open yet, and the only other people around were the staff, who looked at me like I was a little too eager. (Okay, maybe I was.) I killed time by sipping on a vending machine coffee that was surprisingly good and watching the sunrise over the snow-covered slopes. It was magical, even if my toes were freezing.
Midweek Magic
Once the lifts opened, I quickly realized that the rumors were true—weekdays at Gransnow Okuibuki are way less crowded than weekends. I practically had the slopes to myself for the first couple of hours. It felt like I was in my own private winter wonderland. The snow was pristine, the air was crisp, and the only sounds were the swish of my skis and the occasional laugh from a fellow early riser. I even struck up a conversation with a local skier who was kind enough to show me some hidden trails. He had this infectious enthusiasm for the mountain, and his tips made the experience even better. (Shoutout to Hiroshi-san if you’re reading this—you’re a legend!)
Snack Attack
By midday, I was starving, so I headed to the lodge for lunch. Big mistake. The smell of freshly grilled yakitori and steaming bowls of ramen hit me like a snowball to the face. I ended up ordering way more food than I could possibly eat, but hey, when in Japan, right? I also may have indulged in one too many melon breads from the snack stand. No regrets, though—those things are addictive.
Surprises and Reflections
One thing that surprised me was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. From the lift operators to the other skiers, it felt like a little community. I even got a high-five from a kid who was clearly way better at snowboarding than I’ll ever be. It reminded me why I love traveling—those little moments of connection that make a place feel special. By the end of the day, my legs were jelly, my cheeks were windburned, and I was utterly content. Gransnow Okuibuki on a weekday? Absolutely worth it. Sure, there were a few moments of overzealous planning (hello, 5 a.m. arrival), but that’s all part of the adventure, right?
Your Turn!
Have you been to Gransnow Okuibuki this year? How was your experience? Did you find it crowded, or did you have the slopes to yourself like I did? Any tips or hidden gems I missed? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories! And if you’re planning a trip, feel free to ask questions. I’m no expert, but I’m happy to share what I learned from my snowy escapade.
