If you're looking for something beyond and away from the mainstream ski options, you might want to consider the following.
Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort, Minami Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture
A helicopter takes you to an elevation of 1,600 meters, and then all you've got to do is cover the 5-km course back to the bottom. This service is available on Saturday, Sunday and national holidays throughout March. The cost is 6,000 yen per person (includes one-day ski pass). For inquiries, call (0241) 78-2220.
Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort, Hokkaido
At 1,255 meters the elevation is lower here, but the course is longer -- 8 km, with a maximum gradient of 26 degrees. It's available from late-March to mid-April and costs 15,000 yen per person (maximum eight people per flight). For inquiries, call (011) 641-0071.
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