What is Night Skiing?

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Night skiing is a popular winter activity where skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes after dark. Many ski resorts have lights installed on their trails, allowing for an extended skiing experience beyond daylight hours. Here are some key points about night skiing:

  1. Lighting: Floodlights or other artificial lighting typically illuminate trails. This helps improve visibility and creates a unique atmosphere compared to daytime skiing.
  2. Hours: Night skiing usually starts in the late afternoon or early evening and continues until late at night. Specific hours vary by resort.
  3. Crowds: It can be less crowded than daytime skiing, offering a more relaxed and often quieter experience on the slopes.
  4. Weather: The colder nighttime conditions might prompt you to dress warmly and prepare for potentially icy conditions. You can get your snow reports here.
  5. Availability: Not all ski resorts offer night skiing, so it’s worth checking with the resort in advance. Also, Many ski resorts typically offer it only in the middle of the season when snow depths are good.
  6. Safety: Visibility can be different from daytime skiing, so it’s important to be cautious and adapt to the conditions. Resorts usually groom the trails to maintain good conditions.
  7. Atmosphere: Night skiing can offer a unique, almost magical experience with the trails bathed in artificial light and the surrounding landscape often taking on a different feel under the night sky.
  8. Lift Ticket: Normally, you must purchase your day lift ticket and night lift ticket separately. In fact, some resorts sell seasonal night skiing passes. Great for those working during the day and wanting to ski after work.
  9. Number & Difficult of Pistes: Normally, ski resorts offer night skiing toward the base of the mountain, closest to the main lodge. Furthermore, they is usually only a limited number of runs with predominately beginner or intermediate pistes.
Night Skiing at Goryu in Hakuba Nagano

It’s a great way to extend your skiing day and experience the slopes in a new light, literally!