{"id":3993,"date":"2026-01-15T20:00:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T03:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/catbradley.io\/?p=3993"},"modified":"2026-01-15T20:00:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T03:00:11","slug":"japans-kid-friendly-ski-program-is-now-selling-pikachu-snowboards-for-a-limited-time-only","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catbradley.io\/?p=3993","title":{"rendered":"Japan\u2019s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Making snow sports fun and accessible to kids, with a little spark of cuteness. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Winter has a unique kind of magic: the excitement that snow brings to many people, both kids and adults alike. There are many ways to enjoy snow, from snowball fights to building snowmen, but there\u2019s nothing quite as exhilarating as taking to the slopes, and this year kids can be joined by a familiar yellow friend.<\/p>\n

\u25bc Who\u2019s that Pok\u00e9mon?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After a wave of positive feedback in previous seasons, Nippon Ski Resort Development<\/strong> (NSD) are once again offering the chance to purchase Pikachu snowboards and bindings<\/strong>, but there are a couple of little catches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u25bc Bindings are sold separately<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The first is that there are only a limited quantity of products available<\/strong>, so if you miss out, you will have to wait in hope for next season, with no guarantees that they\u2019ll still be selling them. The second little snag is that only NSD Kids Program members are eligible to purchase them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

So, what is the NSD Kids Program? The program is a family-friendly initiative<\/strong> designed to help young children fall in love with snow sports<\/strong> in a fun and stress-free way. It covers 14 ski resorts across Japan<\/strong>, including popular destinations in Nagano, Gunma, Niigata, Miyagai, Gifu, Shiga, and most recently Fukui. All of these resorts are well-known with reliable snow, great facilities, and easy access from major cities.<\/p>\n

\u25bc You can even rent some Pok\u00e9mon-themed gear.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The program is targeted at children aged between four and twelve<\/strong>, and you can become a member for a small seasonal fee of 1,800 yen (US$11.35), if you join by January 31, or 3,500 yen between February 1 and March 31. As a member, you unlock access to special kids-only season passes and rental support<\/strong> at participating resorts. However, be sure to apply online<\/strong> in advance of your trip if you want to join the program.<\/p>\n

\u25bc\u00a0The season pass is sure to become a treasured memory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t feel like splurging on a Pok\u00e9mon-themed snowboard for your child, 42,900 yen (US$270.44) for the board and 28,600 yen for the bindings are a lot to fork out after all, NSD Kids Program members are also eligible for day rentals of the Pikachu snowboard<\/strong>, as well as other Pok\u00e9mon gear,\u00a0at selected ski resorts.<\/p>\n

Resorts currently participating in the NSD Kids Program are:<\/p>\n