Hokkaido’s ski resorts are renowned for their world-class powder snow and breathtaking scenery. The best season to enjoy the finest snow quality is from late January to early February, when temperatures are at their lowest. However, choosing the right ski resort can be overwhelming, as the size and difficulty of the slopes vary.
In this article, we have carefully selected ski resorts that offer abundant snowfall and slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. You’ll also find Hokkaido’s largest ski area, boasting an expansive course layout, as well as resorts where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. With a variety of options to suit different needs, these ski resorts have plenty to offer—be sure to check them out!
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU is the largest of the four ski resorts that make up Niseko United (a collective of ski resorts in the Niseko area). It features more than 12 lifts and gondolas, offering vast ski courses.
The biggest attraction of this resort is its consistently abundant snowfall throughout the season and its exceptional powder snow. For beginners, there are open, wide slopes that are easy to ski on. Intermediate skiers can enjoy tree runs that make full use of the natural terrain, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves with the longest ungroomed course, providing a thrilling experience. This ensures that skiers of all levels can find something to enjoy.
Additionally, Grand Hirafu offers night skiing, allowing you to glide through a beautifully illuminated landscape in a magical atmosphere. Unlike the daytime, the slopes are enveloped in a tranquil stillness, where you can enjoy a special moment surrounded by the shimmering snow.
Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu Resort is Hokkaido’s largest all-season resort and an internationally recognized ski destination. Spanning across three peaks, this expansive area features four gondolas and 14 lifts, offering a total of 37 courses. The resort is known for its diverse range of trails, catering to beginners and advanced skiers alike. Its greatest appeal lies in the dynamic skiing experience that makes full use of the natural terrain across the entire resort.
Another major attraction of this resort is its excellent accessibility. Located about 90 minutes by car from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport, it is also a convenient base for exploring Hokkaido.
Internationally recognized for its exceptional quality, this resort was awarded the Japan’s Best Ski Resort title at the 2021 World Ski Awards. It boasts Hokkaido’s largest ski area, featuring an expansive course layout surrounded by towering mountains over 1,000 meters high. This prime location ensures consistent snowfall and superb powder snow. Positioned southeast of Mt. Yotei, the resort is naturally shielded from harsh seasonal winds, helping to maintain its excellent snow conditions. Additionally, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean contributes to a higher number of sunny days in winter, making it an ideal setting for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Additionally, the area is rich with hot spring facilities in Furano and a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy local gourmet cuisine. After a day on the slopes, unwind in a relaxing onsen or savor the flavors of Hokkaido’s renowned food culture. With both skiing and regional delights to enjoy, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culinary charm of Hokkaido for a truly fulfilling experience.
Furano Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort is a ski destination surrounded by the vast natural beauty of central Hokkaido. It is a popular spot for skiers seeking breathtaking snowy landscapes and high-quality powder snow. The ski area is divided into two sections: the Kitanomine Zone and the Furano Zone, offering a total of 28 courses. Among them, the longest run stretches 4,000 meters, featuring a diverse lineup of trails that cater to beginners and advanced skiers alike.
One of the defining characteristics of this ski resort is its dry powder snow, a unique feature of inland areas. The snow quality is exceptionally light, creating a fine spray as skiers glide through, providing an ideal skiing experience. Additionally, due to its high elevation, the snow quality remains stable throughout the season, making it an attractive choice for skiers.
Another highlight of Furano Ski Resort is the breathtaking scenery visible from the slopes. While skiing, visitors can enjoy a vast panoramic view of the Tokachi Mountain Range and the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, offering a truly special experience that feels as if you are blending into nature. The ability to take in Hokkaido’s grand winter landscape while skiing is one of the unique charms of this resort.
Additionally, the surrounding area is well-equipped with hot spring facilities and local gourmet restaurants, allowing visitors to fully enjoy both skiing and the rich natural beauty and food culture of Hokkaido. A visit to Furano Ski Resort promises a luxurious and immersive experience.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU Ski Area
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, located in central Hokkaido, is a stay-in ski resort spanning an expansive 1,000 hectares. At its heart lies a ski area renowned for its exceptional powder snow. With frequent sub-zero temperatures, often dropping below -10°C, the snow remains astonishingly light, allowing skiers to enjoy an effortless glide with a unique floating sensation. Surrounded by pristine nature, the resort offers extensive facilities and a variety of activities, making it an ideal winter destination for families, couples, and skiers of all levels.
One of the standout features of Tomamu is its direct connection between the slopes and the hotel. The convenience of stepping onto fresh snow right after waking up makes it a dream environment for ski enthusiasts. After a day of skiing, guests can return to their rooms with ease and relax. The resort also offers an indoor pool and a selection of restaurants, ensuring a fulfilling experience even off the slopes.
Tomamu also provides unique experiences exclusive to this location. The “Ice Hotel,” where everything, from guest rooms to open-air baths, is made entirely of ice, offers a rare opportunity to immerse in a breathtaking frozen world. Additionally, the “Terrace of Frost Tree” presents a stunning view of frost-covered trees and the snow-covered mountains, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of winter. With a variety of seasonal activities available, every visit to Tomamu brings new discoveries and memorable moments.
Kiroro Snow World
Kiroro Snow World is a ski resort conveniently located about 60 minutes from Sapporo and 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport. It is renowned for its world-class powder snow, with peak season snowfall sometimes reaching up to 5 meters. The resort offers 23 courses, providing an environment where skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, can fully enjoy their time on the slopes.
One of the standout features of Kiroro Snow World is its extensive family-friendly facilities and services. The Kiroro Kids Academy utilizes a unique teaching method that enables children to learn skiing and snowboarding while having fun. Ski lessons are available from age 3, and snowboarding lessons start from age 7. The academy also features four exclusive courses—rare in Japan—ensuring a safe and structured environment for children trying skiing for the first time.
Additionally, the Snow Activity World offers a variety of experiences for visitors who do not ski. The snow park includes sledding and tubing activities, while those looking for more excitement can enjoy snow banana boating and snow rafting.
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is a historic ski area that served as a venue for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Located on Mt. Teine at an elevation of 1,023 meters, it offers high-quality powder snow unique to Hokkaido, despite being within Sapporo city limits. With a total of 15 courses, the resort provides a diverse range of slopes catering to skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
The ski area is divided into two zones: the Highland Zone, designed for advanced skiers, and the Olympia Zone, which is ideal for families and beginners. The Highland Zone features steep slopes where the Olympic giant slalom competition was held, offering a thrilling skiing experience. In contrast, the Olympia Zone has many gentle slopes, making it a great choice for those new to skiing or families looking to enjoy a leisurely time on the snow.
One of the biggest advantages of Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is its excellent accessibility. It is just a 40-minute drive from central Sapporo, providing a level of convenience not commonly found in large ski resorts. This prime location allows visitors to easily combine sightseeing in Sapporo with skiing. Additionally, the resort offers good access from New Chitose Airport, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to include skiing as part of their Hokkaido trip.
Summary
This article has introduced a variety of ski resorts that can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers, as well as families. Each resort has its own unique features, such as accessibility and well-equipped facilities, so you can plan a trip that best suits your needs. In Hokkaido, you can enjoy not only skiing but also hot springs and local gourmet cuisine, making the most of the region’s unique attractions. Ski on world-renowned powder snow, take in breathtaking scenery, and create unforgettable memories.
