Skier: Riki Nakajima
The mountains of the central Hokkaido area, which can be accessed from Asahikawa Airport, have been dubbed the "Hokkaido Powder Belt" in recent years. They have been attracting attention worldwide as a treasure trove of dry powder unique to inland areas, and are experiencing a surge in popularity. From steep snowy mountains to local ski resorts and resort ski resorts such as Tomamu, Furano, and Kamui, there are plenty of places to enjoy winter mountains and powder snow. Here, we'll introduce some of the famous powder runs at ski resorts in this powder belt where you can fully enjoy JAPOW
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Tomamu Mountain is known for being truly fun.
Enjoy the dry powder to your heart's
Located almost in the center of Hokkaido, Hoshino Resort Tomamu has a total of 29 courses spread across two peaks. Both slopes are dotted with ungroomed runs, but the slopes are just right and the trees are spaced just right. Tomamu is actually recommended for skiers and snowboarders who want to ski in powder snow. It's not that fresh snow falls every night and the powder is renewed, but because the temperature is so low, the moisture in the snow evaporates and dries out, leaving behind a very light snow
Tomamu Mountain in particular has a reputation for being extremely fun for powder riding, with a variety of courses accessible with just one lift. In the "Advanced Ski Area" (accessible only to advanced skiers) where you can ski on natural powder in a managed area outside the courses, you can use a quad bike to repeatedly enjoy tree runs that weave through large coniferous trees, just like in North America (applications required, helmets and armbands required to enter the mountain)
While you can enjoy satisfying powder riding just on the slopes, the resort also operates the "Karifuridake CAT TOUR." This is a luxurious CAT tour that rents out the powder fields of nearby Karifuridake for 12 people. Another advantage of Tomamu is that, because there are many families, there aren't as many skiers and snowboarders looking for powder, and the remaining powder rate is high. One of the attractions of Tomamu is that you can go skiing with your family, let the kids and wife enjoy the wide range of activities, while the dad just enjoys sliding down the powder
Hoshino Resort Tomamu's specialty powder course
・Advanced players only area
Based on the "Winter Mountain Liberation Declaration," born from the desire to "enjoy nature as it is," Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is creating and promoting winter mountain activities beyond the slopes, which are managed with safety knowledge
The "Advanced Ski Area" is a paradise for the finest powder snow, ungroomed. It will be gradually opened until March 31st, subject to safety checks. To use the area, download the Yukiyama app and go to the cart reception desk in the resort center. Enter the password displayed at the cart reception desk in the resort center to begin using the area. Be sure to check out of the app by 3:30 PM
*For advanced climbers only. See the "Winter Mountain Open Area" map.
Glory
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 20 degrees / Distance: 520m / Slope orientation: East
This ungroomed run branches off from the ridgeline, accessible by the Unkai Gondola. This is the place with the highest chance of hitting powder throughout the season, and it's fantastic on snowy days! Depending on the wind direction, the snow may continue to reset into the afternoon
・No Gravity
Maximum gradient: 35 degrees, average gradient: 26 degrees / Distance: 770m / Slope orientation: Southeast
This challenging course for advanced skiers begins at 1,088m on Mt. Tomamu and continues almost to the bottom with a maximum gradient of 35°. Just as its name suggests, the floating sensation of powder snow makes you forget the existence of gravity
・North Star
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: South
This ungroomed course curves to the right and starts midway through the 3,300m Silver Bell Course, which runs from the top of the Unkai Gondola. It's the gateway to the advanced ungroomed courses. Surrounded by trees, it's a course that evokes the atmosphere of a natural white forest
+PLUS Morning Glory
This is the first track to arrive at Tomamu in the morning. You can board the Unkai Gondola and Powder Express before they open, and enjoy the first empty slopes of the morning. On a morning after a snowfall, powder riding is guaranteed
Period: Until March 31, 2023
Time: 8:00-9:30
Fee: 4,000 yen per person for groups of 2 or more / 5,000 yen per person at the time of application
Capacity: 2-12 people
*In addition, a lift ticket is required (separate fee)
*For more information, click here
+PLUS Mt. Karifuri CAT TOUR
This is a cat tour operated by the resort. This is a guided backcountry tour limited to 12 people, where you climb the natural mountains of the Karifuridake area on a snowmobile and enjoy a powder run on a trackless course. It includes a luxurious lunch course in a yurt, which you wouldn't expect to find deep in the mountains. It is held every weekend
Period: January 21, 2023 - March 12, 2023
Time: 8:20 - 16:00
Fee: 50,600 yen
Capacity: 12 people
*Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) available for free rental
*For more information, click here
◆Official website: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
Furano Ski Resort
Enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Tokachi and the Daisetsuzan mountain range,
as well as the dry powder snow unique to the inland area.
Furano Ski Resort is made up of two zones, Kitanomine and Furano, which spread out from the summit at an elevation of 1,074m, and offers a wide variety of 28 courses in total, including long runs and ungroomed runs. Its greatest appeal is that you can enjoy both the dry powder that is unique to inland skiing and the beautiful groomed courses. Both zones have ungroomed runs, so you can't go wrong with powder riding. If you want to be the first to experience the powder in the Furano zone, it's especially convenient to stay at the New Furano Prince Hotel
Furano Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Premier Course
Maximum gradient: 34 degrees, average gradient: 23 degrees / Distance: 830m / Slope orientation: East
This ungroomed course starts from the peak of the Kitanomine Zone at an elevation of 943m. The maximum slope is 34 degrees, and if dry powder accumulates here, overhead spray is a must. Another attractive feature is that you can approach it in one go using the Kitanomine Gondola. This is definitely the place to head to first thing in the morning
・E1 course
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 18 degrees / Distance: 430m / Slope orientation: -
This ungroomed course starts from the top of the Furano Zone. It's not long, but the powder at an altitude of 1,064m is of the highest quality. The scenery from here is particularly beautiful. Another great thing about this course is that you can ski efficiently using the lift next to it. When there is no snowfall, it becomes a technical mogul slope
・A2 course
Maximum gradient: 22 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 1750m / Slope orientation: -
For a limited time only, from late December to early February, the morning after a snowfall, the course is open to the public in an ungroomed state, turning it into a "silky run." By midday, the snow is packed down and transformed into a beautifully groomed run, making this a unique course. You can enjoy a long ride of 1,750 meters through the birch forest and over a richly undulating terrain
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter/
Kamui Ski Links
technical courses that will impress advanced skiers, or
powder snow, try this time of year.
Camry Ski Links is easily accessible, about 60 minutes from Asahikawa Airport and 40 minutes from Asahikawa city. It's only 700 yen by shuttle bus from Asahikawa city, and is highly regarded as the most satisfying ski resort within day trip distance from Asahikawa
Due to its inland location, Kamui's snow quality is smooth powder snow that can't be replicated anywhere else. 32% of the slopes are ungroomed, allowing you to enjoy the powder to your heart's content, so powder lovers will have plenty to enjoy. Most of the advanced slopes are ungroomed, and they are long, ranging from 800 to 1200m, with maximum slopes exceeding 30° everywhere. The undulating slopes are full of variety, with mash, bumps, and walls to hit, so even skiers with an eye for the terrain will be very satisfied. There is also a tree run course at the top of the slope, where you can enjoy tree running in the beautiful forest
Kamui Ski Links' famous powder course
・Deep powder
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 23-25 degrees / Distance: 800m / Slope orientation: North
This is a limited-time deep snow spot in the forest that can be accessed from the gate next to the 5th Pair Lift (navy blue). As the name suggests, the superb powder snow is piled deep and abundantly on the steep slopes. This is a place where you can experience the charm of Kamui's wild nature through the steep and deep tree riding that can only be experienced here
・Fresh powder
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: North
A limited-time deep snow spot in the forest that can be accessed from the deep powder "forest road." This is a tree run course where you can easily enjoy Kamui's famous smooth powder snow in the beautiful forest. Considering the amount of snow at Kamui Ski Links, the best season is around February, when the courses are open and you can ski in good conditions
◆Official website: https://www.kamui-skilinks.com/
Mount Asahi in the Daisetsuzan Mountains
The entire mountain is a powder field,
so be prepared and aware of this.
Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range is located in Daisetsuzan National Park, which stretches across central Hokkaido, and is the highest peak in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, standing at 2,291m above sea level. With an area of approximately 230,000 hectares, it is the largest national park in Japan on land. Due to its location in the north, the mountains are comparable to the 3,000m-class mountains of Honshu, and the weather conditions here are particularly severe in winter
It's more of a mountain ski field than a ski resort, with just one ropeway. There are four ski runs, but the rest of the area is a magnificent natural landscape with few trees near the summit, making it an untouched snow field. Apart from the ski runs, it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with the terrain and geography, so it's best to avoid entering without careful consideration
Powder skiing on the slopes is plenty of fun, but if you're accompanied by a backcountry guide and hike up from the lift access to the top or go around the fields to the side, you can experience the excitement of mountain skiing. In the peak season, there are many blizzards and strong winds, and the ropeway is often closed. The weather is also changeable due to the high altitude. It is an environment where you can face the harshness of nature, so extreme caution is required. Always wear safety gear and a helmet, and check the weather and conditions every morning before heading out. On the other hand, only Mount Asahi in the Daisetsuzan Mountains can offer powder skiing of peak season quality even in spring. The length of the season is also an appealing feature
The famous powder course at Asahidake in Daisetsuzan
The whole thing
◆Official website: https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/
[INFO]
Hokkaido Powder Belt Pass: A common lift ticket to enjoy the Hokkaido Powder Belt
A 5-day common lift pass is now on sale for use at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort, Furano Ski Resort, and Kamui Ski Links in Hokkaido's powder belt area. The advantage is that you can freely choose the ski resort that best suits the weather, snow conditions, and your stay style
5-day ticket
sales period: December 24, 2022 to March 21, 2023
Usage period: December 24, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Price (adult): 27,500 yen
Purchase: For details, click here
