Hokkaido's recommended ski resorts: The world-famous mecca of Japan's powder snow, "JAPOW"

2024/01/31

Hokkaido is now known around the world as the mecca of JAPOW. The consistently low temperatures and inland climate produce Hokkaido's unique "ultra-dry powder" and continuous snowfall makes it possible to enjoy deep snow. Here we will introduce some of the "major" resorts in terms of access, size, facilities, and services

Photo/Takahiro Nakanishi Skier/Junpei Endo
Courtesy of BRAVOSKI

INDEX

[Central Hokkaido: 17 Ski Resorts]
Enjoy Sapporo and "JAPOW"

SAPPORO TEINE
Photo/Takahiro Nakanishi Skier/Hidemitsu Okada
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

You can find "JAPOW" just an hour's drive from Sapporo

Sapporo, the center of Hokkaido, is a metropolis with a population of over one million, yet it is a rare place worldwide where monthly snowfall exceeds one meter from December to March.

This area's cold climate and the humid air carried in from the Sea of Japan collide with the mountainside bring heavy snowfall, especially around Akaigawa. Many large ski resorts, such as Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, Kiroro, and Rusutsu, are just an hour's drive from Sapporo. With easy access and high-quality snow, many skiers from Honshu spend a day skiing in the central Hokkaido area.

Many ski resorts start their season from late November to mid-December and are open from the end of March to late April. The appeal of this area is that you can ski while looking out at the ocean and enjoy Hokkaido's seafood to your heart's content

Kiroro Snow World: A day trip from Sapporo where you can experience the finest powder snow

Located close to Sapporo city, Kiroro is easily accessible for day trips even for those staying in Sapporo. Many riders visit the area for its overwhelming snowfall, fascinating natural terrain, and expansive tree run fields. Monthly snowfall during the peak season can exceed 4 meters, with snow falling almost every night, completely changing the course conditions.

Kiroro offers five vast tree run areas accessible by entrance within the ski resort's management area. The variety is truly diverse, with beautiful broadleaf forests, varied natural terrain, deep powder spots, and courses full of adventure. Many courses can be efficiently navigated using the lifts, offering a truly enjoyable experience for powder and tree riding lovers. However, please note that this is a completely self-responsibility area, and rescue fees will be incurred, so please ski with caution.

The consistently low temperatures mean that high-quality powder is maintained from the start of the season, and there are many other reasons for its popularity　

◆Official website: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/ja/

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, located near Sapporo and with plenty of snow and frequented by many riders

You can also enjoy tree running at Sapporo International

Sapporo Kokusai is conveniently located just a 90-minute drive from Sapporo city, and is known for its quantity and quality of snow. Many people visit Sapporo Kokusai because of not only its convenient access but also the high quality of the mountains. It is a very tough ski resort that opens earlier than anywhere else in the country, accumulates nearly 3 meters of snow during the high season, and allows you to ski for an amazing six months from November to May

The highlight of Sapporo Kokusai is the downhill course with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees. One gondola can be used around this course, making it an efficient way to get more out of your skiing. The downhill course is ungroomed, so the rugged slope stretches for about 2.2km from the top to the bottom, making for an incredible challenge. Another feature is that all the courses are long. After it snows, you can of course enjoy long powder rides, and when it doesn't snow, you can also enjoy high-speed carving rides on the beautiful groomed runs

◆Official website: https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/

Sapporo Teine: one of the steepest slopes in the country

It's extremely accessible, just a 40-minute drive from central Sapporo. At over 1,000 meters above sea level, you can look forward to powder riding with views of Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay. Sapporo Teine's sparsely forested nature zone is also an attraction. The North Wall Course, which has nurtured many famous skiers, including Daisuke Sasaki and Tsuyoshi Kodama , is an ungroomed slope with a maximum gradient of 36 degrees, and features a tree run with varying terrain. The snow is exquisite when you're riding at top speed.

For even more advanced skiers, Teine is the place to head, with its vast backcountry that spreads out beyond the gate at the top of the mountain. The quality of the snow and the fascinating terrain are incredible. Easy lift access lets you ski down the powder-filled faces, and you can end up back at the ski resort parking lot. Teine has set up a "Teine Gate" near the top of the mountain, and the resort takes the stance that skiing beyond that gate, outside the ski resort's managed area, is at your own risk

◆Official website: https://sapporo-teine.com/snow/

Rusutsu Resort: A paradise of natural terrain and trees at the back of a huge resort

Located in southern Hokkaido, across from Mt. Yotei, Rusutsu is also home to many loyal fans thanks to its size, snow quality, and varied terrain. The excitement of Rusutsu also adds to the allure of southern Hokkaido. Comprised of three mountains, West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola, the resort boasts 37 courses totaling a total of 42km, making it one of the largest ski resorts in Japan

Mount Yotei blocks the moisture flowing in from the Sea of Japan, meaning the snow quality is drier than the mountains in the Niseko area. Intermittent snowfall from December to February means the faces are reset with fresh snow almost every day. Furthermore, the slopes of Mt. Isola and East Mt. face north, so they are less exposed to the sun and the snow conditions remain good. Under these favorable conditions, Rusutsu is unique in that you can enjoy tree running to the fullest in the vast forest that makes the most of the rich natural terrain

The Heavenly Course at the back of Mt. Isola is especially popular among freeriders. The smooth southeast-facing course with an average gradient of 20-25 degrees forms a stream, and even non-experts can enjoy wall-based riding. This is a place where you can glide through the trees and have fun with the undulating terrain, which is rich in natural features

◆Official website: https://rusutsu.com/rusutsu-in-winter/

New and dynamic courses with slopes of over 40 degrees
at Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort | Otaru Tengyama

A dynamic course that takes you straight into the city of Otaru.
Photo/Yuta Kudo
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

Otaru Tenguyama, 532 meters above sea level, is a symbol of Otaru. From the summit, you can get a great view of Otaru city, Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and on clear days, the Shokanbetsu mountain range.

We recommend the challenging Dynamic Course, which has a maximum gradient of 42 degrees. You can enjoy riding that feels like you're flying right into Otaru city. Night riding is also great when it's snowing.

◆Official website: https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/ski/

[List of ski resorts in central Hokkaido]

Kiroro Snow World
Sapporo International Ski Resort
Sapporo Teine
Rusutsu Resort
Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort
Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort
Snow Cruise Owns
Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort
Fu's snow area
Nakayamatoge Ski Resort
Dynasty Ski Resort
Hidaka International Ski Resort
Abira Town Abirayama Ski Resort
Ishikari Plain Ski Resort
Takino Snow World
Kitahiroshima Classe Snow Park

[Northern Hokkaido・26 Ski Resorts]
A sanctuary for backcountry skiing

I want to take my time and explore Asahikawa

The biggest attraction of Hokkaido is the dry powder snow that is like air, created by its inland climate. During the peak season, temperatures often drop below -30°C, creating an extremely cold environment for the ski resorts. There are also many days when the resorts are closed due to snowstorms

Recently, an increasing number of people are using flights to Asahikawa Airport as a base to ski in the surrounding area. The surrounding area is also home to relatively large ski resorts such as Furano Ski Resort and Kamui Ski Links, where you can enjoy both packed snow and powder snow

The main backcountry areas are the easily accessible Asahidake and Tokachidake areas of the Daisetsuzan Mountains. With a sense of scale that allows you to feel the overwhelming natural beauty and the ability to enjoy consistent deep powder, an increasing number of foreign powder hunters are settling down and staying for long periods to ski the area to the fullest

Furano Ski Resort: A popular destination for inbound tourists with its dry, piling snow

Furano Ski Resort is divided into two zones, Kitanomine and Furano, and offers powder snow everywhere. The appeal of this powder has attracted so much attention from overseas investors and inbound tourists, and the number of condominiums is steadily increasing. Another active and comfortable stay style is becoming increasingly popular: renting a car and staying in Furano, then skiing around the resorts and backcountry skiing in Hokkaido's powder belt, depending on the weather and snow conditions

One popular course is the Panorama C course, located at the summit of the Furano Zone. The 700m slope is undulating, and you can ski efficiently using the lift next to the course. The scenery is also great while you're riding, making it a double treat. Also, don't forget the long cruise from the summit, which is 1,074m above sea level

◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter/

Kamui Ski Links: Japan's best local ski resort, perfect for experts

Kamui has plenty of ungroomed areas, perfect for powder lovers

Kamui is known for its iconic box-shaped four-seater gondola, which is rare these days. Kamui's ungroomed runs account for roughly 30% of the entire ski resort, so powder lovers will have plenty to enjoy. In addition to the ungroomed snow that spreads across the summit, we also recommend the ungroomed forest run on the north slope and the deep powder run. The authentic runs, which include tree runs as well as a moderate amount of mash, are a favorite among experts. Skiers with an eye for terrain will also be pleased

Kamui's automatic lift ticket vending machines have been installed at hotels in the city center (OMO7 Asahikawa, Art Hotel Asahikawa, Hotel Wing Asahikawa Ekimae). You can now purchase your lift ticket in advance online and receive it by holding the QR code on the machine, making it even more convenient for you to ride the lift or gondola at the ski resort without having to line up at the ticket counter!

◆Official website: https://www.kamui-skilinks.com/

The entire mountain is a wild powder field
. Asahidake Ropeway in Daisetsuzan | ASAHIDAKE

Mount Asahi, an icon of the northern Hokkaido area, with an elevation of 2,291m

There is only one ropeway. For convenience, there are two groomed runs, but the rest is magnificent natural terrain. The mountain is wild, with only the ropeway hanging over it. There is little forest near the summit, and it is an alpine area. Be careful, as it is easy to get lost if you are not familiar with the terrain and geography. For beginners to Mt. Asahi and those new to powder snow, using a guide service is safe and efficient.

The natural environment is harsh with frequent blizzards during the high season, but the fact that you can still find the best powder even in spring is a major reason why it is so popular with core skiers and snowboarders.

◆Official website: http://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/

[List of ski resorts in northern Hokkaido]

Furano
Nakafurano North Star
Minami-Furano National Park
Kamifurano Town
Canmore Ski Village
Kamui Ski Links
Santa Present Park Maros Slope
Mount Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake
Takinoue-cho Sakuragaoka
Monbetsu Municipal Oyama
Pip
Wassamu Higashiyama
Horokanai Horotachi
Asahi, Shibetsu City
Hyuga, Shibetsu City
Nayoro Piyashiri
Bifuka
Otoifuji
Mikasayama, Esashi Town
Nakatonbetsu Town Kotobuki
Sarufutsu Village
Wakkanai City Komadori
Toyotomi Hot Springs
Higashigaoka, Horonobe Town
Haboro town residents
Okoppe Town

[Southern Hokkaido: 17 ski resorts]
The strongest area with Niseko

Photo/Takahiro Nakanishi Skier: Takehiro Sakamoto
Provided by:BRAVOSKI

Southern Hokkaido has the strongest lineup in Hokkaido

The southern Hokkaido area is home to Niseko, the holy land that made Japow famous around the world. It is a large area that also encompasses the Hakodate area, the gateway to Hokkaido facing Honshu

NISEKO UNITED, the birthplace of the world-famous "JAPOW"

Riding with a view of Niseko's iconic Mt. Yotei

Niseko is the birthplace of famous filmmakers who flocked to the area to film special effects, making the wonders of Japanese powder known to the world. Even within Hokkaido, there are few places where you can ski relatively easily on top-quality powder that is renewed every day

The main reason why Niseko is the best and has attracted the world is the snow conditions, where the north wind blowing in from the Sea of Japan blows over Annupuri, which is 1,308m above sea level, turning the snow into dry powder, which accumulates in large quantities. With the sensation of floating on the snow as you step on your skis and the powder spray overhead making you feel intoxicated every day, it's no wonder people are crazy about Niseko

Niseko United is a collection of five ski resorts, including Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Village, Annupuri, and Moiwa, which are connected at the top. This large scale is the largest in Japan. With its abundant natural terrain, high reset rate, and large elevation changes, Niseko's position is unshakable.

Furthermore, once the gates are open, you can easily access the backcountry areas using lifts and gondolas, making it the ideal environment for backcountry-oriented skiers and snowboarders. Niseko is also home to many backcountry guide service companies.

Enjoy everything from powder to parks
| NISEKO HANAZONO

Niseko Hanazono Resort is located in the easternmost part of the Niseko area, and its location means that it is the area where snow accumulates most easily, providing the perfect conditions for long-lasting powder snow. It is easily accessible from Hirafu, and many skiers visit it as a place to return to the slopes from the backcountry area

There's also a park at the bottom that can be spun around using a high-speed lift, and a tube park in front of the Hanazono Resort Center. Its all-round appeal, with a wide variety of courses and everything from powder to parks, is a selling point. Night skiing is also popular.

The Hanazono Symphony Gondola, which takes you from the bottom to the summit station the full 1,589m in just 5 minutes and 30 seconds, can accommodate 10 people and is equipped with individual genuine leather seats for comfort. The main lift, Hanazono No. 1 Quad Lift, also seats 6 people in genuine leather seats with heaters, making it the ultimate in comfort.

◆Official website: https://hanazononiseko.com/ja/winter

Niseko
Tokyu Grand Hirafu | NISEKO MOUNTAIN RESORT Grand HIRAFU

Located in the heart of Niseko, it offers a wide variety of courses, from the best for powder runs to groomed runs where you can enjoy high-speed turns. All of the courses are designed with a variety of slopes and undulations, so even advanced skiers will find plenty of fun. The variety of courses is so great that you won't get bored even if you ski all day, making it one of the best in Niseko and highly popular

Another aspect of Grand Hirafu is its night skiing. It's surprising that it boasts the largest course area and variety in Japan. The lower temperatures mean the snow is drier than during the day, making your skis glide and glide! Grand Hirafu, where you can fully enjoy JAPOW until the night, further enhances the appeal of Niseko

◆Official website: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/

Niseko Village Ski Resort is perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to improve their powder skills.

View of the summit area from inside the gondola at Niseko Village

Niseko Village has the most runs of any of the Niseko United resorts. With three gondolas and 30 runs, it offers unparalleled maneuverability and variety. The lower part of the resort has a relatively gentle slope, making it the perfect area for powder beginners who have just switched to fat skis but want to enjoy Niseko powder, or intermediate skiers who aren't yet confident in steep and deep powder

The upper part of the resort has a lineup of attractive courses, including steep slopes and ungroomed courses for advanced skiers, as well as a forest course that weaves through virgin forests. What makes Niseko Village unique is that all of these courses are long and full of ups and downs and variety. There is also a course that takes you from the forest course to the front of the resort hotel in one go. The course design is also unique, with few courses that make it easy to get lost, and is popular with foreigners

◆Official website: https://www.niseko-village.com/ja/

Enjoy high-speed cruising on the Guruming Bahn at
Niseko Annupuri International Airport

There are many wide, medium-sized slopes, making it perfect for comfortable cruising on groomed runs. As the slope changes little, it is especially recommended for skiers aiming to become intermediate to advanced skiers.

Night skiing at Niseko Annupuri is also popular, and it feels great to speed through the well-packed runs with high-speed carving. The dynamic course with a maximum slope of 33° is open at night, so if fresh snow falls during the day, you can enjoy steep and powdery slopes at night.

◆Official website: https://annupuri.info/

Niseko Moiwa, a hidden powder snow spot in Niseko

Moiwa is small but offers a wide, easy-to-ski run with spectacular views of Mt. Yotei. Due to its geographical location, it receives a large amount of snowfall even within Niseko, and deep powder the size of your waist can pile up overnight. Beautiful forests with abundant natural terrain stretch out beside the slopes, making it a veritable natural park. Moiwa's "Back Bowl" is a famous powder spot

Located away from the center of Niseko Village, Moiwa has a unique presence even within Niseko. Surrounded by a quiet and peaceful forest, it is known as a "Niseko hideaway" and attracts an overwhelming number of repeat visitors

◆Official website: https://niseko-moiwa.jp/ja/

Long rides on fresh snow
in the backcountry area Hakodate Nanae Snow Park | HAKODATE NANAE

The summit area of Nanae in Hakodate is beautiful with its fantastical frost-covered trees.
Photo/Takahiro Nakanishi
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

The 3,319m gondola is one of the longest in Japan, and offers a 4km long course. The backcountry area, accessed from the gondola, is a 30-minute hike, and offers over a minute of skiing down the steep slopes. It is the largest ski resort in the Hakodate area

◆Official website: https://hakodate-nanae.jp/winter/

[List of ski resorts in southern Hokkaido]

Niyama Plateau
Hakodate Nanae Snow Park
Chiuchi Town
Yakumo Town
Muroran City Danpara
Orofure
Karurusu Onsen Sanraiba
Windsor Snow Village
Niseko Annupuri International Airport
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
Niseko Hanazono Resort
Niseko Moiwa
Asahigaoka, Kutchan Town
Iwanai Resort
Niki town residents

[20 Ski Resorts
in Eastern Hokkaido] If you want to enjoy everything

Even if the snowfall isn't that heavy, it's super dry powder

This is one of the coldest areas in Hokkaido. Most of the snow clouds that develop on the Sea of Japan side fall before they reach eastern Hokkaido, so the amount of snowfall is not that great. However, due to the inland climate, the snow is ultra-dry powder that is so light it can be blown away by the wind. Be sure to keep an eye out for the occasional low pressure system that moves in along the southern coast

Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU: A treasure chest-like resort filled with all kinds of snow activities

Hoshino Resort Tomamu is arguably the leader in eastern Hokkaido. Its 29 slopes span two mountains: Tomamu Mountain, which rises 1,239 meters above sea level, and Tower Mountain to the east. The variety is truly diverse, ranging from one of Asia's largest family slopes to ungroomed runs for advanced powder lovers and runs with tree runs. There are plenty of options for enjoying the dry powder unique to this frigid inland region, including resort-operated CAT tours and lift-access backcountry skiing.

Hoshino Resort Tomamu has declared its "Winter Mountain Opening Declaration," offering free skiing in Hokkaido's pristine natural landscape. The resort has opened a side-country course exclusively for advanced skiers within the ski resort. Enjoy tree runs with a variety of undulating terrain in the beautiful forest. The hooded quad lift provides ideal conditions for repeated skiing.

◆Official website: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/

Sahoro Resort: An excellent ungroomed course on the north slope

Sahoro has a gondola that connects the bottom and top, making it extremely maneuverable

Located almost in the center of Hokkaido, Tokachi Sahoro Resort is easily accessible from three gateways and sightseeing spots: Asahikawa, Obihiro, and New Chitose Airport, making it easy to plan tour routes. This central Hokkaido area is home to mountain ranges such as the Daisetsu Mountains and Hidaka Mountains, resulting in vast backcountry fields. Using Sahoro Resort as a base and freely skiing the powder and backcountry fields of the Tokachi area, commonly known as the "Hokkaido Powder Belt," has become popular in recent years.

Surprisingly, 50% of the resort's snow is ungroomed. All five courses on the north slope are ungroomed. The natural terrain is untouched, making it ideal for free running. Yet, unlike the crowds in Niseko and Sapporo, it's actually a hidden gem. The high-speed quad lifts are equipped with hoods, making it comfortable even in blizzards.

◆Official website: https://sahoro.co.jp/

[List of ski resorts in Eastern Hokkaido]

Hoshino Resort Tomamu
Sahoro Resort
Mount Shintoku, Shintoku Town
Memuro
Akenogaoka, Makubetsu Town
Makubetsu Town, Shiragindai
Akan Royal Valley
Utara National Lake Akan Ski Resort
Shibetsu Town Kanayama
Unabetsu, Shari Town
Kiyosato Town Green
Bihoro Town Lily Mountain
Kitami-Wakamatsu Citizens
Minamioka, Okito Town
Happodai, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City
Northern Arc Resort
Abashiri Lake View
Saroma Town
Engaru Rock Valley
Gokayama, Yubetsu Town

[Sorachi・11 Ski Resorts]
Highly popular among ski enthusiasts

The Sorachi area is dotted with local ski resorts

The Sorachi area is sandwiched between central and northern Hokkaido. There are few ski resorts that attract many skiers from overseas, but there are many small, locally rooted ski resorts. Because there are few high mountains, the amount of snowfall is not high, but in some years, the temperature and cloud cover can bring heavy snowfall. This area is popular with ski enthusiasts who want to avoid the standard ski resorts

Mount Racey: A hidden gem of powder snow where you can experience the atmosphere of old Hokkaido

Mount Racey is the closest ski resort to New Chitose Airport in Yubari City. You may be familiar with it as it is the birthplace of Yubari melons. It is not very crowded and there is little competition for powder, so you can enjoy it to your heart's content after it snows. The most notable run for skiers is the "Carving Line," with a maximum slope of 43 degrees. Powder with such a steep incline on a run is hard to find anywhere else

◆Official website: https://mountracey-resort.com/skiarea/

[List of Sorachi ski resorts]

Kitanaganuma
Mount Racey
Hokkaido Greenland White Park
Haginoyama Citizens of Iwamizawa City
Katsurazawa National Park, Mikasa City
Bibai National Museum
Ashibetsu National Park
Shintotsukawa Town Sochidake
Numata Town Takaho
Mashike Town Mt. Shokanbetsu
Obira Town Boyodai

*Information current as of the end of January 2024. Please refer to the official website of each ski resort for details


Top elevation 1,180m	The longest run is 4,050m	Elevation difference: 610m	maximum slope 37°


23 courses	8 lifts	2 gondolas	Ropeway - Book


Top altitude 1,100m	The longest run is 3,600m	Elevation difference: 470m	maximum slope 30°


7 courses	3 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation 1,023m	The longest run is 6,000m	Elevation difference 683m	maximum slope 38°


Number of courses: 5	2 lifts	Gondola - Unit	1 ropeway


Number of courses	Lift - Book	Gondola - Unit	1 ropeway


Top elevation 1,170m	Longest run: 5,500m	Altitude difference 890m	maximum slope 32°