Use the city as your base and tour the snowy mountains within a 50km radius. The mountain you will visit tomorrow can be decided based on the morning weather and signs of snow. Asahikawa, where the city and snowy mountains are in high harmony, is the ideal city for touring the snowy mountains from the city as a base. It has the perfect travel environment for skiers. We will introduce ski resorts and stopover spots that you can visit using Asahikawa, Hokkaido as your base
A utopia for touring around Hokkaido's powder belt
Asahikawa, the gateway to northern Hokkaido, is a city in an inland basin surrounded by the Daisetsuzan mountain range, and is characterized by extremely light and dry snow brought about by the severe cold. The inland climate improves the quality of the snow, making this region one of Japan's best treasure troves of dry powder, attracting skiers seeking world-renowned powder snow
One area that is particularly noteworthy is the "Hokkaido Powder Belt." This is the collective name for snowfields that stretch north to south in the central Hokkaido region, and is known as one of Japan's leading powder snow areas, dotted with major ski resorts such as Asahidake, Kurodake, Furano, Hoshino Resort Tomamu, and Kamui Ski Links. The appeal of the shared lift pass, the "Powder Belt Pass," is the freedom to choose a mountain to enjoy the best conditions on any given day, depending on weather and wind direction
Asahikawa as a city is also attractive. With plenty of cultural attractions, including Asahiyama Zoo, local cuisine, sake, and craft beer, there's no shortage of ways to relax after a day of skiing. Hot springs like Sounkyo Onsen are also dotted around the outskirts, making it the perfect place to end your trip with some of the finest snow and hot springs. Asahikawa, where you can enjoy a good balance of snow, culture, and food, is an ideal and functional base for skiers looking to "travel while skiing" through Hokkaido's powder snow belt
The benefits of being based in this city
- A base for enjoying some of Japan's best dry powder in the "Hokkaido Powder Belt"
- There are plenty of resort options to satisfy skiing enthusiasts, including Asahidake, Kamui, and Furano
- Approaching the backcountry from a city stay is now a reality
- Even if you can't go up the mountain, you can still have fun at Asahiyama Zoo and the cafe district of Higashikawa
- The low temperature inland climate makes the snow quality stable
Ski resorts that can be toured around Asahikawa
Asahidake Ropeway
The symbol of the powder belt: the entire mountain is a natural field
This mountain is synonymous with Japan's earliest snowfall and deepest spot, and is a symbolic field of Hokkaido's powder belt. The depth of the snow mountain experience, including backcountry elements, is exceptional. The mountain is wild, with only one ropeway running across it. For convenience, there are two groomed runs, but the rest is a field of rich natural terrain, and there is little forest near the summit, making it a completely alpine area
No matter where you ski, it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with the terrain and geography, and the weather is constantly changing, so you need to be extremely careful. Even if you're a repeat skier, make sure you're fully equipped with backcountry skiing gear, and beginners to Mt. Asahidake and powder snowboarders should use a guide service
Access: Approximately 50km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 60-70 minutes by car | Bus available
Official website: https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/
Kurodake Ski Resort in the Daisetsu Mountain Range
Experience the mountains on natural snow in early November
Like Mt. Asahidake, this wild mountain ski resort is located in the Daisetsu mountain range and spreads out on the northeastern slope of Mt. Kurodake, 1,984m above sea level. First, approach the ski resort by Kurodake Ropeway. From there, there is a pair lift that connects to the top of the slope at the seventh station of Mt. Kurodake. The course is laid out like a gentle ridge, with some steep slopes at the top, but overall the gradient is gentle. Partway through the course, it branches off into a trail below the railway line, a forest trail, and a snow cornice trail
The high altitude allows for the finest powder snow. The season started early, with the pre-opening of the 2025-2026 season on natural snow alone starting on November 8th, which was unusually early. The severe weather conditions make this a field that is appealing to experienced skiers. As a "serious mountain experience" accessible from Asahikawa, incorporating a day into your tour will surely enrich your trip
Access: Approximately 70km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 90 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.rinyu.co.jp/kurodake/
Kamui Ski Links
Asahikawa-based mainstay, a serious favorite among connoisseurs
Kamui is known for its iconic box-shaped four-seater gondola, which is rare these days. Its appeal lies in the dry powder that is unique to inland areas and its technical slope configuration. Kamui's signature course, Gold Course 3, 2, and 1, offers carving that can be enjoyed on the firm snow first thing in the morning, and is of the highest quality even in Hokkaido. In addition to beautiful groomed runs, Kamui's ungroomed courses account for approximately 35% 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 course on the north slope and the deep powder course. This authentic course, which includes not only tree runs but also a moderate amount of mash, is a favorite of experts and will satisfy even skiers with an eye for the terrain. It is an absolute must-have for any trip based in Asahikawa
Access: Approximately 25km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 35-40 minutes by car | Bus available
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/kamui/
Furano Ski Resort
No Asahikawa base is complete without skiing on "bonchi powder"
Just over an hour's drive from Asahikawa city, you'll arrive at a magnificent panoramic view of the Tokachi-dake and Daisetsuzan mountain ranges. The quality of the ultra-dry powder that can only be found inland is known as "bonchi powder," and it has a different flavor to the powder in Niseko and Kiroro. The slopes are divided into two zones, Kitanomine and Furano, and are large-scale with a total of 28 courses with a wide variety of terrain
The long cruise from the summit at 1,074m above sea level and the 430m slope of the E1 course located at the top of the Furano Zone are popular for their undulating slopes. Another great point for skiers is that you can ski efficiently using the lift next to the course. Furano's greatest appeal is that you can enjoy both the finest powder and beautiful groomed runs
Access: Approximately 60km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 70-80 minutes by car | JR + bus available
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/furano/
Pippu Ski Resort
Family-friendly local mountain
Pippu Ski Resort boasts a spectacular view of the vast Kamikawa Basin with the Daisetsuzan mountain range in the background. This is a special local mountain with outstanding snow quality and the opportunity to enjoy cruising without the crowds. Although the slopes are compact, there are a total of nine courses with a wide variety to satisfy everyone from families with children to advanced skiers. A family pack that includes one-day tickets for both adults and children is just 4,500 yen! Enjoy a day trip to Yuyu Pippu, a relaxing spot at the foot of the mountain, and you'll have the perfect end to a very satisfying day for the whole family
Pippu may not have any flashy displays, but it offers the luxury of simply facing the snow and slopes. By incorporating one of these local ski resorts into your tour, your Asahikawa-based trip will surely become even more of a connoisseur's experience
Access : Approximately 25km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 40 minutes by car
Official website : https://www.town.pippu.hokkaido.jp/ski/top.html
Canmore Ski Village
Check-in/check-out at Asahikawa Airport and a stroll around Higashikawa
It is the closest resort, about 15 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport, and about 30 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station, making it easily accessible. Although it is small in size, the resort offers a wide variety of eight courses spread across undulating terrain, including a 1.5km long course, wide, open gentle slopes, and steep, ungroomed slopes, providing plenty of fun for skiers
Located just a five-minute drive from the ski resort, the town of Higashikawa is popular for its cafes and art, so we recommend combining skiing with a stroll around the town. Including night skiing, you can make the most of your day. It's also convenient to pick up and drop off your rental car at Asahikawa Airport and stop by on the first or last day
Access: Approximately 20km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 30-35 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.canmore-ski.jp/
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
A magical land filled with treasure-like content
The sophisticated and highly functional resort atmosphere, the three-dimensional terrain, and the fun of snow when the conditions are right. From Asahikawa base, it's "another world worth the expedition." The trip is made up of three axes: skiing, photography, and experience. It's a trump card to use when you want to greatly expand the scope of your trip. The "expedition resort" category expands the scale of your trip
With a beautiful world of fantastical snow and ice, dynamic scenery that feels like another world, drier and finer-textured powder snow than anywhere else, luxurious stays, gourmet food featuring an abundance of Hokkaido's seafood and mountain produce, and activities, Hoshino Resort Tomamu is a different world worth the trip from its base in Asahikawa
The variety is truly diverse, from one of Asia's largest family slopes to ungroomed runs that powder lovers will love, and runs where you can enjoy tree runs. In the area of the ski resort that is open only to advanced skiers, you can enjoy tree runs with a beautiful forest and a wide variety of ups and downs, and on the CAT tours operated by the resort, you can enjoy the dry powder that is unique to the frigid inland region
Access: Approximately 120km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 2 hours by car | JR lines available |
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/hoshino-resorts_tomamu/
Santa Present Park
The unforgettable night view and the convenience of filling in the gaps in your travels are irresistible
Santa Present Park is known for its beautiful night view from the ski resort, one of the best in Japan. It's easily accessible, just a 20-minute drive from Asahikawa city, so if you're traveling with Asahikawa as your base, be sure to stop by and enjoy a bit of skiing. The relaxed, unhurried skiing experience feels like a relaxing blend into the everyday life of the locals
It's a great day to enjoy the polar bear and penguin exhibits at the famous Asahiyama Zoo during the day, followed by night skiing at Santa Present Park. Of course, even on days when bad weather makes it impossible to go to the mountains around Asahikawa, you can often enjoy night skiing at Santa Present Park. It's a valuable place that allows you to turn any free time in your itinerary into time for skiing
Access: Approximately 7km from central Asahikawa | Approximately 15-20 minutes by car | Bus available
Official website: https://www.santapresentpark.com/
Asahikawa must-visit ski shops
Shugakuso Asahikawa store
Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with information on tools and fields
Shugakuso Asahikawa is a mountaineering and skiing specialty store located in Asahikawa city, near the Daisetsuzan area. It's a must-visit when heading out to the Daisetsuzan mountain range. The staff are well-versed in telemark and climbing, and will provide you with any advice, including how to use equipment and field information. The store's concept is "respect for mountains and love for forests, cherishing interaction between people and nature." From the user's perspective, they stock a wide range of products that will enrich and enhance your interaction with nature. Despite only having a sales floor area of 330m2, they are packed with over 100 outdoor brands
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from central Asahikawa
URL: https://www.shugakuso.com/
SPRAY
A store that thinks about its customers
SPRAY aims to create a store where you can see, touch, and listen to the stories and enjoy shopping. From the variety of products, brand selection, parts supply, tuning and repairs, there's a reason to come here. There's also a skateboard park on-site, so you can skate all year round. The knowledge and selection of a specialty store rivals that of a mass retailer! You're sure to find yourself staying for a long time
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from central Asahikawa
Official website: http://www.spray166.com/