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

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 for deep snow. Here we introduce some of the "major" resorts in terms of access, size, facilities, and services

[Central Hokkaido - 17 Ski Resorts]
Enjoy Sapporo and "JAPOW" to the fullest!

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

Sapporo, the heart of Hokkaido, is a large city with a population of over 1 million, yet it is a globally rare place where monthly snowfall exceeds 1 meter from December to March.

This area experiences heavy snowfall, especially around Akaigawa, due to its cold climate and the collision of moist air carried from the Sea of ​​Japan with the mountain slopes. Just an hour's drive from Sapporo will take you to many large ski resorts such as Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, Kiroro, and Rusutsu. With its easy accessibility and high-quality snow, many skiers who come from Honshu spend at least one 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

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Experience the finest powder snow at
Kiroro Snow World,

Located close to Sapporo city center, Kiroro is easily accessible for day trips even if you're staying in Sapporo. Many riders visit Kiroro for its overwhelming snowfall, interesting natural terrain, and vast tree-run fields. During peak season, monthly snowfall can exceed 4 meters, with snow falling almost every night, resetting the course conditions.

Kiroro opens up five vast tree-run areas accessible from entrances located within the ski resort's managed area. The variety is incredible, with beautiful broadleaf forests, diverse natural terrain, deep powder spots, and courses that offer a sense of adventure. Many courses can be efficiently accessed using the lifts, making it irresistible for powder and tree-riding lovers. However, it's an area where you are entirely responsible, and rescue services incur costs, 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/

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located near Sapporo, boasts abundant snowfall and is a popular destination for motorcyclists.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort,

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/

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one of the steepest slopes in Japan
Sapporo Teine,

Located just a 40-minute drive from downtown Sapporo, Sapporo Teine boasts excellent accessibility. From its summit, over 1,000 meters above sea level, you can expect powder riding with views of Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay. The sparsely wooded nature zone is also a major attraction. The "Kitakabe Course," which has nurtured numerous famous skiers such as Daisuke Sasaki and Takeshi Kodama,is an ungroomed slope with a maximum gradient of 36 degrees, offering tree runs with varied terrain. The snow at top speed is superb.

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's 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/

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A paradise of natural terrain and trees nestled deep within a massive resort complex.
Rusutsu 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

Top elevation : 994m	Longest run: 3,500m	Elevation difference: 594m	maximum slope 30°

courses 37	lifts 14	gondolas Four	Ropeway - Book

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

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New course with a slope exceeding 40 degrees and dynamic course
at Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort | OTARU TENGUYAMA

Mount Tengu, at an elevation of 532m, is a symbol of Otaru. From the summit, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Otaru city, Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and on clear days, even the Shokanbetsu mountain range. The

challenging Dynamic Course, with a maximum gradient of 42 degrees, is highly recommended. You can enjoy a ride that feels like you're plunging into the city of Otaru. Night riding is also great when it snows.

Top elevation: 530m	Longest run: 1,800m	Elevation difference: 330m	maximum slope 40°

courses 5	lifts Two	Gondola base	ropeway One

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

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[List of ski resorts in central Hokkaido]

1. Kiroro Snow World
2. Sapporo International Ski Resort
3. Sapporo Teine
4. Rusutsu Resort
5. Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort
6. Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort
7. Snow Cruise Owns
8. Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort
9. Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
10. Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort
11. Fu's snow area
12. Nakayamatoge Ski Resort
13. Dynasty Ski Resort
14. Hidaka International Ski Resort
15. Abira Town Abirayama Ski Resort
16. Ishikari Plain Ski Resort
17. Takino Snow World
18. Kitahiroshima Classe Snow Park
    
    

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[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

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a popular destination for inbound tourists, boasts a snowy, dry snowfall.
Furano Ski Resort,

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/

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a favorite among connoisseurs.
Kamui Ski Links,

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!

Top elevation: 751m	Longest run: 4,000m	Elevation difference 601m	maximum slope 35°

courses 25	lifts 5	gondola One	ropeways 0

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

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A wild powder field
encompassing the entire mountain: Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway | ASAHIDAKE

There is only one ropeway. For convenience, there are two groomed courses, but the rest is magnificent natural terrain. It's wild, with just a ropeway running up the mountain. The area near the summit has few trees and is an alpine area. It's easy to get lost if you don't know the terrain and geography, so caution is necessary. Especially for beginners to Asahidake and those new to powder, 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 aim for superb powder even in spring is a major reason why it is very popular with hardcore skiers and snowboarders.

Top elevation : 2,291m	Longest run -m	Altitude difference -m	maximum slope -°

Number of courses - books	Lift - Book	Gondola base	ropeway One

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

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[List of ski resorts in northern Hokkaido]

1. Furano
2. Nakafurano North Star
3. Minami-Furano National Park
4. Kamifurano Town
5. Canmore Ski Village
6. Kamui Ski Links
7. Santa Present Park Maros Slope
8. Mount Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake
9. Takinoue-cho Sakuragaoka
10. Monbetsu Municipal Oyama
11. Pip
12. Wassamu Higashiyama
13. Horokanai Horotachi
14. Asahi, Shibetsu City
15. Hyuga, Shibetsu City
16. Nayoro Piyashiri
17. Bifuka
18. Otoifuji
19. Mikasayama, Esashi Town
20. Nakatonbetsu Town Kotobuki
21. Sarufutsu Village
22. Wakkanai City Komadori
23. Toyotomi Hot Springs
24. Higashigaoka, Horonobe Town
25. Haboro town residents
26. Okoppe Town

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[Southern Hokkaido - 17 Ski Resorts]
The strongest area, home to Niseko

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

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the birthplace of the world-renowned "JAPOW"
| Niseko United

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 it into dry snow and causing large amounts of dry powder to fall. 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 complex of five ski resorts, with the four major resorts—HANAZONO, Grand Hirafu, Village, Annupuri, and Moiwa—connected at the top. This massive scale is unmatched in Japan. With its abundant natural terrain, high reset rate, and significant elevation difference, Niseko's position is unshakeable.

Furthermore, once the gates open, you can easily ski into the backcountry area using lifts and gondolas, making it an ideal environment for backcountry-oriented skiers and snowboarders.Niseko also boasts numerous backcountry guide service companies.

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An all-around resort where you can enjoy everything from powder to the park.
Niseko Hanazono Resort:

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

The lower section features a park accessible by high-speed lifts, and there's also a tube park in front of the "HANAZONO Resort Center." Its selling points are its varied courses and all-around features, from powder to parks. Night skiing is also popular.

The "HANAZONO Symphony Gondola," which carries you from the bottom to the summit station over a total length of 1,589m in just 5 minutes and 30 seconds, has a capacity of 10 people and is equipped with comfortable individual genuine leather seats. The main lift, the HANAZONO No. 1 Quad Lift, also offers supreme comfort with 6-seater genuine leather seats equipped with heaters.

Top elevation : 1,308m	Longest run: 4,550m	Elevation difference of 1,000m	maximum slope 30°

courses 12	lifts 3	gondola One	Ropeway - Book

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

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With its diverse course designs,
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu offers the best skiing experience in the area.

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

Top elevation : 1,308m	Longest run: 4,550m	Elevation difference of 1,000m	maximum slope 30°

courses 12	lifts 3	gondola One	Ropeway - Book

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

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is perfect for beginner and intermediate powder skiers who want to improve their skills.
Niseko Village Ski Resort

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

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

courses 30	lifts 5	gondolas Three	Ropeway - Book

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

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Enjoy high-speed cruising on the Grooming Burn at
Niseko Annupuri International | NISEKO ANNUPURI

With many wide, moderately sloped runs, it's perfect for cruising along well-groomed slopes. Because the gradient changes little, it's especially recommended for skiers aiming to become intermediate or advanced.

Niseko Annupuri is also popular for night skiing, and it feels great to speed down the well-groomed slopes with high-speed carving. The Dynamic Course, with a maximum gradient of 33°, is open at night, so if fresh snow falls during the day, you can enjoy steep and powder skiing at night.

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

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A hidden gem for powder snow in Niseko.
Niseko Moiwa:

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

Top elevation : 839m	Longest run: 2,200m	Elevation difference of 400m	maximum slope 35°

courses 8	lifts 3	Gondola base	Ropeway - Book

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

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Enjoy a long ride on fresh snow in the backcountry area
at Hakodate Nanae Snow Park.

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

Top elevation : 956m	Longest run: 4,000m	Elevation difference: 701m	maximum slope 29°

courses 8	lifts Two	gondola One	Ropeway - Book

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

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[List of ski resorts in southern Hokkaido]

1. Niyama Plateau
2. Hakodate Nanae Snow Park                           
3. Chiuchi Town 
4. Yakumo Town               
5. Muroran City Danpara      
6. Orofure      
7. Karurusu Onsen Sanraiba             
8. Windsor Snow Village                  
9. Niseko Annupuri International Airport
10. Niseko Village Ski Resort                           
11. Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu          
12. Niseko Hanazono Resort
13. Niseko Moiwa                        
14. Asahigaoka, Kutchan Town
15. Iwanai Resort
16. Niki town residents      

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[Eastern Hokkaido - 20 Ski Resorts]
For a complete skiing experience

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

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is like a treasure chest filled with all kinds of snow activities.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a leading resort in the eastern Hokkaido area. The resort boasts 29 courses spread across two mountains: "Tomamu Mountain" (1,239m above sea level) and "Tower Mountain" to the east. From Asia's largest family slopes to ungroomed courses and tree runs that will delight powder-loving advanced skiers, the variety is simply amazing. There are also many options to enjoy the dry powder unique to this inland, extremely cold region, such as CAT tours operated by the resort and programs that allow you to enjoy backcountry skiing with lift access.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu has declared a "Winter Mountain Liberation Declaration," allowing skiers to freely ski in the unspoiled nature of Hokkaido, and has opened up sidecountry courses exclusively for advanced skiers within the resort. You can enjoy tree runs with rich undulations in a beautiful forested area. With a hooded quad lift, the conditions are perfect for repeated runs.

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

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boasts a superb ungroomed course on its north-facing slope.
Sahoro Resort

Located almost in the center of Hokkaido, Tokachi Sahoro Resort boasts easy access from three gateways—Asahikawa, Obihiro, and New Chitose Airport—making it ideal for planning sightseeing routes. This central Hokkaido area includes mountainous regions such as the Daisetsuzan and Hidaka Mountains, resulting in vast backcountry fields surrounding the resort. A popular style of travel in recent years has been to use Sahoro Resort as a base and freely ski the powder and backcountry fields of the Tokachi area, commonly known as the "Hokkaido Powder Belt."

Surprisingly, 50% of Sahoro's resort is ungroomed. All five courses on the north slope are ungroomed, preserving the natural terrain and making it perfect for freeriding. Yet, it's not as crowded as Niseko or Sapporo, making it a hidden gem. The high-speed quad lift is covered, ensuring comfort even in blizzards.

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

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[List of ski resorts in Eastern Hokkaido]

1. Hoshino Resort Tomamu
2. Sahoro Resort      
3. Mount Shintoku, Shintoku Town        
4. Memuro        
5. Akenogaoka, Makubetsu Town   
6. Makubetsu Town, Shiragindai      
7. Akan Royal Valley
8. Utara National Lake Akan Ski Resort
9. Shibetsu Town Kanayama            
10. Unabetsu, Shari Town       
11. Kiyosato Town Green
12. Bihoro Town Lily Mountain        
13. Kitami-Wakamatsu Citizens             
14. Minamioka, Okito Town             
15. Happodai, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City
16. Northern Arc Resort
17. Abashiri Lake View
18. Saroma Town
19. Engaru Rock Valley
20. Gokayama, Yubetsu Town

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[Sorachi - 11 ski resorts]
Highly supported by 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

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hidden gem for powder snow, where you can experience the charm of old Hokkaido.
Mount Racey: A

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

Top elevation : 702m	Longest run: 3,500m	Elevation difference: 404m	maximum slope 45°

courses 18	lifts 4	gondola One	Ropeway - Book

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

[List of Sorachi ski resorts]

1. Kitanaganuma         
2. Mount Racey   
3. Hokkaido Greenland White Park
4. Haginoyama Citizens of Iwamizawa City     
5. Katsurazawa National Park, Mikasa City        
6. Bibai National Museum
7. Ashibetsu National Park
8. Shintotsukawa Town Sochidake
9. Numata Town Takaho
10. Mashike Town Mt. Shokanbetsu
11. Obira Town Boyodai

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