Skier : Riki Nakajima
In recent years, the mountains in the central Hokkaido area, accessible from Asahikawa Airport, have been called the "Hokkaido powder belt" and are gaining worldwide attention as a treasure trove of dry powder unique to inland areas, and are gaining tremendous popularity. From steep snowy mountains to local ski resorts and resort ski resorts such as Tomamu, Furano, and Kamui, the environment is well-equipped to fully enjoy winter mountains and powder. Among these powder belts, let's take a look at the famous powder courses at ski resorts where you can fully enjoy JAPOW.
Hoshino Resort Tomamu
Tomamu Mountain is reputed to be really interesting
Enjoy the dry powder to your heart
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, located almost in the center of Hokkaido, has a total of 29 courses spread over two peaks. Both courses are dotted with uncompacted snow, but the slopes are moderate and the distance between the trees is just right. Tomamu is actually recommended for skiers and snowboarders who want to ski in powder. It's not a powder reset with fresh snow falling every night, but the temperature is so cold that the snow quickly evaporates and dries out, leaving a very light snow.
In particular, Tomamu Mountain has a reputation for being extremely fun for powder riding as it allows you to run various courses with a single lift. The "advanced-only open area" where you can ski on the natural powder in the controlled area outside the course is a tree run that uses quads to weave through large coniferous trees just like in North America (requires procedures, you can enter with a helmet and armband). You can enjoy it repeatedly.
You can enjoy a satisfying powder ride on the slopes alone, but there is also the "Karifuri-dake CAT TOUR" operated by the resort. It is a luxurious cat tour that rents out the powder field of nearby Mt. Karifuri for 12 people. Another advantage of Tomamu is that there are not many skiers and snowboarders looking for powder because there are many families, and the rate of remaining powder is high. One of Tomamu's charms is that you can go skating with your family and leave the kids and wife to play with a variety of activities while the father just skis the powder.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Powder Specialty Course
・Expert-only release area
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's unique approach is to create and disseminate winter mountain play beyond ski slopes managed with safety knowledge based on the "Winter Mountain Liberation Declaration" born from the desire to "enjoy nature as it is". It's an attempt.
The "advanced-only area" is uncompacted and the finest powder heaven. Until March 31, it will be released sequentially after safety confirmation. To use it, download the yukiyama app and go to the cart reception in the resort center. Start using after entering the password displayed at the cart reception area in the resort center. The app must be checked out by 15:30.
See MAP for advanced users only "Winter Mountain Liberation Area"
・Glory
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 520m / Slope direction: East
A non-compacted snow barn that branches off along the ridge accessed by the Unkai Gondola. The probability of hitting the powder here is the highest throughout the season, and the day when it snows is the best! Depending on the wind direction, the reset may continue until the afternoon.
・No Gravity
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 26 degrees / Distance: 770m / Slope orientation: Southeast
A hard course for advanced players that spreads out from the 1,088m point of Mt. Tomamu with a maximum gradient of 35° and continues almost to the bottom of the course. As the name suggests, the floating feeling of the powder makes you forget the existence of gravity.
・North Star
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: South
An uncompacted snow course that turns right and enters from the middle of the 3,300m-long Silver Bell Course that runs from the top of the Unkai Gondola. It is the gateway to the non-compacted snow advanced course. A course full of the atmosphere of a white forest surrounded by trees.
＋PLUS Morning Glory
First track in the morning of Tomamu. Ride the Unkai Gondola and Powder Express before they open, and slide into the empty slopes first thing in the morning. A powder ride is definitely a promise in the morning after a snowfall.
Period: Until March 31, 2023
Time: 8:00 to 9:30
Price: 4,000 yen per person for 2 or more people / 5,000 yen for 1 person
Capacity: 2 to 12 people
* In addition, lift tickets are available. Necessary (separate fee)
Click here for details
＋PLUS Karifuridake CAT TOUR
A cat tour operated by a resort. A guided backcountry tour that climbs natural mountains in the Karifuridake area by snowmobile and enjoys a no-track powder run limited to 12 people. With a luxurious lunch course that you can't imagine being deep in the mountains in a yurt. Held every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays.
Period: January 21, 2023 to March 12, 2023
Time: 8:20 to 16:00
Price: 50,600 yen
Capacity: 12 people
*Free rental of avalanche gear (beacon, excavator, probe)
Click here for details
◆ Official HP / https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
Furano Ski Resort
Tokachi-dake and Daisetsuzan mountain range and
dry powder that can only be enjoyed in the inland area
Furano Ski Resort consists of two zones, Kita-no-mine and Furano, which spread out from the 1,074-meter summit, and has a total of 28 courses, including long courses and non-compressed snow courses. The biggest attraction is that you can enjoy dry powder unique to the inland and beautiful grooming with two axes. Both zones have non-compressed snow courses, so powder riding is a no-brainer. Especially if you want to be the first to hit the powder in the Furano zone, it is convenient to stay at the New Furano Prince Hotel.
Furano Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Premier course
Maximum slope: 34 degrees Average: 23 degrees / Distance: 830m / Slope direction: East
An uncompacted snow course that starts from the peak of the Kitanomine Zone at an altitude of 943m. The maximum slope is 34 degrees, and overhead spray is essential if dry powder accumulates here. It is also attractive that you can approach at once with the Kitanomine gondola. Definitely head here early in the morning.
・E1 course
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: 18 degrees / Distance: 430m / Slope orientation: -
An uncompacted snow course from the top of the Furano zone. The distance is not long, but the powder at 1,064m above sea level is of the highest quality. Especially the beauty of the scenery from here is exceptional. Another nice point is that you can ski efficiently using the lift next to the course. When there is no snowfall, it becomes a technical bumpy slope.
・A2 course
Maximum slope: 22 degrees Average: 12 degrees / Distance: 1750m / Slope orientation: -
For a limited time from late December to early February, the next morning after a snowfall, the snow is left uncompacted and the area is opened to the public for the "Silky Barn." A unique course that transforms into a beautiful grooming barn with compacted snow in the afternoon. Enjoy a long ride of 1750m on undulating terrain while passing through white birch forests.
◆Official HP/ https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter/
Kamui Ski Links
looking for technical course
powder that will impress even advanced players, then aim for the right time.
About 60 minutes from Asahikawa Airport and 40 minutes from Asahikawa city, Camry Ski Links is very accessible. It is easily accessible from Asahikawa city for just 700 yen by shuttle bus, and is often called the most satisfying ski resort within a day trip from Asahikawa.
Due to its inland location, Kamui's snow quality is smooth powder snow that cannot be imitated in other areas. 32% of the courses are non-compressed snow courses where you can enjoy the powder to your heart's content. Most of the advanced courses are uncompacted snow, and they are long courses ranging from 800 to 1200 meters, and all of them have a maximum slope of over 30 degrees. The undulating course is full of variety, with mashes, bumps, and walls that you can hit, so even skiers who are keen on the terrain will be very satisfied. There is also a tree run course at the top of the slope, and you can enjoy tree runs in the beautiful forest.
Kamui Ski Links Powder Specialty Course
・Deep powder
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 23-25 degrees / Distance: 800m / Slope orientation: North
A forest deep snow spot that can be entered from the gate next to the fifth pair lift (navy blue) for a limited time. As the name suggests, the superb "superb powder snow" is abundant and deep on the steep slopes. A place where you can experience the charm of Kamui's wild nature through Steep & Deep tree riding that can only be experienced here.
・Fresh powder
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: North
A limited-time forest deep snow spot that can be entered from the deep powder "Rindo". A tree run course where you can easily enjoy Kamui's famous smooth powder snow in a beautiful forest. Considering the amount of snow at Kamui Ski Links, the best season is around February, when the course is open and you can ski in good conditions.
◆ Official HP / https://www.kamui-skilinks.com/
Daisetsuzan Asahidake
entire mountain
should be skied with awareness and preparation for the
Daisetsuzan Asahidake is the main peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, located in the Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido, with an elevation of 2,291m. With an area of approximately 230,000 hectares, it is the largest national park in Japan. Because it is located in the north, it is comparable to the 3,000m-class mountains of Honshu, and the weather conditions in winter are particularly severe.
It's more like a mountain ski field than a ski resort, with just one ropeway. There are 4 lines of skiing course, and other than that, it is a magnificent natural terrain with few forest areas near the summit, and one side is an untouched snow field. It is easy to get lost if you are not familiar with the topography and geography, so avoid entering easily.
The powder on the slopes is fun enough, but with a backcountry guide, you can hike up to the upper part from the lift access, and you can experience the fun of mountain skiing in the sideways field. During the high season, snowstorms and strong winds often cause the ropeway to be suspended. Due to the altitude, the weather is also changeable. Extreme caution is required due to the environment that can face the rigors of nature. Be sure to wear safety gear and a helmet, and check the weather and conditions every morning before heading out. On the other hand, it is unique to Daisetsuzan Asahidake that you can aim for high-quality powder even in spring. The length of the season is also attractive.
Daisetsuzan Asahidake powder specialty course
the whole thing
◆ Official HP / https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/
[INFO]
Common lift ticket "Hokkaido Powder Belt Pass" to fully enjoy the Hokkaido powder belt
A common lift pass valid for 5 days that can be used at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort, Furano Ski Resort, and Kamui Ski Links in the Hokkaido powder belt area is now on sale. The appeal is that you can freely choose the ski resort according to the weather and snow conditions of the day and the style of your stay.
5days ticket
sales period: December 24, 2022 to March 21, 2023
Usage period: December 24, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Price (adult): 27,500 yen
Click here for details
