There are hundreds of ski resorts in Japan. Whatever you love about skiing and snowboarding, you will find it in Japan. Whether you prefer shredding powder, carving on immaculately groomed piste runs, grinding rails and pulling tricks, or even taking your first turns, Japan has the resort for you.
Japan's rugged North Island of Hokkaido boasts some of Japan's best ski resorts, with the coldest temperatures and highest annual snowfall. The Hokkaido Powder Snow is the stuff of legend!
Each resort has it’s own unique character and personality. If you are not sure which one is right for you, get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.
Niseko
Niseko is the most famous and popular of all of the Japanese ski resorts.
Niseko is an international modern resort, complementing the epic mountain with abundant powder snow and incredible terrain.
Quite simply, Niseko is the powder capital of Japan.
Great Resort for:
- Powder Snow
- Off Piste Skiing
- Night Skiing
- Luxury Accommodation
- Restaurants & Nightlife
Rusutsu
A medium size Japanese resort located in West Hokkaido, located just a short drive from Niseko with similar amounts of snow.
Great Resort for:
- Powder Snow
- Tree Skiing
- Terrain Park
- Resort Hotels
Kiroro
Located 1 hours North of Niseko, Kiroro is another great option for those seeking a destination resort experience with the famous Hokkaido powder snow!
Great Resort for:
- Powder Snow
- Tree Skiing
- Resort Hotels
Other Western Hokkaido Ski Resorts
Sapporo Kokusai
Located another 40 minutes or so past Kiroro and views back over Otaru and the Sea of Japan on a clear day, Kokusai offers a range of long groomed runs to satisfy all levels with excellent off piste and tree skiing pockets spread over the resort.
A favourite for Sapporo and Otaru locals, Kokusai captures the snow as the fronts pass form the ocean over the top of the range making it an ideal resort to improve your technique.
Sapporo Teine
Also located 40 minutes or so past Kiroro with must see spectacular views over all of Sapporo and the Sea of Japan.
Teine comprises 2 linked resort areas of Teine Olympia, the site of the bobsled competition for the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Games, offering delightfully mellow slopes. Teine Highlands sits above Olympia and is a step up in terrain to assist in challenging your ability.
Asari
Nestled down the valley from Kokusai, Asari is protected more so than all the other resorts from the wind with excellent teaching terrain and beautiful views stretching over the sea to the horizon. Added to that Asari is at the onsen town of Asarigawa Onsen, the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes.
Otaru Tenguyama
Located above the seaside town of Otaru, Tenguyama offers excellent terrain for all abilities, and the restaurant offers amazing views on fine days across Otaru and the bay. Most weekdays it will feel like your own private ski resort.
Furano
Located in Central Hokkaido, Furano offers a lot to those wanting to experience the best of Japanese skiing in a quieter, truly Japanese environment.
Great Resort for:
- Powder Snow
- Uncrowded Lifts
- Off Piste Terrain
- Exploring Central Hokkaido Resorts
Other Central Hokkaido Ski Resorts
Tomamu
Tomamu strikes a cord with all who ride its mountains. With arguably the best in-bounds powder skiing in Hokkaido you’ll be wanting to come back for more.
Mt. Tomamu at 1239m, offers skiers and snowboarders a wide variety of runs catering to all abilities. With 11 lifts, Tomamu has some great options.
It also offers skiers and boarders an awesome park and off-piste section which is roped off from the rest of the crowd. However it’s Tomamu’s backcountry which makes it special.
Kamui
Kamui is a small ski resort set on its own, 1 hour north of Furano. With 7 lifts accessing a network of wide open cruisers as well as powder filled trees and gullies, you’ll feel like your riding your own private mountain as crowds here a virtually non-existent – unless school kids on the beginner lifts count.
Combine that with one of Japan’s most open ski area policies and there is enough here to suit every kind of skier and boarder.
Asahidake
Asahidake is one of the most popular touring locations in Hokkaido, due to the easy access to above tree line terrain given by the Ropeway at the bottom of the volcano (top height 1600m) and the fame of the mountain itself, which at 2290m is the highest in Hokkaido.
Short hikes are often required along the ridges at the summit and there is the option of hiking around the volcano. Expect chutes, alpine bowls, massive pillows and epically deep powder. Once at the bottom, all roads lead to the Ropeway.
Sahoro
Sahoro is a resort full of surprises. From short fun shots between the lifts to full vert tree runs down to the road, it’ll sure put a smile on your dial! It’s well protected and is a good option when the weather has come in.
Pippu
A quiet mountain and a good option when the storms are coming in. Plenty of trees to ski through, good pitch and no people off-piste. This is a great mountain when everywhere else is busy or clapped out due to low vis or high winds.