Top 12 Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido: Powder Snow Paradise for Winter Sports Lovers

Planning your first ski holiday to Hokkaido this winter, and wondering what the best places for skiing in Hokkaido and even snowboarding are? There are a few important factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best ski resorts in Hokkaido for different types of international skiers. There should be a handful of slopes for beginners, intermediate-level, and advanced skiers, excellent English-speaking skiing courses, and some off-slope activities for families with kids to start out.

Niseko, with high-quality powder snow and perfect facilities, is definitely the best Hokkaido ski resort. If you're a beginner with children, perhaps you’ll also want to go to Furano Ski Resort, Sapporo Kokusai, or Tomamu Ski Resort, with ski schools or off-slope activities, thus regarded as the best Hokkaido ski resorts for families. Furthermore, whether you are beginners or advanced skiers, you’re likely to be price-conscious -- luxury ski resorts with the best service or relatively cheap ones when you plan to use only a few slopes.

With this post of a Hokkaido skiing guide, we list the 12 best ski resorts in Hokkaido, from the most famous resorts to the more affordable ones.

Ranked by Forbes as one of the Top 3 ski resorts in the world, Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido receives an average of over 15 meters of snowfall per year, with soft and dry snow. The abundance of powder snow has created its unique “Japow” (Japanese Powder Snow) culture, which means that when you ski as if you were floating, you don't feel any pain if you fall.

Niseko United contains four ski areas. Grand Hirafu is the largest single ski resort in Japan, featuring 16 cable cars and 30 ski slopes (approximately 10 each for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels). There is also night skiing (until 20:30) and a wide range of restaurants and bars.

Hanazono has 8 slopes, especially suitable for families with children and skiers who love to explore the terrain.

There are 27 ski runs in Niseko Village, which are relatively gentle. It also offers snow activities such as reindeer sledding and snowmobiles, and is home to a cluster of luxury hotels.

There are approximately 13 ski runs in Annupuri, which are relatively less crowded, therefore suitable for beginners.

With an average annual snowfall of over 14 meters and excellent snow quality, it is hailed as a substitute for Niseko and is much less crowded. Thirty-seven forest ski runs cover three broad peaks - West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mt. Isola, suitable for all levels. There are 18 cable cars, including 4 high-speed chairlifts.

As one of the best Ski resorts in Hokkaido, in winter, Rusutsu Ski Resort, where seasonal skiers come to ski, also has a free children's ski area. And it is also a snow park. In summer, it transforms into a large amusement park and features a rare mountain-top roller coaster in Japan.

The average annual snowfall is about 21 meters. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan and the western wind belt, the powder is dry and soft. It is a secret paradise for advanced skiers with few people. There are 21 to 23 slopes spreading across Asari and Nagamine. There are 9 to 10 lifts, including 2 Gondolas. Moreover, there are several in-bounds and side/back-country areas.

One of the family-friendly ski resorts in Hokkaido, Rusutsu Ski Resort's Annie Kids Ski Academy and Kids Academy offer programs for children ages 3 and up, as well as a snow park. There are also family programs such as Snow Bubble Ball, Banana Boat, Snow Segway, Snowmobile, and more.

Due to the inland frigid climate, the average annual snowfall at Tomamu Ski Resort is over 12 meters, which is typical of Hokkaido's Japow. There are a total of 29 ski slopes, including 10 for beginners, 14 for intermediates, 4 for advanced, and 1 for experienced skiers. The longest ski run, Silver Bell at 4.2 km, is the best choice for beginners. Tomamu Ski Resort is another family-friendly ski resort in Hokkaido and also offers snow activities such as sledding and snowmobiling.

More to expect -- Ice Village has an ice bar and an igloo hotel. Take the Gondola to enjoy the beautiful sea of clouds. Here is also the largest indoor wave swimming pool in Japan - Mina-Mina Beach. With a constant temperature of 30℃, you can watch the falling snow through the glass dome in winter.

Influenced by the Siberian air current, the annual snowfall at this ski resort in Hokkaido is approximately 7 to 9 meters. Its Dry Powder snow is hailed as one of the best snow qualities in Hokkaido. There are 28 ski runs (some say 23), covering the gentle slopes and steep wild snow areas of Furano Mountain and Kita-no-Peak, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, suitable for skiers of all levels. The longest slope is about 4,000 m, and the height difference is about 839-964 m.

Compared with Niseko and Rusutsu, Furano Si Resort has fewer tourists, and there is almost no need to queue for the cable car. Moreover, the scenery is extremely beautiful, making it suitable for quiet skiing and sightseeing photography.

Asahidake Ski Resort has abundant snowfall and boasts one of the longest snow seasons among all ski resorts in Japan. Skiing is available from early December to May of the following year. Located in Asahidake, Daisetsuzan (2,291 meters above sea level), this is the only ski resort in Hokkaido where you can experience skiing near the crater, with unique views. Besides, it is a backcountry ski resort, so it is equipped with only one paved downhill slope.

With almost all exclusively pristine trails and natural terrain, it is more suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers.

Asahidake Ski Resort is a non-traditional ski area, so hiring a professional guide is highly recommended.

Affected by the climate of the Sea of Japan, the average annual snowfall at Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort is over 10 meters. It can be reached at any time from Sapporo. You can make a one-day round trip or go directly to the airport. You can even get there by subway and a free shuttle bus. About 10 multi-level routes.

The total length of the ski runs is approximately 10 km. The beginner and intermediate levels each account for about 4 km, and the advanced level about 2 km. It should be noted that here it is "ski only" and snowboards are not allowed.

The best feature of this Hokkaido ski resort is that you can ski until 9 p.m. - some night trails, such as the Sightseeing Road Course, offer a view of Sapporo at night.

The site of the Sapporo Winter Olympics in 1972, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort in Hokkaido, included alpine skiing and bobsleigh events. Today, the Olympic torch stand still remains in the Highland Area. There are a total of 15 ski runs, covering terrain from beginner to advanced. The total length is approximately 16 km, and the longest single stretch is 6 km.

The Highland Area is dominated by intermediate trails for families and beginners. The Olympia Area is a combination of advanced trails and wild snow areas for expert skiers. Reserved Olympic pro-level runs include the 1.8km Olympic Downhill Course and the Olympic Giant Slalom.

The altitude ranges from 340 m (Olympia Area) to 1,023 m (Highland Area), with a vertical drop of about 683 m. The area overlooks both Sapporo city and the Sea of Japan.

Another central Hokkaido ski resort, Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido Ski Resort, is an all-inclusive resort designed for families and ski enthusiasts. The average annual snowfall is over 12 meters. The quality of dry powder snow is comparable to that of Niseko, but the number of visitors is relatively small.

There are a total of 21 slopes, suitable for middle school and advanced skiers. The longest run is about 2,700 m, with a vertical drop of about 610 m.

The all-inclusive service includes three buffet meals, snacks throughout the day, and drinks (from wine to beer and cocktails).

The snow season here lasts for about six months, from mid-November to early May of the following year. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort has abundant snow, and the snow is of excellent quality. There are a total of 7 ski runs, covering beginner (about 30%), intermediate (about 50%), and advanced (about 20%) levels. The longest slide is 3.6 km.

The altitude ranges from about 630 m at the bottom to about 1,100 m at the summit, with a vertical drop of about 470 m. Two large Gondolas (Sky Cabins), multiple 4-person / 2-person gondolas, and snow escalators make your skiing in Hokkaido more convenient.

Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, another value-for-money Hokkaido ski resort, has about 17 runs (some say 19) covering beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The vertical drop is about 280 m from the top at 482 m to the base at 200 m. The longest run is about 1,250 m. It is open almost daily until 21:00 and even until 22:00 on Saturdays.

Snow Kids Park (Waku Waku Snowland) is a children's area with snow hoops, sledding, and snow bikes.

You can take a direct bus from Maruyama Koen subway station to the ski resort.

There are a total of 25 slopes, about 32% beginner, 36% intermediate, and 32% advanced. You can expect high-quality pressurized snow and a number of non-pressurized snow woods and hard-packed trails. The non-snowmelt wild snow area accounts for 40%, making it suitable for players who pursue natural terrain. From 151 m to 751 m, the maximum sag is approximately 600 m. The longest slide is about 3.5-4 km. There is one high-speed yellow gondola and seven chairlifts.

There are no onsen facilities at the ski area. It is recommended to visit Asahidake Onsen (30 minutes by car) or Sounkyo Onsen (50 minutes by car) after skiing.

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