Hokkaido's Ultimate Ski Guide: Top Resorts for Every Snow Enthusiast
Where to Go Skiing in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is a skier’s paradise, with ski resorts seemingly around every corner. Hokkaido’s ski resorts are highly acclaimed not only by Japanese skiers but also by winter sports fans from around the world. Hokkaido’s appeal lies in its exceptional snow quality, a product of the region’s favorable climate, and a diverse array of courses that offer unique experiences across different resorts.
Many resorts are equipped with hotels and hot springs, making them ideal for both skiing and the essential après-ski relaxation. Here are some of our top recommended ski resorts in Hokkaido, including those perfect for enjoying powder snow, even if you’re not hitting the slopes.
1. Niseko United
Powder-perfect slopes across multiple resorts
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Niseko United offers four diverse resorts around Mt. Niseko Annupuri: Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, and Niseko Hanazono Resort. Cumulus clouds from the Sea of Japan bring the finest powder snow, and combined with the varied terrain this creates a versatile resort area with something for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers.
Each ski resort has its own characteristics, but the best resort for families is the Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area. This is really popular with the local children too, so it’ll be a great experience for your little ones. Each ski resort is connected at the summit, so you can easily move between resorts by lift, gondola, or bus.
Niseko United
2. Rusutsu Resort
Year-round adventure with stunning views and diverse slopes
Good for: Adventure, Families
Nestled on the picturesque plateau of Rusutsu Village, Rusutsu Resort offers year-round excitement with its diverse attractions. From summer to autumn, it transforms into a vibrant amusement park, while winter to spring sees it become a renowned ski destination.
The resort boasts 37 courses spread across the West, East, and Isola mountains, covering a total of 42 km. With options for all skill levels, including night skiing and uncompressed snow zones, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei from the summit. The resort also features snow parks for freestyle boarders and children’s parks for sledging and tubing, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Rusutsu Resort
3. Furano Ski Resort
Exceptional skiing on dry, fluffy snow in Hokkaido’s heart
Good for: Adventure, Families
Furano Ski Resort is renowned for hosting international ski competitions and offers a rich experience for visitors. Located in central Hokkaido, the resort is divided into two main areas: the Furano Zone and the Kitanomine Zone, linked by convenient elevators.
As one of the largest ski areas in Hokkaido, Furano features 25 courses that accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The Kitanomine Zone is particularly welcoming to families, offering a variety of beginner-friendly courses. Although Furano may not receive the heaviest snowfall, it is celebrated for its dry, fluffy snow of exceptional quality, providing an ideal skiing experience.
Location: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Furano Ski Resort
4. Kiroro Snow World
Hokkaido’s snowiest slopes
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Kiroro Snow World is located in Kiroro, which is said to have the most snowfall in Hokkaido. This is a relatively new ski resort, with fast elevators and modern facilities. Known for its abundant snow and extended ski season, Kiroro is a favorite among snow enthusiasts.
With numerous gentle slopes, Kiroro is an ideal destination for beginners. If you fancy a change of pace from skiing, there’s also a snow park for sledging, tubing, and other activities. On top of that, you can try mini snowmobiles and trekking with snowshoes. After an exhilarating day, unwind in open-air baths and enjoy dining at nearby hotels.
Location: Akaigawa, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0571, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Kiroro Snow World
5. Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
Sunlit slopes and enchanting ice adventures
Good for: Adventure, Families, Luxury
Hokkaido is full of ski resorts, but Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu is something special. It features slopes for all ages and a mild climate where you can enjoy the snow while bathing in the warm southeastern sunlight.
The resort features an array of beginner-friendly courses and snow activities, including downhill snowshoeing and banana boating, ensuring fun for everyone. The enchanting “Ice Village” adds a unique touch, featuring an illuminated ice dome and a skating rink for a magical ice-skating experience.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
6. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
A day-trip paradise with varied slopes and silky powder snow
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is about an hour’s drive from Sapporo city. If you’re visiting Sapporo for some sightseeing, this popular resort makes a perfect day-trip. The vast slopes include a 3.6-km-long “Forest-Fairytale Course” that feels great to slide along. To make things easy for beginners, each course is clearly divided into level-specific areas such as “Beginner’s Street,” “Challenge Street,” and “Children’s Street.”
The resort is open from mid-November to early May every year, and its long business period, spacious slopes, and smooth powder snow make it hugely popular with the people of Sapporo and beyond. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is one of Hokkaido’s most famous and is definitely worth a visit.
Location: 937 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +81 (0)11-598-4511
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
7. Tokachi Sahoro Ski Resort
Premier slopes for dedicated skiers
Good for: Adventure, Couples
The wide-open slopes of Tokachi Sahoro Ski Resort feature excellent views of the Tokachi Plain. With 21 courses, visitors can enjoy reliable powder snow, often complemented by clear weather. The resort is renowned for its uncrowded slopes and exceptional snow quality, making it a favorite among skiing enthusiasts.
Many of the courses are for intermediate to advanced skiers, making Tokachi Sahoro a popular resort for skiers who are serious about their sport. The lift platform is immediately outside the resort’s hotel entrance, and a shuttle bus runs to the aerial cableway station. The powder snow here is cold and low in moisture, so it’s a dream to ski on.
Tokachi Sahoro Ski Resort
8. Kamui Ski Links
A local ski resort with uncrowded, versatile slopes
Good for: Adventure, Families
Kamui Ski Links is a relatively small ski resort that’s mainly used by locals. Set in Asahikawa City, the resort is widely regarded as the best “local” ski resort in Japan. Spanning over 100 hectares, it offers a charming blend of local ambiance with modern amenities like cable cars.
The resort features 25 diverse courses, accommodating everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, with slopes reaching a maximum angle of 35%. Its uncrowded slopes make it perfect for those seeking a personalized skiing experience at their own pace. For those who wish to ski on their own terms, Kamui Ski Links is the ideal destination.
Location: Nishioka-112 Kamuicho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 074-1181, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Kamui Ski Links
9. Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
Perfecting your skiing skills on diverse, clearly marked slopes
Good for: Adventure, Couples
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort is the ideal base for honing your skiing skills, with 9 diverse courses suitable for children, beginners, and advanced skiers. Courses are clearly labeled and color-coded by difficulty, making it easy to choose the right path for your skill level.
There are 2 courses for beginners, 5 for intermediate level, and 7 for advanced skiers, but even the intermediate and advanced courses have their own alternate routes that are easier to navigate. Additionally, the on-site ski school offers newcomers a chance to learn the basics, making it an ideal starting point for those new to skiing.
Location: 1 Chome-394 Asarigawaonsen, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0154, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +81 (0)13-454-0101
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
10. Greenpia Onuma
Serene slopes and soothing hot springs
Good for: Adventure, Families
Just 35 minutes by car from Hakodate, Greenpia Onuma is a year-round resort offering an escape in nature. The resort features six diverse courses for all skill levels, along with a sledging slope and activities like banana boating and snow rafting for non-skiers. Here you can enjoy the luxury of skiing in a private setting free from crowds.
After a day on the slopes, unwind in the resort’s hot springs or dine at the onsite restaurants. This resort is perfect for a relaxing winter family getaway.
Greenpia Onuma
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.