Top 10 Skiing Spots In Hokkaido For Every Skill Level
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a winter paradise renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant powder snow, and world-class ski resorts. Whether you’re a seasoned skier carving through deep backcountry snow or a beginner looking for gentle slopes, Hokkaido offers a diverse range of ski destinations to suit all skill levels.
From the internationally acclaimed Niseko United, known for its light, fluffy snow, to the hidden gems like Asahikawa Kamui Ski Links, there’s a perfect slope for everyone. Beyond the skiing experience, Hokkaido’s resorts boast stunning mountain views, relaxing hot springs (onsen), and vibrant après-ski culture*.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 skiing spots in Hokkaido, highlighting what makes each one unique and helping you find the perfect winter getaway. Get ready to hit the slopes and experience the magic of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland!
*après-ski culture: social and recreational activities that take place after a day of skiing or snowboarding, includes everything from relaxing in hot springs (onsen) and enjoying hearty local cuisine to socialising at bars, cafes, and lounges.
(1) Niseko United
(2) Furano Ski Resort
(3) Rusutsu Resort
(4) Kiroro Snow World
(5) Tomamu Ski Resort
(6) Sapporo Teine
(7) Kamui Ski Links
(8) Tokachi Sahoro Resort
(9) Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
(10) Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort
(1) Niseko United
Hanazono Main Park
Source: Hanazono Niseko Resort
Niseko United is a premier ski destination located on Hokkaido's Mount Niseko Annupuri, encompassing four interconnected resorts: Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono Niseko Resort. Renowned for its exceptional powder snow and diverse terrain, Niseko United offers an unparalleled experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The Niseko United All Mountain Pass grants unlimited access to all four interconnected resorts, providing skiers and snowboarders the freedom to explore a diverse range of runs and off-piste areas. Additionally, pass holders can take advantage of the Niseko United shuttle bus service, which operates free of charge throughout the winter season, making it easy to move between resorts.
Night skiing at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Source: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
For those who want to extend their time on the slopes, night skiing offers a magical experience under the stars. Typically available from mid-December through late March, night skiing allows visitors to enjoy well-lit trails in a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Exact schedules may vary by resort, so checking ahead is recommended.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Niseko United provides a wide range of accommodations and amenities to enhance the overall experience. Visitors can choose from luxurious hotels, cosy lodges, and modern condominiums, catering to different preferences and budgets. The resorts also feature diverse dining options, rejuvenating hot springs (onsen), and various recreational activities, ensuring that guests have plenty to enjoy both on and off the slopes.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu: 30 November 2024 – 31 March 2025
Hanazono Niseko Resort: 30 November 2024 – 6 April 2025
Niseko Village Ski Resort: 30 November 2024 – 6 April 2025
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area: 30 November 2024 – 6 May 2025
*Please note that opening dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Niseko United
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area | Niseko Village Ski Resort | Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu | Hanazono Niseko Resort
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(2) Furano Ski Resort
Source: Furano Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort, located in central Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned for its exceptional powder snow and diverse terrain, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort is divided into two main zones: the Kitanomine Zone, operational from mid-December to late March, and the Furano Zone, open from late November to early May. Both zones are interconnected and accessible with a single lift pass, offering skiers and snowboarders a seamless experience across the mountain.
Source: Furano Ski Resort
With a vertical drop of over 950 meters, Furano Ski Resort is known for some of the steepest slopes in Hokkaido. The resort receives an average of 7 meters of snow annually and offers 23 courses suited for all skill levels, including beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders.
Visitors can choose from various accommodations at the base of both ski zones or in downtown Furano, just a short shuttle ride away. The town features luxury hotels, guesthouses, and self-contained condominiums, along with a range of restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences to enjoy.
Beyond skiing, Furano offers snowmobiling, hot air balloon rides, ice fishing, snowshoe trekking, and snow rafting. The resort is centrally located, providing easy access to nearby ski areas such as Asahidake, Kamui Ski Links, and Kurodake. Rental shops and ski schools are also available for equipment and lessons.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
Kitanomine Zone: Mid-December to late March
Furano Zone: Late November to early May
*Please note that opening dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Furano Ski Resort
Location: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511, Japan
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(3) Rusutsu Resort
Source: Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding on some of the best powder snow in the region. The resort is known for its variety of terrain, excellent family-friendly activities, and luxurious accommodations. With multiple ski areas, scenic views, and a range of winter sports options, Rusutsu attracts visitors from around the globe. Additionally, it has a reputation for a relaxed, less crowded atmosphere compared to other major Hokkaido resorts like Niseko.
Source: Rusutsu Resort
In addition, Rusutsu Resort offers a variety of exciting winter activities beyond skiing, such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow rafting, and scenic gondola rides. Visitors can also enjoy its amusement park, designed for both winter and summer fun.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
23 November 2024 - 30 March 2025
Opening hours: 9.00am - 8pm
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Rusutsu Resort
Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1711 Japan
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(4) Kiroro Snow World
Source: Kiroro Snow World
Kiroro Snow World offers an exceptional winter experience with its top-notch snow quality, extensive slopes, and family-friendly activities. The resort provides various winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, as well as luxury accommodations at "Yu Kiroro," a ski-in/ski-out hotel. Kiroro also features Club Med resorts for an all-inclusive experience.
Source: Kiroro Snow World
The White Winter Festival 2025 at Kiroro Resort celebrates the magic of winter with an exciting lineup of events, including skiing, snowboarding, and unique snow activities. This festival features spectacular light displays, musical performances, and winter sports competitions. It is designed to offer a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy the resort’s powder snow, diverse winter activities, and entertainment.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
Mid November - early April
*Please note that opening dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Kiroro Resort
Location: 128-1 Aza-Tokiwa, Akaigawa-mura, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
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(5) Tomamu Ski Resort
Terrace of Frost Tree
Source: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers a range of winter activities from skiing to snowshoe trekking. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from the Terrace of Frost Tree and experience the magical Ice Village. The ski area caters to all levels with 29 courses, while various outdoor activities like snowmobiling and snow horseback riding are available too. There are also night skiing opportunities, providing a unique experience under the stars. For those new to the sport, ski schools are available with professional instructors.
Ice Village
Source: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers two main hotel options for guests: RISONARE Tomamu, an all-suite hotel offering luxury accommodations with private saunas and jet baths, and Tomamu The Tower, located at the centre of the resort, ideal for guests looking to participate in various activities. The resort also provides a range of services, including a spa and massage options, family-friendly amenities, and a shopping area.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
1 December 2024 - 1 April 2025
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Location: Naka-Tomamu Shimukappu Yufutsu Hokkaido 079-2204, Japan
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(6) Sapporo Teine
Source: Sapporo Teine
Sapporo Teine is a popular ski destination about 40 minutes from central Sapporo. It offers 15 courses totalling 16.4 km, with both beginner-friendly slopes and advanced runs, including the Olympic courses from the 1972 Winter Games.
The resort is known for its high-quality powder snow and stunning views of Sapporo and Ishikari Bay. has two main areas: the Olympia Zone, ideal for families and beginners, and the Highland Zone, suited for advanced skiers. Covering 76 hectares, it features a 683m vertical drop and a 6km maximum run length. The resort also includes a terrain park, a new Snowland for tubing and sledding, and night skiing in the Olympia Zone.
Source: Sapporo Teine
Additionally, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort offers well-equipped facilities, including the Highland Ski Center with rentals, dining, and a premium lounge, and the Olympia Ski Center with ski-in, ski-out access, a restaurant, and a nursery. Additional amenities include multiple dining spots, ski schools, rental shops, lockers, and baggage services.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
6 November 2024 - 6 May 2025
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Sapporo Teine
Location: 593 Teine-Honcho Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-0029 Japan
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(7) Kamui Ski Links
Source: Kamui Ski Links
Kamui Ski Links offers a variety of ski courses suitable for all skill levels. The resort features groomed trails, tree runs, and challenging terrains with a snow park for freestyle skiing. It receives over 8 meters of powder snow annually and provides gondola access, equipment rentals, and diverse dining options.
Source: Kamui Ski Links
Ticket options include various daily, multi-day, and seasonal passes, with discounts for seniors and residents of Asahikawa.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
14 December 2024 - 31 March 2025
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Kamui Ski Links
Location: Nishioka 112, Kamui-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido 074-1181 Japan
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(8) Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Source: Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Tokachi Sahoro Resort offers a luxurious nature retreat with skiing, gourmet dining, spa facilities, and outdoor activities like backcountry tours and bear observation. The resort provides seasonal accommodations, sauna experiences, and direct transport options.
Source: Tokachi Sahoro Resort
The ski area offers a range of courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. It features multiple lifts, a gondola, and live cams for real-time slope conditions. In addition, the resort also offers a variety of winter activities, including backcountry tours, snowshoe downhill, airboarding, and ice fishing. There is also a bear hibernation observation tour and an indoor gel candle-making experience. These activities require reservations, with various pricing and availability dates.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
2 December 2024 - 31 March 2025
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Location: Kamikawa-gun Shintoku-cho Karikachi Plateau, Hokkaido, 081-0039 Japan
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(9) Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Source: Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort offers a premium powder snow experience with various ski slopes, lift options, rentals, ski school, and accommodation at Lodge Moiwa 834. The resort also features a restaurant, an education camp for teens, and updated lift status and snow conditions.
Source: Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
The resort offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels, including advanced ungroomed runs, long intermediate trails with scenic views, and beginner-friendly courses. The resort has a total skiable distance of 6,000m and operates multiple lifts daily. Visitors can check real-time snow forecasts and adhere to the Niseko Rule for safety in off-boundary areas.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
1 December 2024 - 6 April 2025
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Tokachi Sahoro Resort
Location: 448 Niseko Aza, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan 048-1511
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(10) Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort
Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort is known for its challenging, high-altitude slopes with deep powder snow as well as its magnificent views of Mt. Daisetsu. Located on the northeastern slope of Kurodake, the ski area features a maximum gradient of 25°, ideal for experienced skiers. It offers ridge runs, forest trails, and ungroomed terrain.
The resort offers guided snowshoe tours and rental services. Options include a short hiking course (2 hours), a longer 3-hour course, and a scenic forest walk. Rental gear includes snowshoes, boots, ski wear, gloves, and goggles. Tours run on select dates from December to March. Prices range from ¥2,000 to ¥7,000, depending on the tour.
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
4 December 2024 - 6 May 2025
*Please note that opening dates and hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Location: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
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Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a winter paradise with world-class ski resorts, breathtaking scenery, and legendary powder snow. From Niseko’s famous light snow to hidden gems like Asahikawa Kamui, there’s a perfect slope for every skill level. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy stunning mountain views, soothing hot springs, and a lively après-ski scene. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 skiing spots in Hokkaido, highlighting what makes each one unique and helping you find the perfect winter getaway. Get ready to hit the slopes!