When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, Hokkaido is the place to go! The snow is good, the slopes are good, and the scenery is outstanding. There are plenty of après-ski activities, hot springs, and local cuisine to enjoy to the fullest. In this issue, we will introduce five recommended ski resorts, from gorgeous ski resorts to the best ski resorts in Hokkaido.

Rusutsu Resort

Rusutsu Resort is about an hour and a half drive from Sapporo City and New Chitose Airport.

One of the largest all-season resorts in Hokkaido is full of skiing fun!

West Mt., East Mt. and Mt. The resort is equipped with 3 peaks, 4 gondolas, and 14 lifts, and has 37 runs ranging from wide gentle slopes that anyone can ski with ease to aggressive runs that will satisfy even the most advanced skiers.

You can enjoy dynamic, comfortable, and authentic winter sports in a resort with outstanding hospitality.

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu

A winter resort that combines one of the largest scales in Japan with world-class snow quality.

It has two ski centers, a high-speed 8-seater gondola, and many other facilities. All types of people, from children to adults, can enjoy snow sports.

You can experience the pleasure of skiing down the 940m elevation difference from the top of the lift to the bottom in one go, and the powder snow that rises to the top of your head. You can also enjoy leisurely resort skiing in the superb snow quality. The surrounding area is a forest of various lodging facilities and restaurants, and high-quality hot springs are gushing forth. You are sure to have a fulfilling after-ski experience!

Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort

Located almost in the center of Hokkaido, Hoshino Resort Tomamu consists of two mountains, Tomamu Mountain (1,239 meters above sea level) and Tower Mountain (1,239 meters above sea level), with a total of 29 courses. Visitors can enjoy dry powder unique to the extremely cold inland region.

The facilities and services are also outstanding. The resort is also packed with off-time fun, such as the “Fog and Ice Terrace” at the top of Mt. Tomamu, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of nature, “Firefly Street” with various restaurants, “Minami Navi Beach,” the largest indoor swimming pool in Japan, and “Ice Village,” which creates a fantastic world of ice.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

About an hour’s drive from Sapporo City, this ski resort boasts some of the best powder snow and expansive slopes in Hokkaido. It is open from late November to early May every year, which is the longest operating period among ski resorts near Sapporo. There are seven courses for beginner to advanced skiers, and a snow park for sledding and tubing. The “Forest to Fairy Tale Course” for beginners is a 3.6-kilometer long course that is very challenging. For snowboarders, the board park with jumps such as table tops is recommended. Jozankei Onsen, a hot spring located deep in the heart of Sapporo, is also only about 30 minutes away by car.

Mount Race Swiss Ski Resort

High quality powder snow and accessibility! The closest ski resort from New Chitose Airport.

Located approximately 60 km from Sapporo and 55 km from Chitose, Yubari, located in the interior of Hokkaido, offers fine powder snow and a total of 17 courses specialized for all needs. From the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy magnificent views toward Sapporo and a 3.5 km long course to the foot of the mountain. There are also plenty of courses for both skiers and boarders to enjoy to the fullest, including an unpressurized 43-degree super advanced course and an undulating woodland course.

Hokkaido is one of Japan’s snowiest regions, where you can experience powder snow that cannot be experienced on the main island of Honshu. Hokkaido is a large area, and there are many other attractive places in addition to the ski resorts introduced here.

When you visit, why not enjoy not only skiing but also exploring the surrounding spots, hotels, and hot springs?