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The 6 Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido, 2023/24

The 6 Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido, 2023/24
Jack Taylor
Written by Jack Taylor / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 20, 2022

Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is home to more than 120 ski resorts, so there’s plenty to choose from when deciding on a destination for your next ski trip. With more snow falling here than anywhere else in the country you can expect powder days wherever you go, but to help you choose the resort that’s right for you we’ve shortlisted six of the best!

Explore the powder at Rusutsu

Why Ski Rusutsu

Introducing Rusutsu, our favorite Hokkaido ski vacation destination! More of Hokkaido’s famously dry powder falls across the three summits here than at any other ski area in the country. Inbounds skiable terrain totals 534 acres, so there’s plenty for skiers of all abilities to explore. Special tree run areas are set up for first-timers, plus there’s a boardercross course, terrain park, and even a heli-skiing operation nearby! Since 2017 it has successfully retained the accolade of Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards every year. For convenient ski-in/ski-out lodgings book a room at the Rusutsu Resort Hotel, or for more luxurious accommodation try The Westin Rusutsu Resort with its therapeutic onsen baths.

Known for

Unbeatable powder skiing for both beginners and experts

Highlights

  • Amazing quality powder with annual snowfall of over 500 in
  • Slopes are much less crowded than nearby Niseko
  • Great mix of off-piste and corduroy groomers to ski
  • Lack of nightlife and only accessible by bus or car

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 28 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 06 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

New Chitose Airport - 57 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Explore the powder at Rusutsu

Why Ski Rusutsu

Introducing Rusutsu, our favorite Hokkaido ski vacation destination! More of Hokkaido’s famously dry powder falls across the three summits here than at any other ski area in the country. Inbounds skiable terrain totals 534 acres, so there’s plenty for skiers of all abilities to explore. Special tree run areas are set up for first-timers, plus there’s a boardercross course, terrain park, and even a heli-skiing operation nearby! Since 2017 it has successfully retained the accolade of Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards every year. For convenient ski-in/ski-out lodgings book a room at the Rusutsu Resort Hotel, or for more luxurious accommodation try The Westin Rusutsu Resort with its therapeutic onsen baths.

Chairlift at Niseko

Why Ski Niseko

If you have never skied in Japan before, Niseko is one of the best places to start. Each winter a staggering 416 inches of white stuff covers the mountain, upholding its reputation as a paradise for powder hounds. Spread across four unique ski areas, there are 81 marked trails to try out, with mellow greens at Annupuri and top-to-bottom black runs at Niseko Village. For an unforgettable powder ride, check out the famous Strawberry Fields at Hanazono and for the most apres action stay in Hirafu, where you can drink and boogie to your heart’s content. It’s not traditionally Japanese, but it’s definitely one of the liveliest ski resorts in the country.

Known for

Most popular Japanese ski resort for international visitors with trails to suit all abilities

Highlights

  • Great village vibe with a vibrant nightlife
  • Easy to get to with plenty of transport options at the base areas
  • Caters for overseas skier as English is widely spoken
  • One of the most expensive places to ski in the country

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 30 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: May 06 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

New Chitose Airport - 70 miles (2 hour drive)
Chairlift at Niseko

Why Ski Niseko

If you have never skied in Japan before, Niseko is one of the best places to start. Each winter a staggering 416 inches of white stuff covers the mountain, upholding its reputation as a paradise for powder hounds. Spread across four unique ski areas, there are 81 marked trails to try out, with mellow greens at Annupuri and top-to-bottom black runs at Niseko Village. For an unforgettable powder ride, check out the famous Strawberry Fields at Hanazono and for the most apres action stay in Hirafu, where you can drink and boogie to your heart’s content. It’s not traditionally Japanese, but it’s definitely one of the liveliest ski resorts in the country.

Fresh powder at Furano

Why Ski Furano

One of the most well-known ski resorts in the country, the impressive 1,101 acres ski area keeps skiers and boarders coming back year after year. The ski resort is so close to Furano city that you can head out to downtown restaurants and bars after a day on the slopes. Across two zones (Furano and Kitanomine), there are nursery slopes for beginners, gentle groomers to keep intermediates happy, and some surprisingly steep trails that are challenging enough for professional ski racers. And let’s not forget the superb-quality snow either, with 228 inches of feather-light powder blanketing the resort each season thanks to its inland location.

Known for

Blending amazing skiing with an equally amazing cultural experience

Highlights

  • Large ski resort with a variety of trails for all abilities
  • Nearby city offers plenty of amenities, restaurants, and shopping
  • Central location in Hokkaido means snow quality is often better than Niseko
  • Not much luxury accommodation

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: May 06 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

New Chitose Airport - 78 miles (2 hour drive)
Fresh powder at Furano

Why Ski Furano

One of the most well-known ski resorts in the country, the impressive 1,101 acres ski area keeps skiers and boarders coming back year after year. The ski resort is so close to Furano city that you can head out to downtown restaurants and bars after a day on the slopes. Across two zones (Furano and Kitanomine), there are nursery slopes for beginners, gentle groomers to keep intermediates happy, and some surprisingly steep trails that are challenging enough for professional ski racers. And let’s not forget the superb-quality snow either, with 228 inches of feather-light powder blanketing the resort each season thanks to its inland location.

A one-of-a-kind resort

Why Ski Tomamu

With glitzy skyscrapers rising up from the natural beauty of Hidaka National Park, Tomamu truly is a one-of-a-kind ski resort. There’s an even balance of terrain here but Tomamu does a particularly great job of catering for intrepid skiers. There are marked expert zones where the snow is left untouched and you are even free to ski through the trees between pistes. Off the slopes, Tomamu enthralls small and big kids alike with its wonderful range of activities. You can dine in a restaurant made of frozen blocks in the spectacular Ice Village, and warm up afterwards at Mina-Mina Beach, an indoor tropical getaway complete with one of Japan’s biggest wave pools!

Known for

Relaxed attitude towards off-piste skiing and amazing family leisure facilities

Highlights

  • Inbounds off-piste skiing is allowed here and it’s awesome!
  • A family-friendly resort with fun activities for non-skiers
  • English speaking staff available
  • Non-existent nightlife (quite common at Japanese resorts)

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 30 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 03 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

New Chitose Airport - 68 miles (1.5 hour drive)
A one-of-a-kind resort

Why Ski Tomamu

With glitzy skyscrapers rising up from the natural beauty of Hidaka National Park, Tomamu truly is a one-of-a-kind ski resort. There’s an even balance of terrain here but Tomamu does a particularly great job of catering for intrepid skiers. There are marked expert zones where the snow is left untouched and you are even free to ski through the trees between pistes. Off the slopes, Tomamu enthralls small and big kids alike with its wonderful range of activities. You can dine in a restaurant made of frozen blocks in the spectacular Ice Village, and warm up afterwards at Mina-Mina Beach, an indoor tropical getaway complete with one of Japan’s biggest wave pools!

Kiroro's efficient chairlift system will whisk you up the mountain

Why Ski Kiroro

One of Japan’s newest ski resorts, what strikes you first about Kiroro is its efficiency. High-speed lifts minimize queues, wide pistes provide plenty of space for everyone, and clever trail connections mean no bottlenecks or pushing through flats. Beginners and intermediates will get the most out of the piste skiing here, with 23 perfectly maintained trails winding down the mountain, with the longest stretching for more than 2.5 mile. The slopes here feel empty most of the time so you can really ratchet up some speed while exploring the 297 acres of skiable terrain. If you value high-quality skiing over wild après-ski and off-slope entertainment, Kiroro ticks all the boxes.

Known for

An authentic contemporary Japanese ski destination

Highlights

  • Practically no crowds here
  • Expect huge dumps of top quality powder
  • Amazing backcountry and sidecountry to explore
  • Limited advanced terrain

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 29 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: May 06 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

New Chitose Airport - 70 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Kiroro's efficient chairlift system will whisk you up the mountain

Why Ski Kiroro

One of Japan’s newest ski resorts, what strikes you first about Kiroro is its efficiency. High-speed lifts minimize queues, wide pistes provide plenty of space for everyone, and clever trail connections mean no bottlenecks or pushing through flats. Beginners and intermediates will get the most out of the piste skiing here, with 23 perfectly maintained trails winding down the mountain, with the longest stretching for more than 2.5 mile. The slopes here feel empty most of the time so you can really ratchet up some speed while exploring the 297 acres of skiable terrain. If you value high-quality skiing over wild après-ski and off-slope entertainment, Kiroro ticks all the boxes.

Top of the mountain at Sapporo Teine

Why Ski Sapporo Teine

First on our list is Sapporo Teine, a city-side ski resort with uninterrupted views over Hokkaido’s capital and the Sea of Japan. This compact ski area measures just 188 acres, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in steepness- the Seikadai black trail reaches a pitch of 38 degrees in places! Beginners are looked after too, with a superb green trail winding for 2.5 miles from the summit to base and an introductory boardercross course for all ages. And while there are no hotels to stay in at the bottom of the slopes, every possible type of accommodation option is available just a short drive away in Sapporo.

Known for

Affordable way to experience some of Japan’s steeper slopes and its famous powder

Highlights

  • Home to some of the steepest trails in Japan
  • Easy access - 40 minutes’ drive from Sapporo
  • Doesn't attract many international visitors so theres no crowd
  • Small ski area won’t keep you busy for long

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 01 2023
  • Closing Date: Apr 27 2024

Closest airports

New Chitose Airport - 45 miles (1 hour drive)
Top of the mountain at Sapporo Teine

Why Ski Sapporo Teine

First on our list is Sapporo Teine, a city-side ski resort with uninterrupted views over Hokkaido’s capital and the Sea of Japan. This compact ski area measures just 188 acres, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in steepness- the Seikadai black trail reaches a pitch of 38 degrees in places! Beginners are looked after too, with a superb green trail winding for 2.5 miles from the summit to base and an introductory boardercross course for all ages. And while there are no hotels to stay in at the bottom of the slopes, every possible type of accommodation option is available just a short drive away in Sapporo.