Where to Ski in Hokkaido: 7 Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido to Check Out

E-lyn Tham

Last updated 12 Mar 2024

Where to Ski in Hokkaido: 7 Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido to Check Out

Hokkaido is the place to ski in Japan, and rightly so. Come winter every year, this Northernmost region of Japan transforms into a spectacular snowy wonderland. Due to its altitude, skiers and snowboarders can look forward to some fabulous pow (short-form slang for ‘powder’) — with great views to boot. In fact, the region receives around 14 to 18 metres of snow every year. Imagine that!

Not sure which ski resort to test your skills at? Here are our top favourites.

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1. Niseko Ski Resort

Travelling time from Sapporo: 2 hours by bus

Niseko is probably known as Hokkaido’s ski central, comprising four interlinked resorts: Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri.

The Grand Hirafu area is the largest and most popular of them all, boasting a 5,600-metre-long slope. Hanazono is built for intermediate skiers, with advanced skiers faring better in the Grand Hirafu area. Niseko Village, on the other hand, is the place for novices, with gentler terrains and inclines. If you’d like to give backcountry skiing a try, head for Annupuri — which is also popular for night skiing.

The best part? You don’t even need to bring any equipment to the resort, with everything readily available for rent. Other than skiing or snowboarding, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Yotei, soak in the onsen; and even go snowmobiling, snow rafting, or snowshoeing. The Hirafu Village is one of the area’s highlights, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and bars.

#KlookTip: Want to sign up for a lesson? There are both group and private ones available, but we recommend taking a private ski or snowboard session if it’s your first time at the slopes. P.S. Don’t worry about the language barrier, as all the staff and instructors are extremely fluent in English. And yes, there’s a Mandarin option too!

How to get there: Take a 2-hour shuttle bus from Sapporo; for ease of travel, opt for this round-trip transport + ski lift bundle

Season: 2 December 2023 to 6 May 2024 (Grand Hirafu), 2 December 2023 to 7 April 2024 (Hanazono), 1 December 2023 to 7 April 2024 (Niseko Village), 2 December 2023 to 6 May 2024 (Annupuri)

Opening hours: Timings to be determined

Book a skiing session at Niseko Ski Resort!

2. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Travelling time from Sapporo: 3 hours by bus

Who’s up for a family holiday? Bring the entire gang to the family-friendly Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. There are quite a number of gentler slopes here, making it great for the young ones looking to pick up the ropes. That’s not to say that the resort isn’t suitable for the experts: it also has expert runs, plus an exhilarating terrain park.

Parents will also be glad to know that the resort has a dedicated kids’ park, complete with a snow playground, a sledding area, and a kids’ ski school. From 10 December 2023 to 14 March 2024, don’t miss out on the Ice Village too. Wander amongst ice and snow domes that house a shop, bar, workshop, church, and more.

#KlookTip: There are lessons available for those who prefer a little guidance; however, there are unfortunately not many English-speaking instructors onsite. We recommend calling or emailing the resort ahead of your visit to book your lesson in advance (especially if you want a private session), and request for one. Otherwise, this multilingual group class might be just up your alley.

How to get there: Take a 3-hour shuttle bus from Sapporo; for ease of travel, opt for this round-trip transport + ski lift bundle

Season: 1 December 2023 to 1 April 2024 (night skiing: 26 December 2023 to 31 March 2024)

Opening hours: 8.45am to 3.30pm (day session), 3.30pm to 6pm (evening session)

Go skiing at Hokkaido Hoshino Resorts Tomamu!

3. Furano Ski Resort

Travelling time from Sapporo: 2 hours 22 minutes by train and taxi

Furano Ski Resort might be smaller in scale, but it definitely doesn’t compromise on snow quality. One of its major draws is its magnificent view of the Daisetsu mountain range, made even better by clear skies and stable weather - pretty much most of the time.

In fact, Furano is said to have some of Japan’s driest and lightest powder. Take on the challenge of conquering the slopes by yourself or, if you prefer, participate in a lesson conducted in either English or Mandarin.

Home to 28 ski courses, the resort is split into two zones: Furano and Kitanomine. Skiers can especially enjoy long groomed runs, where you can enjoy accelerated speeds for an extended period of time. Even better: Furano Ski Resort is relatively quieter, i.e. without the crowds of Niseko, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy some serenity.

P.S. Don’t miss out on Furano Kan Kan Mura, an exciting fantasy village made out of snow and ice. Marvel at snow sculptures, go snow tubing, experience a night flight in a hot air balloon, and have a drink at the chilly Ice Café.

How to get there: Take a 53-minute shinkansen to Takikawa station from Sapporo station, change to a 1-hour-9-minute train via the JR Nemuro Main Line to Furano station, followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to the resort (or, to make things easier for yourself, check out this 1-day tour from Sapporo)

Season: 25 November 2023 to 6 May 2024 (Furano zone), late December 2023 to 24 March 2024 (Kitanomine zone)

Opening hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm, 4.30pm to 7.30pm (night skiing)

Powder snow slopes await at Hokkaido Furano Ski Resort!

4. Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort

Travelling time from Sapporo: 20 minutes by car

The closest resort to Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort can be reached in just 20 minutes by car. Talk about convenience! Interestingly, it’s a ski-only resort, and snowboarding is prohibited.

Skiers can be spoiled for choice with ten different ski courses that vary in difficulty. The ‘Sightseeing Road course’ is especially popular among novices, as it sports a panoramic view of Sapporo city throughout.

Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort conducts engaging lessons for both adults and children alike. For the best bang for your buck, why not consider this 1-day skiing experience from Sapporo? It basically does all the planning homework for you, and includes round-trip bus transportation, a 5-hour lift ticket, a 30-minute lesson, as well as the option to rent ski equipment and suits. Ready, set, ski!

#KlookTip: Don’t be too quick to leave. The resort is especially popular for night skiing, as Mt. Moiwa is considered to be one of Japan’s best night views.

How to get there: Take a 20-minute car ride to the resort from central Sapporo

Season: 16 December 2023 to 24 March 2024

Opening hours: 9am to 9pm

Ski to your heart's delight at Mt Moiwa Ski Resort!

5. Kiroro Ski Resort

Travelling time from Sapporo: 1 hour 26 minutes by train and bus

If you’re going after the pow, Kiroro Ski Resort might very well be your best bet. Sprawling across two mountains, the resort offers four ski areas that have some of Hokkaido’s deepest snow. Enjoy a variety of groomed and ungroomed ski slopes, with 14 tree run areas for backcountry skiing — so knock yourself out!

Kiroro Ski Resort is extremely family-friendly in nature, offering many non-ski activities. Go snow rafting, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, or soak in the onsen. The winter kids’ park is always a hit with the little ones too, along with the indoor Game Park Granship area. If the parents need a break — we feel you! —, there’s also a kids club for ages 2 to 7 (advanced booking required).

Due to its popularity, Kiroro Ski Resort can get a tad crowded; skip the lines with this lift ticket, plus the option to rent ski wear and/or equipment.

How to get there: Take a 26-minute train via the JR Rapid Airport Line to Otaru-Chikko station from Sapporo station, followed by a 1-hour bus to the resort

Season: 1 December 2023 to 6 May 2024

Opening hours: 9am to 3.30pm, 3.30pm to 7pm (night skiing)

Go skiing at Kiroro Ski Resort!

6. Rusutsu Ski Resort

Travelling time from Sapporo: 2 hours by bus

Did you know that Rusutsu Ski Resort was awarded the accolade of Japan’s best ski resort in the 2021 World Ski Resorts awards? Cool, huh! Spread across three mountains, Rusutsu is reputed for its abundance of snow. It has something for everyone: pros will be delighted with a range of challenging ski courses, whilst beginners can learn the ropes on well-maintained slopes.

We meant it when we said the resort has everything: groomed runs, tree zones, backcountry trails, and more. Love the feeling of skiing long distances? The longest run at the resort is a nice 3.5 kilometres long. That’s not all: the onsite school also has instructors who are fluent in English. A private ski or snowboard lesson, anyone?

Families will love the Crayon Shin-chan Hiroba area, where kids can try tubing and snow-biking. A kids club (or daycare) is also available from 8.30am to 6.30pm (advanced booking required) — all you parents who want to clock some uninterrupted time on the slopes, here’s looking at you! There’s even a game arcade and indoor wave pool to round it all off, on top of activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, snow rafting, and much more.

How to get there: Take a 2-hour free shuttle bus from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport

Season: 12 December 2023 to 17 March 2024

Opening hours: 9am to 8pm

Book a ski session at Rusutsu Ski Resort!

7. Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido Ski Resort

Travelling time from Sapporo: 2.5 hours by train

Check out the scenic slopes of Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido Ski Resort! Cradled in the majestic Japanese Alps of Hokkaido, Club Med Sahoro is an all-inclusive ski-in, ski-out accommodation that guarantees snowy fun for the whole family. Known for its fresh powder snow, treat yourself to a day trip out by getting a day ski pass!

Immerse yourself in a captivating blend of adventure, from thrilling winter sports to enchanting cultural activities like traditional tea ceremonies. There's even an outdoor Canadian Tub, for a nice relaxing soak after a day on the slopes.

Ski Pass:

Group ski and/or snowboard lessons are included and guests will be grouped according to their level of experience
Guests are advised to book the ski and/or snowboard lessons upon arrival
Ski and snowboard equipment are available for rental onsite. Alternatively, you may choose to bring your own equipment
It is recommended for guests to get their personal travel insurance
Private lessons are available and subject to availability at additional costs, which you may enquire onsite

Even if you're not in the mood for skiing, there are also a ton of other things to do at Club Med Sahoro. Besides unlimited meals and drinks at their dining establishments, you can indulge in these other fun activities too!

Rock climbing
Table Tennis
Squash
Badminton
Main Pool
WIFI
Evening entertainment - shows, circus performances, live band

How to get there: From the airport, catch the Chitose Line to Minami Chitose Station, and then transfer trains onto the Sekisho Line. From Shintoku station, a bus or taxi will take around 15 minutes.

Season: 3 December 2023 to 7 April 2024

Opening hours: 10am to 12am

Book your ski pass at Club Med Sahoro here!

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