Skiing in Hokkaido Japan

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Hokkaido is Japan
Hokkaido is Japan's north island. The access-point is generally Sapporo Chitose Airport
Sapporo is a vibrant city and worth a few nights stay either side of a Hokkaido ski trip
Sapporo is a vibrant city and worth a few nights stay either side of a Hokkaido ski trip
The Sapporo Snow Festival in early Feb is a special time to visit
The Sapporo Snow Festival in early Feb is a special time to visit
Niseko & surrounding areas are the most popular Hokkaido ski & snowboarding destinations
Niseko & surrounding areas are the most popular Hokkaido ski & snowboarding destinations
Niseko is the premier Hokkaido ski resort with lots of accommodation options
Niseko is the premier Hokkaido ski resort with lots of accommodation options
Niseko has the nickname "snow factory" as it seems to snow consistently; and the result...
Niseko has the nickname "snow factory" as it seems to snow consistently; and the result...
Rusutsu is a popular Hokkaido resort near Niseko & day trips are possible to Otaru resorts + cat skiing options
Rusutsu is a popular Hokkaido resort near Niseko & day trips are possible to Otaru resorts + cat skiing options
Hakodate in southern Hokkaido is a relatively unknown area with a few smallish ski areas
Hakodate in southern Hokkaido is a relatively unknown area with a few smallish ski areas
Nanae is Hakodate
Nanae is Hakodate's largest ski area which has a gondola & fast hooded chairs
Otaru area is becoming popular for foreigners & Otaru town offers a lovely Japanese experience
Otaru area is becoming popular for foreigners & Otaru town offers a lovely Japanese experience
Kiroro is the biggest & most popular Otaru ski area with average annual snow falls around 17m
Kiroro is the biggest & most popular Otaru ski area with average annual snow falls around 17m
Other Hokkaido ski resorts around Otaru include Kokusai, Teine, Asari & Tenguyama
Other Hokkaido ski resorts around Otaru include Kokusai, Teine, Asari & Tenguyama
Central Hokkaido is renowned for Japan
Central Hokkaido is renowned for Japan's deepest & driest snow
Furano is the largest & most popular Central Hokkaido ski resort
Furano is the largest & most popular Central Hokkaido ski resort
Snowfalls in Furano are abundant & regular & the terrain has some steeps
Snowfalls in Furano are abundant & regular & the terrain has some steeps
Nearby Central Hokkaido ski areas include Asahidake, Kamui Links, Tomamu, Sahoro & Tokachidake backcountry
Nearby Central Hokkaido ski areas include Asahidake, Kamui Links, Tomamu, Sahoro & Tokachidake backcountry
Asahikawa is a city in Central Hokkaido & a great base for a Japanese experience
Asahikawa is a city in Central Hokkaido & a great base for a Japanese experience
Asahikawa has inexpensive accommodation & a huge variety of restaurants & bars
Asahikawa has inexpensive accommodation & a huge variety of restaurants & bars
Asahiyama zoo is a great day out if you are in the Asahikawa area
Asahiyama zoo is a great day out if you are in the Asahikawa area
Central Hokkaido ski resorts near Asahikawa include Pippu, Kurodake, Kamui, & Asahidake
Central Hokkaido ski resorts near Asahikawa include Pippu, Kurodake, Kamui, & Asahidake

Skiing in Hokkaido Japan

Hokkaido Skiing

Hokkaido skiing is incredibly rewarding for powder hounds. Hokkaido, the north island of Japan, is ideally located in the path of consistent weather systems that bring the cold air across the Sea of Japan from Siberia. This results in many of the Hokkaido ski resorts being absolutely dumped on with powder that is renowned for being incredibly dry. Some of the ski areas receive an amazing average of 14-20 metres of snowfall annually! You can check out the Hokkaido snow stats to compare some of the resorts.

Hokkaido Ski Resorts

Niseko is the powder capital of the world and as such is the most popular international ski destination in Japan. It doesn’t seem to stop snowing in Niseko, which is the major drawcard. Other famous destination ski resorts in Hokkaido (i.e. good for a multi-day stay) include RusutsuFurano, Tomamu, Sahoro and Kiroro

Hokkaido Japan skiing also consists of many ski areas that are somewhat off the beaten track for international tourists. These may be small or quasi-destination ski areas where you’d only want to stay for 2-3 days (e.g. Asahidake, Kurodake) or ski areas that are only for day trips or better suited to day trips (e.g. Kamui, Teine, Pippu).

Ski Hokkaido or Ski Honshu? How Do They Compare?

The Hokkaido snow is generally superior to the powder in Honshu, the main island of Japan, and our Japan ski resorts ratings indicate that Hokkaido comes up trumps with respect to the snow, with many ski areas scoring full marks. Even though many of the ski resorts west of Sapporo (such as Niseko, Sapporo Kokusai and Kiroro) are in close proximity to the ocean, the cold temperatures tend to keep the powder dry. The volume of snow that dumps on these coastal mountains is also generally higher than that in Honshu (with some exceptions such as the snow factory at Tenjindaira and at Hakkoda in the far north of Honshu). Further inland in Central Hokkaido there’s slightly less snowfall, but the quality of the powder is even better.

Hokkaido skiing has a reputation for being deep not steep, and whilst this is true of many of the Hokkaido ski resorts, Sapporo Teine and backcountry areas such as Kurodake and Tokachidake blow this myth out of the water. As a generalisation, Hokkaido ski resorts are less steep than many of the high profile Honshu ski resorts, but when you compare skiing in Japan to some of the gnarly North American ski resorts such as Silverton, Whistler, Jackson Hole and Kicking Horse, all the Japan ski resorts seem really mellow!

The Hokkaido ski season generally starts earlier than Honshu because the north island of Japan tends to do much better for early season snow than Honshu, particularly at resorts such as Kiroro and Niseko. You can see the Japan ski resort stats for an indication of the Hokkaido skiing season opening and closing times at the big resorts.

Hokkaido is not densely populated and has more of a rural feel to it than Honshu. Away from the big destination resorts such as Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro, many things are cheaper in Hokkaido than Honshu, and the more you get off the beaten track, the cheaper it is. The cuisine is also somewhat different to other regions of Japan, with much more emphasis on ramen and seafood specialties such as crab.

Hokkaido provides a great taste of Japan, but if you want to combine a ski holiday with some historical sightseeing, temple hopping, traditional Japanese architecture spotting, and generally just absorbing the Japanese culture, then Honshu is better than Hokkaido. If you want to get your Japan on in Hokkaido, you could spend a night or two in Noboribetsu Onsen or Jozankei Onsen.

Where are the Hokkaido Ski Resorts?

See the map of the Hokkaido ski resorts by clicking on the map icon on the images at the top of this page. Many of the ski resorts are close together so you can easily sample multiple resorts, particularly if you go on a Hokkaido ski tour or snowboard trip. The following are some of the ski resorts in Hokkaido, grouped according to location and also type of resort where:
  • 1 = destination resort (could stay there for a week)
  • 2 = quasi-destination resort (could stay there a few days)
  • 3 = ideal for day trip (could stay there but more suited as a day trip)
  • 4 = only for day trips from resort/city nearby
West of Sapporo
  • Niseko (1) – 100km southwest of Sapporo and the New Chitose Airport (2.5 hours drive)
  • Moiwa (1) – next to Niseko
  • Rusutsu (1) – 75km southwest of Sapporo (90 minutes) and 89km west of the New Chitose Airport
  • Kiroro (1/2) – 43km west of Sapporo
Near Sapporo
  • Fu's (4) - 18km southwest of Sapporo
  • Sapporo Teine (4) – 20km northwest of Sapporo (45 minutes)
  • Sapporo Kokusai (4) – 46km west of Sapporo (1 hour)
  • Kiroro (1/2) – 43km west of Sapporo East of Sapporo
  • Asarigawa Onsen (3) - 35km northwest of Sapporo (40 mins drive)
Further Afield from Sapporo
  • Furano (1) – 113km northeast of Sapporo (2:15 hours)
  • Hidaka Kokusai (3) - 124km east of Sapporo
  • Tomamu (1) – 150km east of Sapporo (1:20 hours by train from Sapporo; 1 hour by train from the New Chitose Airport)
  • Sahoro (1) – 179km east of Sapporo (3 hours)
  • Mount Racey (Yubari) (2) – 77km east of Sapporo (1.5 hours)
  • Katsurazawa (4) - 63km northeast of Sapporo 
Near Asahikawa (Central Hokkaido)
  • Furano (1) – 59km south of Asahikawa (1 hour by train)
  • Kamui Ski Links (4) – 20km southwest of Asahikawa (20 minutes)
  • Asahidake (2/3) – 47km east of Asahikawa (1 hour)
  • Kamoidake (4) - 55km SW of Asahikawa
  • Kurodake (2/3) – 66km east of Asahikawa (1:20 hours)
  • Tomamu (1) – 125km south of Asahikawa (2 hours)

North of Asahikawa (Northern Hokkaido)

Southern Hokkaido

Skiing with the Family

The main destination Hokkaido ski resorts have well developed facilities and some have lots of activities to keep the little folks entertained (e.g. Tomamu). Ski areas that offer group ski and snowboard lessons for kids include Niseko, Furano, RusutsuTomamu (resort and via Club Med Tomamu), and Sahoro (via Club Med Sahoro).

Also Japanese ski resorts typically have only hotel or pension accommodation, so if you want the family to stay in self-contained accommodation (e.g. an apartment or house) you’ll find lots of options at Niseko and Furano, and a few options at Rusutsu.

Check out the ski Japan family page for more information.

Cat Skiing Hokkaido

Hokkaido cat skiing is growing in popularity, because it's a great way to access backcountry fresh powder without having to hike for it. Cat skiing operations include Iwanai Cat Skiing (near Niseko), Shimamaki Cat Skiing (with transport from Niseko), Rising Sun Cat Skiing (near Niseko), and Chisenupuri cat skiing at the former Chisenupuri ski resort (adjacent to Moiwa Niseko). For those new to cat skiing or riding powder, Niseko Weiss Powder Cats is a great choice. Check out the Japan cat skiing page for more information.

Heli Skiing Hokkaido

Or for the ultimate in scoring fresh powder, there’s also Hokkaido heli skiing near Niseko and Rusutsu with Shiribetsu Heli Skiing.

Other Hokkaido Backcountry Skiing

Hokkaido is a treasure trove of powder stashes for backcountry skiing and split boarding aficionados. Some of the Hokkaido ski areas offer fantastic backcountry ski touring opportunities with initial lift assistance, with some of the best options at Niseko, Kurodake, Asahidake, Kiroro, Tomamu and Furano.

For backcountry ski touring and split boarding with nil lift assist, Hokkaido provides plenty of options. The Daisetsuzan National Park is primo, particularly around the Tokachidake area, and there are plenty of other amazing zones for powder in Central Hokkaido. Zones around Niseko are also rather popular, and a climb up Mt Yotei is almost a rite of passage if you can find the right weather for it. Or to really get away from it all, Rishiri Island off the NW coast of Hokkaido, is a coveted destination, once again if the weather plays ball.

Check out the Hokkaido backcountry ski tours options for more information on trips where you have to earn all your turns, or at least some of them.

Getting to Hokkaido Japan

For information on getting to Hokkaido, see our travel to Hokkaido page, which includes tips on flights to Sapporo and Asahikawa. And see the travelling around Hokkaido page for info on ski buses and other transport options.
Hokkaido Ski and Snowboard Tours

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Hokkaido Storm Chaser
GUIDED STORM CHASING SAFARI
7 Days | 6 Nights | 6 Ski Areas
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Chase the storms and access the deepest and best quality snow conditions on the day in the Otaru area and Central Hokkaido's world famous deep dry powder.
Price p/p Displayed price may cary slightly due to exchange rates fluctuations
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Price includes 13% tax.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Price includes 13% tax.
USD 2,807
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Hokkaido Backcountry Powder Quest
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
7 Nights | 8 Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Jump on the Hokkaido Backcountry Powder Quest tour & experience the magical powder wonderland Hokkaido is famous for along with its rich culture & incredible cuisine. Join as a solo, couple or small group; max 6 guests per tour & guaranteed departures.
Price p/p Price per person, based on 2025 group tour
USD 4,499
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Hokkaido Safari
GUIDED POWDER PROGRESSION ROAD TRIP
12 Days | Up to 11 Days Guided Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Explore multiple Hokkaido ski areas on this amazing powder progression adventure for advanced to expert skiers & boarders. Locations include the Otaru/Sapporo & Furano ski areas. Groups of up to 4 guests are guided by 1 guide. From price is based on twin share in deluxe western-style room.
Price p/p From price based on double-share room staying at La Vista Furano Hotel & Dormy Inn Premium Otaru; 4 on tour for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,335
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Hokkaido here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Furano/Central Hokkaido Experience
LOCAL GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
7 Nights | 5 Days Guided | 1 Unguided free day | Furano + 4
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Experience the best powder that Furano & the Central Hokkaido region has to offer. Venture off-piste in Furano, Kamui, Tomamu, Sahoro & Asahidake with some local guides for the total Central Hokkaido ski/board adventure. It’s their passion to show you what skiing/riding in Japan is all about!
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share room for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,729
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Central Hokkaido Tour
FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
10 Nights | 8 Days Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Avoid the crowds and revel in the renowned high quality Central Hokkaido powder at Furano, Asahidake, Kamui Links, and hidden gems such as Pippu, Sahoro and Tomamu. Mostly lift accessed powder hunting, plus the option to do a little hiking to get more goods.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share group option for mid season 2024 tours per person.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,848
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Otaru & Niseko Powder Chaser
HOSTED POWDER CHASING TOUR
7 Nights | 6 Days Chasing Powder
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are on a budget but still want to ride all of the best spots around Niseko & Otaru then this package/tour is for you! Join as a solo traveller or small group or book the entire 5 spots!
Price p/p Price is per person based on a group of 2-5.
Base currency is Japanese Yen/invoice currency is AUD
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,010
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Hokkaido here

Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area Tours

Guided Photography Tours
GUIDED PHOTOGRAPHIC TOURS
Half & Full Day Package | Private Groups Only
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Experience Niseko’s world-famous powder snow with your guide and professional photographer. Incredible snow… the best zones… epic shots!! Private groups only of up to 5 in a group. Suited to all abilities.
Price p/p Form price based on half-day package per person in a private group of 5
base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 114
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Hokkaido Northside
GUIDED SIDECOUNTRY & BACKCOUNTRY
7 Days | 6 Nights | 5 Days Guided Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
The Hokkaido Northside Kurodake Tour incorporates a mixture of lift assisted sidecountry plus backcountry touring, with a focus of riding at the famed Kurodake, renowned for being steep & deep. You will be rewarded with face shots of the deepest & driest powder on planet earth!
Price p/p From price is based on per person min 3 people on tour
Bas/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price in other currencies may vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 2,580
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Niseko Guiding
GUIDING IN/FROM NISEKO or OTARU
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are in Niseko or Otaru with a group, a day or multiple days of guiding at Niseko or nearby ski areas will make sure you get to the powder stashes (off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry). PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group).
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON rate per day for PRIVATE group of 6 in peak season. Full price is 110,000 yen for group in peak season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 123
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See all Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area tours that visit Hokkaido here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Niseko Zen Guided Day Tours
GUIDED DAY TOURS IN / AROUND NISEKO AREA
For PRIVATE GROUPS only
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Niseko Zen offers a variety of PRIVATE GROUP (max 4 per group for touring or 5 per group for lift access backcountry) tours in and around the Niseko area and Rusutsu. The tours range from in-bounds resort powder hunting to full blown backcountry touring.
Price p/p From price based on private group of 4 people on a full-day "Lift-Accessed" backcountry tour of Niseko in 23/24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 176
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BDT Lift Assisted Backcountry Tours
LIFT ASSISTED BACKOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours for a day or more of guided powder hunting in Niseko or one of the nearby resort or backcountry areas with your own PRIVATE GROUP. Areas include Niseko backbowls, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine & Kokusai. Primarily lift accessed so minimal hiking.
Price p/p From price based on 1 day tour per person - 5 people in private group (lift tickets not included) for 23/24 season inclusive of tax.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 147
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Backcountry Touring Day Trips
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY DAY TOURS
Niseko & Surrounding Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Ideal if you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided BACKCOUNTRY day in or around Niseko. These day tours are specifically for those who are happy to earn their turns and are for private groups of 1 - 5 guests (but 6 - 7 is also possible with a tail guide).
Price p/p From price based on PER PERSON for a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests in shoulder season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 119
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Hokkaido here

Heli Skiing Tours

Shiribetsu-Dake Day Heliskiing
DAY HELI SKIING RUSUTSU - 6 RUN PACKAGE
Includes Niseko pickup & lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A heli skiing operation near Rusutsu & Niseko. Make this one of the best days of your life skiing Hokkaido's deep dry powder on a dormant volcano (adjacent to Rusutsu and not far from Niseko).
Price p/p From price based on 6-run heli ski day 2023 rates.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,233
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See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Hokkaido here

Cat Skiing Tours

Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package
MIXED GROUP DAY CAT SKIING
7 - 9 Runs
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up powder runs of 450-680m of vertical bliss, with 6 to 9 runs for the day. Located near Niseko, the Iwanai Resort snowcat skiing terrain scores masses of snowfall. Ideal for advanced riders with powder experience for group tours or strong intermediates for private snowcat.
Price p/p Price is per person per day
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations. Price includes 8% sales tax
USD 871
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Chisenupuri Cat Skiing
UNGUIDED CAT SKIING NEAR NISEKO
Single Day, Pick Up & Return Niseko
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Unguided cat skiing near Niseko is at the former ski resort of Chisenupuri. You have the freedom to explore and it is ideal for apprentice powder hounds or advanced riders heading to Niseko. Chisenupuri cat skiing is a lust-do! Finish the cat ski day with a soak in an amazing onsen.
Price p/p Price is per person per day inclusive of tax
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 570
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Niseko Cat Skiing Day Tours
NISEKO DAY CAT SKIING
Single Day Guided, Inc. Lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A day of awesome guided cat skiing near Niseko in backcountry terrain with some steep lines, technical trees, and pillows and mushrooms. The snowcat skiing is ideal for those craving bottomless untracked powder runs.
Price p/p From price is per person for 23/24 season (min 4 persons required to operate)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese yen in taxes
*display price may vary slightly with fluctuations in currency
USD 529
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See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Hokkaido here