Top ski resorts in Hokkaido — Top 5 places & best ski resorts in Hokkaido

In Japan, Hokkaido is regarded as a skiing paradise, similar to how the Hawaiian North Shore is known for surfing. The northernmost island of Japan is a snow powder lover’s paradise. Its notoriety stems from the amount of snow that falls each winter. However, it is not only about the amount. Snowstorms in Japan’s north are caused mostly by cold winds blowing in from Siberia. This takes up moisture over the Sea of Japan, resulting in a massive amount of snow on several Hokkaido ski slopes. As a result, the driest and coldest snow on the globe may be found in Hokkaido.

The snow in Hokkaido has the consistency of powder. Skiers will experience weightlessness when surfing on a new 50-centimeter snowfall. That is the peak of skiing – the sensation that every skier on the globe should experience at least once in their lives. So, are you looking for the finest ski resorts in Hokkaido, Japan, as well as the best spots and best ski resorts in Hokkaido for beginners? Let Living Nomads take you to some of the greatest ski resorts in Hokkaido: Top 5 best ski resorts in Hokkaido. Let’s go on an adventure with them!

Furano

Furano is one of the perfect Japan ski resorts which has all suitable features in most categories. Indeed, its the deep and dry powder snow has become synonymous with Hokkaido skiing, but that’s just the start.

For starters, snow removal is only possible in ski regions. Furano is a popular among skiers because of the excellent tracks left after snow removal. Furthermore, Furano ski resort administrators have a long-standing partnership with the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. It indicates that the exceptional quality of the snow and other services provided here are well-known. This venue has previously hosted 12 FIS World Cup events.

Second, it appears that this resort has achieved an attractive blend of culture and convenience. Its resort accommodations are a combination of luxury hotels (the resort is owned by Prince Hotels) and a small number of carefully selected self-contained flats. Furano Town, located near the ski slope, offers “complete amenities and luxuries,” including cater-cousins for English-speaking visitors “without sacrificing the character of Japanese.”

One more thing is that the expansive and perfect snow trail of this place makes Furano become the favorite place of skiers.

It is not appropriate to label this ski area a “family ski area” because there are specialized terrains that may please all sportsmen. Furthermore, this location is quite safe for young children and these young athletes. They may participate in a subsidized English ski course and play in the Family Snow Land snow park. Nothing is more appealing to parents searching for a stress-relieving holiday.

Niseko

The term “Niseko” has become synonymous with ski resorts in Japan, and no discussion of the country’s most famous resort – Niseko – is complete without mentioning it. Many individuals argue that Niseko has become overdeveloped, too globalized, or too crowded to pay attention to the reasons why the resort became renowned in the first place.

Its distinct landscape is what makes it unique. Four distinct resorts are linked by a single ticket, making everything accessible to everyone, from vast snow tracks for beginners to lines requiring intermediate abilities. And, of course, Hokkaido snow powder is the most well-known. Any skier, regardless of ability, could spend several weeks here and never grow bored.

Furthermore, one feature that distinguishes Niseko’s blend is night skiing. Almost the entire resort opens each night under the strong spotlights at that time. Niseko’s gate system allows skiers to get lift access to side country and backcountry regions with nearly guaranteed deep and fresh lines. Perhaps Niseko’s most significant advantage is also its most prevalent complaint. The region has grown to the point that skiers may rely on the resort without being concerned about minor inconveniences. This may be a source of annoyance for visitors to Japan.

Furthermore, English-speaking personnel here attend to all of one’s needs at the hotel. Australian ski instructors are also on the lookout for newcomers at each snow track. Restaurants that only have English-language menus and serve a variety of Western and Japanese cuisine. Finally, Niseko is a world-class skiing resort with the most luxurious amenities. The type of convenience that many of us are unfamiliar with, but anticipate while visiting abroad to ski.

Kiroro

According to an expert’s assessment, the quantity of snowfall in Kiroro ranges between 13 and 21 meters every season. The right response, however, is that there is “enough snow to go around.”

Among Hokkaido’s ski resorts, Kiroro is known for being one of the first to open and one of the last to close. Every day, there’s a high possibility you’ll be skiing on the finest snow powder you’ve ever experienced. So, if the powder is your main purpose for visiting the resort, Kiroro is the finest option. Furthermore, with its 5-star ski-in/ski-out accommodations, international snowsports school, and world-class amenities all in one location, Kiroro makes a strong argument for being one of Hokkaido’s top choices.

Keep in mind that Kiroro is a real resort in every meaning of the term. It’s also not the ideal spot for a picnic or for budget-conscious tourists (there is no town surrounding there). However, if you want the ease and amenities of a destination resort and want to ski on the greatest powder snow in the world, this is the place to visit.

Rusutsu

Rusutsu has almost emerged from the shadows of its larger and more well-known neighbor, Niseko United. Visitors who are lovers of the resort, on the other hand, would consider this location to be one of the greatest spots to visit. The Rusutsu resort owns the pristine powder snow and the official non-existent lift queues while having a comparatively small number of tourists and more than 42 kilometers of beautiful paths.

Rusutsu’s landscape is vast. There are adequate services for everyone here. Expert skiers will not find much on the steep snow paths. But the most notable feature of the resort is the sensation of skiing through all of the trees, which is unlike any other resort in Hokkaido.

Rusutsu, a well-known Hokkaido resort, provides an English-language snowsports program, world-class facilities, and the best lodging. Kiroro, for example. The resort is a place where you can find almost everything from amenities (excluding skiing) under one roof. That area is not suitable for everyone (if you want to get around after skiing, Niseko is the best choice). Those who adore Rusutsu, on the other hand, continue to believe it.

Sapporo Teine

For a variety of factors, Sapporo Teine is recommended for inclusion on the Ski Asia list. For starters, the landscape is slightly more limited than those of other Hokkaido resorts (such as Furano, Niseko & Rusutsu). However, it has two significant characteristics that we believe many skiers would like.

The first point to mention is the points of view. The ski resort is popular among visitors. When they reach the bottom of the mountain, they will be able to take in the breathtaking views of Ishikari Bay and the heart of Hokkaido city. It truly is a magnificent experience (particularly at night). We’ve previously compared similar experiences to Grouse Mountain’s “The Cut,” from which you can see downtown Vancouver. As a result, visitors to Sapporo Teine may see the whole view of Ishikari Bay and Sapporo city.

Second, because Sapporo center is within skiing distance, it is also an excellent chance to have party festivities in the city center after skiing. Let’s refuel with Hokkaido delicacies like Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) or a hot soup curry, as well as a famous beverage — an ice cold Sapporo lager.

In a nutshell, Sapporo Teine is a ski resort for Hokkaido visitors who want to do more than just ski and stay in their hotel room. It’s also a great choice for the numerous visitors that come to see this resort and other intriguing places.