Hokkaido Ski Resort Guide

1. Niseko United

• Best for: First time visitors, international visitors (you can easily get by without speaking any Japanese), dining options, nightlife and après-ski scene, large number of public onsens (thermal baths).

• Highlights: Niseko is the most famous resort in Hokkaido, known for its extensive terrain, incredible powder, and vibrant international ski community. The four interconnected ski areas—Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Hanazono—offer diverse runs and some of the best off-piste skiing in Japan. We tend to avoid this area as it can be more expensive and very crowded but it is definitely a good way to start experiencing Hokkaido with access to some (most!) creature comforts you are already used to. While you can still find very authentic corners here the locals are more used to foreigners and will be more understanding if you get anything wrong.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): Please read and respect the Niseko Rules, they are there to keep everyone safe. The adjacent mini-resort of Moiwa gets significantly less busy, and offers the same great powder and access to some of the same terrain. Great fun terrain to ski-tour near Niseko, which would give you access significantly more untracked snow (make sure to hire a guide, they know all the secret stashes!). To find cheaper accommodation try one of the ski lodges either in Moiwa, eastern Hirafu or in the nearby town of Kutchan. You definitely want to book ahead for restaurants especially if you have a larger group.


2. Furano

• Best for: Families, intermediate to advanced skiers, quieter atmosphere

• Highlights: Still a hidden gem compared to Niseko (just!), Furano offers long, well-groomed runs, stunning views, and fantastic powder with a little less crowds. The resort has a mix of family-friendly slopes and challenging tree runs, and some open powder fields, making it an excellent all-around destination. As opposed to Niseko this is a real city, with hospitals, large supermarkets and regular town life that goes beyond the ski resort. This allowed, so far at least, to preserve some more authenticity. Not many public onsens (thermal baths) in town, so if your hotel does not have one you must be prepared to drive 15-20 minutes out of town to access one.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): Pre-buy your lift passes online to avoid queuing up in the morning, and pick them up from the automated machines at the bottom stations. Do NOT venture too far into the side/backcountry early on a powder day as you might need to set a return track into resort which will take a LONG time in deep snow. If you crave a good espresso-style coffee head to the bottom of the Kitanomine area, where they have a great coffee trailer (do not miss their brownies too!).


3. Rusutsu

• Best for: Off-piste skiing, tree runs, slightly less crowded experience (than Niseko)

• Highlights: Rusutsu is known for its exceptional tree skiing, deep powder, and long groomed runs. With fewer crowds than Niseko, it offers a more relaxed and authentic Hokkaido ski experience, but the close proximity to Niseko does result in some really busy days, as it acts as an “overspill” to Niseko’s capacity.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): Start at the West Mountain’s Resort Hotel to find more parking space, and smaller queues at the ticket office. You can experience the surreal environment of the lobby where they have a talking tree and even an old-school merry-go-round! The connecting gondola to head to the East Mt opens earlier than the other lifts, so you can still make it to the other side before the crowds. There are also more options on this side to end your day in front of a good beverage!


4. Kiroro

• Best for: Reliable snowfall, uncrowded slopes, powder skiing

• Highlights: Kiroro is a resort that receives some of the most consistent and highest snowfall in Hokkaido. The well-maintained slopes and excellent side/backcountry access make it a favorite among powder seekers.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): Avoid Kiroro on a windy day, as they are unlikely to open the gondola and the top lifts, making the accessible terrain quite limited. Not a lot to do in Kiroro after skiing, so you might want to stay in the nearby town of Otaru unless you are with your family in which case the Kiroro Club Med will offer you everything you need! There are some great touring options to access more untracked snow from Kiroro even after a couple of dry days, make sure to hire a guide to show you the best lines.


5. Tomamu

• Best for: Luxury ski experience, families, unique attractions

• Highlights: Tomamu features a high-end resort atmosphere with excellent accommodations, an indoor wave pool, and modern lift infrastructure. It’s a great choice for those looking for a mix of skiing and resort-style relaxation. Great for family entertainment, both on and off the slopes.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): There are some great tree runs in-bound, be very careful accessing out-of-bounds terrain as the ski patrols do not like that, for good reason. It is easy to get stuck (especially if you do not have touring equipment) and fatal avalanches have been known to happen. 


6. Asahidake

• Best for: Advanced skiers, backcountry enthusiasts, deep powder

• Highlights: Asahidake is Hokkaido’s highest peak and a paradise for mountaineers and backcountry skiers. This untamed ski area offers deep, untouched powder and a more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience. Only one cable car and hardly any groomed runs, which are mostly there to catch you and bring you back to base after your side/backcountry excursions.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): The cable car only goes halfway up the mountain, so be prepared to walk and/or ski tour further up from the top to access more terrain, and do not miss a visit to the fumaroles (active volcanic gas emissions). Pick up a free terrain map from the gondola station, and take note of the many hazards marked on it. If you are touring up the side of the main crater you might need crampons, even on a powder day, as the path often gets windswept and icy. This is serious mountaineering terrain, do not take it lightly.


7. Sapporo Teine

• Best for: Day trips from Sapporo, different areas for all level skiers, night skiing

• Highlights: Located just 40 minutes from Sapporo or Otaru, Teine is an easily accessible resort offering stunning city views, excellent powder, and diverse terrain. It’s particularly known for its advanced runs, including the steep and thrilling Olympic Course from the 1972 Winter Olympics or the off-piste chutes accessible from the Teine gate.
• Gabe’s pro tip(s): Teine has two area, Olympia has easier terrain for beginners (and some great olympic memorabilia like the old olympic torch), and Highland has more advanced runs and access to any worthy off-piste. Each area has dedicated parking lots, even though they are connected with a gondola and a ski run, so you should park by the area you are likely to ski in. If you are interested in powder and advanced runs avoid Teine on a windy day as the top lifts are unlikely to run, and there is nothing to keep you entertained in the Olympia area. If you have lunch at the mountain base in Highland, do not miss the little fish-shaped waffles filled with delicious flavours, they are really yummy!

Tips for Planning Your Hokkaido Ski Trip

• When to Go: The ski season in Hokkaido typically runs from late November to early May, with the best powder conditions from December to February.

• Getting There: The main gateway is New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo. Most resorts are accessible via buses, trains, or rental cars.

• Where to Stay: Accommodations range from luxury ski-in/ski-out resorts to budget-friendly lodges and traditional Japanese ryokan inns.

• Guided Tours & Lessons: Whether you’re new to skiing or want to explore backcountry terrain safely, guided tours and lessons can enhance your experience.