As one of the main islands in Japan, Hokkaido has been appealing to globetrotters for its abundant natural hot springs (onsen) and some of the best ski areas in the country. In particular, Hakodate, Sapporo, Niseko, and Otaru are all well-known for their mountain views, hot springs, and ski resorts. Among these, Sapporo is the most famous setting for winter sporting events, having hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1972. It remains a popular destination for other international competitions such as the Sapporo International Ski Marathon.
If you’re planning to spend the winter season here, continue reading to learn about the best snowboarding and ski resorts in Hokkaido, Japan, and book your ski accommodation soon before they sell out!
Traveler's tips
Aniano Jose
If you’re someone from a tropical country, you might not have winter clothes. You don’t need to buy them before coming because you can get winter gear here in Sapporo. I got my winter clothes from a thrift shop called Second Avenue. They had down-feather coats and hoodies, and I got good bargains.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 20, 2025.
Top ski resorts
| Ski Resort | Skill Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Season Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rusutsu Resort Hokkaido Japan | Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30% | 18 | December 12, 2024 - March 30, 2025 |
| Furano Ski Resort | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20% | 9 | November 25, 2024 - May 6, 2025 |
| Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort | Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30% | 4 | December 1, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
| Canmore Ski Village | Beginner 20%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 30% | 2 | December 21, 2024 - March 16, 2025 |
| Kiroro Resort | 38%, Intermediate 29%, Advanced 33% | 10 | November 30, 2024 - May 6, 2025 |
| Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko United) | Beginner 50%, Intermediate 23%, Advanced 27% | 8 | November 30, 2024 – April 6, 2025 |
1. Rusutsu Resort Hokkaido Japan
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 12, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (1.5-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 18 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry packages)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Rusutsu Resort Hokkaido Japan
Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention (from USD 109)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Rusutsu Resort)
- Nearest lift: West Gondola, 90 meters (295.28 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Rusutsu Resort has been bestowed with the distinguished title of Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards 2021 and is an excellent destination for vacationers in winter. It is advantageously located southeast of Mt. Yotei, shielding it from the unpleasantly rough winter winds from the northwest and accumulating powder snow on its ski fields. And since it’s near the Pacific coast, it has plenty of sunny days in winter.
The resort’s three peaks, Mt. Isola, West Mt., and East Mt., each have unique terrain for snow enjoyment. Besides skiing, you can enjoy other winter sports, such as snowmobile rides, snow rafting, dog sledding, and ice fishing.
After a fun day out, relax in the hot spring bath at the resort. You can also unwind in the onsite sauna or indoor pool.
2. Furano Snow Resorts
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - May 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Asahikawa Airport (1-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 40%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 9 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry packages)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Furano Snow Resorts
Furano Prince Hotel / Snow Resorts (from USD 95)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Kitanomine Zone)
- Nearest lift: Kitanomine Swift Lift No.1 230 meters (754.59 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
This ski resort consists of two zones, Furano and Kitanomine, with 28 trails. You’ll find two ski-in and ski-out Prince Hotels at the bottom of each area. You can get ski lessons and ski equipment rentals onsite. Reach the summit directly via Furano Ropeway and witness the breathtaking scenery of the Daisetsu Mountain Range. After skiing, you can chill and rejuvenate in the hot springs near the ski area. You can also get a massage and recharge in the sauna.
In addition, you can attend the Ski Festival, one of Furano’s most popular winter events. It’s held at the Furano ski area at the base of the Kitanomine zone and has several events, including a fireworks display.
3. Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 1, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (2h10m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 4 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry packages)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Moiwa Lodge (from USD 303)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Niseko Moiwa)
- Nearest lift: Moiwa No. 2 Pair Lift, 250 meters (820.21 feet)
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: Yes
This wonderful wooden lodge promises plenty of ski-in ski-out adventures with its fantastic location at the base of Niseko Moiwa. Book a family room if you’re traveling as a group, or a dorm if you don’t mind making new friends. If you’re looking for other slopes to challenge aside from Moiwa, the lodge offers a shuttle to Niseko Annupuri as well. They also offer the services of experienced guides who know the trails of Niseko like the back of their hand.
Stash your gear in the onsite ski storage during downtimes, then relax in the lounges or the games room. While there’s no onsite onsen, they’re available in the nearby establishments.
4. Canmore Ski Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
. # # # # # #hokkaido # # #ski #snowboard
Posted by on Sunday, January 7, 2024
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 21, 2024 - March 16, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Asahikawa Airport (18-minute drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 20%, intermediate 50%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 2 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Canmore Ski Village
The Garnet Higashikawa (from USD 386)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 8-minute drive to Canmore Ski Village
- Nearest lift: Canmore Quad Lift, 5 kilometers (3.11 miles)
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: Yes
Situated in the town of Higashikawa, this rental home is a great choice for groups or families looking to enjoy not only skiing but also various aspects of Hokkaido. It’s a 15-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport, while Canmore Ski Village is just a quick 8-minute drive from the property. The home provides plenty of conveniences as there’s a kitchen for preparing meals and laundry machines so you take care of your snow-soaked clothes. It even has a gear rack to stow your skis and snowboards.
5. Kiroro Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - May 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (1.5-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 38%, intermediate 29%, advanced 33%
- Lift details: 10 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry packages)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Kiroro Resort
Yu Kiroro
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Kiroro Snow World)
- Nearest lift: Gateway Express Gondola (3-minute walk)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Yu Kiroro boasts not just a magnificent location, but also a slew of ski-related services you can take advantage of. The property is surrounded by the lush forests of Mt. Yoichi, providing a refreshing scenery wherever you look.
The express gondola behind the hotel will take skiers directly up to Kiroro Snow World and its slopes. Another option is the complimentary shuttle service, also a great way to get back to your accommodation after expending all your energy. Back at the hotel, you can let the ski valet service care for your gear, making sure the equipment will be warm and dry the next day. You can then wash your exhaustion and pain away with a rejuvenating soak in the onsen, and have a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurants.
6. Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko United)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 – April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 50%, intermediate 23%, advanced 27%
- Lift details: 8 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry packages)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Village is just one of the four interconnected ski resorts comprising Niseko United. For details on the other ski resorts, check out our article on skiing and snowboarding in Niseko.
Hilton Niseko Village (from USD 99)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Niseko Village)
- Nearest lift: Niseko Village No. 4 Double Lift, 60 meters (196.85 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Situated at the south base of Niseko Annupuri Mountain, the contemporary accommodation offers guests from Hokkaido, Japan skiing access on the mountain slopes during winter months. You can enjoy a total of seven lifts and terrains that are suitable for skiers of all levels. Purchase multiple-day passes to save your budget, especially if you are planning to ski for several days. There are also six restaurants available on-site and a fitness center.
Unwind and recharge your energy in a spacious and cozy room that presents scenic views of the mountain. After a day of skiing, you can soothe your aching muscles with a long soak in the outdoor onsen.
Ki Niseko (from USD 118)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu)
- Nearest lift: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Holiday No. 1 Pair Lift, 50 meters (164.04 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
With its location within walking distance of the high-speed gondola at Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, Ki Niseko is regarded as one of the best resorts in Hokkaido. Ski-in and ski-out access and ski storage are available. Comprising four resorts on one single mountain, Ki Niseko boasts 75 runs and 38 lifts, making it one of the largest skiing areas in Asia.
In addition to the ski access and facilities, the resort features both indoor and outdoor hot springs baths along with free wireless internet access. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player, among others.
Hit the slopes in Hokkaido
There’s a myriad of things to do in Hokkaido that will definitely make your Japan experience exciting and memorable. If you’re coming here to ski or snowboard, use this guide to pick the best ski resort for you. There’s bound to be more than one option, no matter how much or how little experience you have on the slopes!
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