Hokkaido
Local Supporter
[2026 Edition] Powder Snow Heaven: 6 Popular Ski Resorts in Hokkaido

Winter in Hokkaido is a place where you can fully enjoy magnificent powder snow, so much so that it is called a "powder paradise." You can experience the ultimate feeling of floating on snow that is completely different from that on the main island of Honshu. The excellent views from the slopes, such as the silver scenery stretching into the distance and the beautifully connected mountains, are also unique to Hokkaido. The high level of satisfaction from snow activities and après-ski options, which allow you to fully enjoy the winter resort atmosphere, is also a major draw. Here, we introduce some of the most popular and recommended ski resorts in the prefecture.

An exquisite snow resort where you can enjoy powdery snow

A big scale spanning two mountains, equivalent to about 26 Tokyo Domes.
A big scale spanning two mountains, equivalent to about 26 Tokyo Domes

Tomamu, located in Shimukappu Village almost in the center of Hokkaido, is an extremely cold region where temperatures can drop to -30°C in winter. The snow that falls there is fine and powdery, on a different level from that of Honshu, and is known as "powder snow." It is one of the country's leading snow resorts where you can enjoy this top-quality snow on a variety of slopes. There are 29 courses ranging from gentle slopes to thrilling un-groomed runs. Ridge skiing while looking out at the distant Daisetsuzan mountains and the wide burns leading to the two hotel buildings are full of the true thrill that can be called "THE Hokkaido skiing."

A story-based family ski slope where you can improve while having an adventure

Original characters "Nipo" and "Chokkari Daimajin." You'll grow to love skiing and snowboarding while sliding with them.
Original characters "Nipo" and "Chokkari Daimajin." You'll grow to love skiing and snowboarding as you slide along with them

Popular with families is "Adventure Mountain," a story-based family slope that sparks children's curiosity and spirit of challenge, guiding them to improve while having fun.
With a total of 11 courses across two stages—the beginner-friendly "Nipo's Mountain" and the more advanced "Chokkari Mountain"—children become the protagonists of a story and take on various missions. Because they can enjoy skiing while adventuring in a world that feels like a role-playing game, the experience itself leads to the joy of improvement, allowing them to acquire skills naturally.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort
  • AddressNakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  • AccessApprox. 5-minute drive from JR Tomamu Station
  • Bus accessFree shuttle bus available from JR Tomamu Station
  • Business hoursDecember 1, 2025 (Mon) – April 5, 2026 (Sun)
    Lift operation: 8:45–18:00 (Operation after 16:00 is from 12/26 to 3/31)
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission Fee1-day lift pass: Adults 8,000 yen, elementary school students 6,000 yen
  • TEL0167-58-1111
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesOperating period and hours may change depending on snow conditions. Lift pass prices vary by season, etc. Please check the website for details.

About 80% beginner and intermediate courses. A beloved, renowned ski resort

The "Family Slope" is a wide, single, gentle burn.
The "Family Slope" is a wide, single, gentle burn

Located in a prime spot about 10 minutes by car from the Furano city area, it is popular for being able to enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food as well. Of the 28 courses, about 20% are for advanced skiers, while the rest are for beginners and intermediates with an average slope of around 15 degrees. It is perfect for enjoying a run while soaking in the resort atmosphere with its pleasant snow quality, or for practicing to improve your level. The layout, which makes the most of the terrain, is also attractive, including courses that wind through forests with plenty of ups and downs, and downhill courses that offer a panoramic view of the Tokachidake and Daisetsuzan mountain ranges.
Once you reach the summit by gondola or ropeway, a 3-4 km long run awaits you.

Full of snow play and après-ski programs

Kids' smiles are in full bloom at "FURANO Snow Land."
Kids' smiles are in full bloom at "FURANO Snow Land"

At the foot of the mountain, there is a family-friendly area called "FURANO Snow Land," where you can enjoy banana boat rides and snowmobiling. At night, the night activity area "Furano Kan Kan Mura" also opens. You can play with snow tubing and more while surrounded by magical lighting.
Furano Ski Resort has a history of being visited by mountain skiers since the Meiji era. It is a renowned ski resort loved by top athletes from around the world, having hosted the FIS (International Ski Federation) World Cup 10 times, as well as the Snowboard World Cup.

Furano Ski Resort
  • AddressNakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Furano Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Furano Station and get off at "Furano Prince Hotel" or "New Furano Prince Hotel"
  • Business hoursDaytime: Nov 29, 2025 (Sat) – May 6, 2026 (Wed/Holiday) 8:30–16:00 or sunset
    Night skiing: Scheduled for mid-Dec 2025 – Mar 21, 2026 (Sat) 16:00–19:30 *Until 18:00 on weekdays
  • ClosedNone during the operating period *Operating period and hours may change depending on weather and snow conditions
  • Admission FeeLift tickets (Regular season)
    1-day ticket: Adults 8,000 yen, Seniors 7,500 yen (Free for elementary school students and younger)
    Night ticket: Adults from 2,900 yen, Seniors from 2,700 yen
    *Prices vary by day of the week, season, etc., so please check the website.
  • TEL0167-22-1111
  • ParkingFree

The 150m-wide big burn, where you can enjoy dynamic long turns, is popular

In addition to groomed courses, there are 8 popular un-groomed courses where you can enjoy fresh snow.
In addition to groomed courses, there are 8 popular ungroomed courses where you can enjoy fresh snow

Located on the western slope of Mt. Kamui, almost on the border between Asahikawa City and Fukagawa City, this ski resort is well-regarded for its high-quality snow and meticulously maintained courses. With a well-balanced distribution of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, it can be enjoyed by skiers of any level.
The main attraction is the "Gold" course, which is 150m wide—a rarity even nationwide. The spacious slope, which never feels crowded even during the high season, offers a fantastic feeling as you carve turns exactly as you wish. There are also courses designed for competition, recommended for those who want to experience a sense of speed.

Take the gondola for an easy approach to the summit, which overlooks the magnificent Ishikari Plain

A forest of frost-covered trees spreads out near the summit, offering breathtaking beauty.
Near the summit, forests of frost-covered trees spread out, offering breathtaking beauty

The "Kamui Gondola" runs from beside the "Center House" at the foot of the mountain to the 751m-high summit. From the summit to the base, there is a 4,000m-long beginner course. You can enjoy long cruising while riding through forest trails and passing under the gondola. For kids, there are plenty of activities such as banana boat rides and snow rafting. You can watch your children playing from the second floor of the Center House.
In addition, you can enjoy authentic Italian menu items at the summit restaurant, and a limited-time shop serving authentic Asahikawa ramen also operates at the foot of the mountain.

Kamui Ski Links
  • Address112 Nishioka, Kamui-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido MAP
  • AccessApprox. 30 minutes by car from JR Asahikawa Station
  • Bus accessTake the connecting bus from JR Asahikawa Station and get off at "Kamui Ski Links"
  • Business hoursMid-December 2025 – late March 2026, scheduled for 9:00–17:00
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeLift pass 1-day pass: Adults 5,300 yen, elementary school students 1,800 yen, seniors 4,500 yen
    *A separate 500 yen deposit per card is required for the automatic IC gate card, which will be refunded upon return of the card.
  • TEL0166-72-2311
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesFree shuttle bus available for hotel guests from "OMO7 Asahikawa" to "Kamui Ski Links".
    Please check https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/omo7asahikawa/sp/ski/ for details.

Blissful powder snow cruising in the world-class Niseko area, known for its outstanding scale

A slope where Erman's birch trees spread out and you can see a panoramic view of Mount Yotei.
A slope where Erman's birch trees spread out and you can see a panoramic view of Mount Yotei

Niseko's largest ski resort, spread across the 1,308m-tall Mount Niseko Annupuri. Blessed by its topography with dry snow quality, the powder snow is so light that you cannot even make a snowball, making it the envy of powder freaks around the world.
You can enjoy 22 varied courses by utilizing 13 lifts and gondolas. From gentle slopes and forest trails that look like they came out of a picture book, to uncompacted steep slopes, there is a wide variety of courses to choose from to suit every level, from beginners to experts.

Well-equipped with restaurants, cafes, and rentals

"Niseko Tree Burger" 3,200 yen *Information from 2019. Sales have currently ended.
"Niseko Tree Burger" 3,200 yen *Information from 2019. Sales have now ended

At "Restaurant & Cafe Tanta-an" on the second floor of the "Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Mountain Center" at the base of the mountain, you can enjoy a variety of Western dishes, centered on steak, while gazing at Mount Yotei.
In addition, the "Mountain Center Annex" is fully equipped with changing rooms, lockers, and a rental corner. The "Japan Brand Corner," which features "ROKO SKI"—a Niseko-born ski brand committed to "Made in NISEKO"—is a must-see, allowing you to fully enjoy the snow scene with rental items that suit you perfectly.

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
  • Address9-1, 2-jo 1-chome, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  • AccessApprox. 120 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, or approx. 130 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station
  • Business hoursDaytime: Nov 29, 2025 (Sat) – May 6, 2026 (Wed)
    Night skiing: Dec 13, 2025 (Sat) – Mar 22, 2026 (Sun) 16:00–19:00
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeLift tickets (Regular season/Hirafu HANAZONO joint)
    1-day pass: Adults 10,400 yen, Junior high students/Seniors 8,900 yen, Ages 4–12 6,200 yen
    *Prices vary by season, please check the website
    Night pass: Adults 5,400 yen, Junior high students/Seniors 4,500 yen, Ages 4–12 3,200 yen
  • TEL0136-22-0109
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesBusiness hours and lift ticket prices vary by period, so please check the website

A total of 37 courses with a total run length of 43km, the largest in Hokkaido

Lots of superb powder snow piles up.
Lots of high-quality powder snow piles up

Located in the village of Rusutsu in southern Hokkaido, this giant resort spans 37 courses across three mountains. It is covered in plenty of light, fine, blissful powder snow with a moisture content of only about 5%.
The variety of courses and parks is truly abundant, ranging from areas exclusively for children to those for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. In particular, what delights advanced skiers from both Japan and abroad is the "Side Country Park," where items utilizing natural terrain and trees are scattered throughout. You can enjoy the superb snow to the fullest, whether by jumping or kicking up powder spray amidst the beautiful white birch forests.

Enjoy Rusutsu-exclusive gourmet food, activities, and hot springs

The large open-air bath at "Rusutsu Onsen... Kotobuki no Yu." On clear mornings, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent mountain range.
The large open-air bath at "Rusutsu Onsen Kotobuki no Yu." On clear mornings, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent mountain range.

The slope-side food is highly rated by guests. At the restaurant "Isola 2000," the Hokkaido-style "slope sushi" is popular. Also, the cream puff specialty shop "Hanamorikuma Rusutsu" sells "Gari-tto Choux," which features plenty of cream inside a crunchy pastry shell.
At the resort's "Snow Activity Land," you can experience snow rafting, dog sledding, and more. There is also a large hot spring bath, "Rusutsu Onsen Kotobuki-no-Yu," where you can relax and soothe your tired body in a spacious tub after skiing.

Rusutsu Resort
  • Address13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  • AccessApprox. 90 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport or JR Sapporo Station
  • Bus accessFree direct bus available from "Kamori Building 3" near JR Sapporo Station
  • Business hoursDaytime: Scheduled for Nov 29, 2025 (Sat) – Mar 31, 2026 (Sun) 9:00–16:00
    Night skiing: Dec 20, 2025 (Sat) – Mar 15, 2026 (Sun) 16:00–20:00
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeLift tickets (Regular season/Online purchase price)
    1-day pass: Adults 12,000 yen, ages 4-12 5,800 yen, junior high/high school students/seniors 8,900 yen
    *Prices vary by season, please check the website
    Night pass: Adults 3,800 yen, ages 4-12 1,300 yen, junior high/high school students/seniors 2,500 yen

    Snow rafting from 3,300 yen, dog sledding 5,830 yen per person, public bath admission fee 1,500 yen for adults
  • TEL0136-46-3111
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesPlease check the website for details on business hours, lift ticket prices, and activities

40 minutes by car from Sapporo; experience a top-tier course that hosted the Olympics

The "Olympia Zone," where the Olympic cauldron from 1972 (Showa 47) remains. The cauldron can be seen in the background.
The "Olympia Zone," where the Olympic cauldron from 1972 remains. The cauldron can be seen in the background.

This ski resort was the venue for the first Winter Olympics in Asia. It has hosted events like the Asian Winter Games (2017) in recent years and boasts snow quality and course layouts that experts aspire to.
In the "Olympia Zone" near the base, the Olympic cauldron is preserved just as it was back then. The "Highland Zone" was the venue for the alpine giant slalom and slalom competitions, and the biggest appeal of this ski resort is being able to ski the same courses as the world's top athletes. Of course, both zones also have courses for beginners and families, and you can enjoy a long cruise of up to approximately 6km from the summit to the base.

Freely ski down a variety of courses while taking in the superb views

From the 1,023m summit of Mt. Teine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sapporo city area, Ishikari Bay, and even the Daisetsuzan mountain range.
From the 1,023m summit of Mt. Teine, you can see the entire city of Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and even the Daisetsuzan mountain range.

Among the 15 total courses, the one known as one of the most difficult in the country is the so-called "North Wall," which stands like a wall from the summit. Advanced skiers confident in their skills can head into the backcountry from the "Teine Gate" at their own risk, or enjoy dynamic riding in the "Terrain Park," which is equipped with jumps and rails, allowing for free skiing tailored to their level.
There is also a dinosaur-themed kids' park where children can have fun. The rental shop carries products from top manufacturers and is well-stocked with items for advanced skiers.

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
  • Address593 Teine-honcho, Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
  • AccessApprox. 40 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station
  • Bus accessTake a bus from JR Teine Station and get off at "Teine Olympia" or "Teine Highland"
  • Business hoursDaytime: November 22, 2025 (Sat) – early May 2026, 9:00–17:00
    Night: Scheduled for November 22, 2025 (Sat) – early May 2026, 16:00–20:00
  • Admission FeeLift tickets (Regular season/Online purchase price)
    1-day pass: Adults 8,400 yen, elementary school students and younger 5,200 yen, junior high/high school students/seniors 7,100 yen
    *Prices vary by season, please check the website
    Night pass: Junior high students and older/seniors 2,800 yen, elementary school students and younger 1,800 yen
  • TEL011-682-6000
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesPlease check the website as business periods, hours, and lift ticket prices vary depending on the time of year

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Back to top of article
*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.