Introducing Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan's northern most island

Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido is considered by many to be the ski capital of Japan. With its massive powder dumps in Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro and the renowned dry powder of central Hokkaido, there aren't too many places in this world which beat the lift accessed powder provided by Japan's snow world, Hokkaido. ​​

However, Hokkaido does have trade-offs that you should know about before deciding to make this the destination of your Japan Ski trip. Hokkaido's specialty is definitely the quality of the snow, but the mountains are smaller than options available in Nagano. 

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Kiroro Snow World

• Major resorts within 1 hour of Niseko: Niseko United, Rusutsu, and Kiroro.
  
• Pro's: huge quantity of powder, Niseko has a very good nightlife and western-style developments and lodging
• ​Con's: Niseko has arguably become too popular for it's own good with a population of skiers too large to support a relatively small mountain. 

Niseko Area

Most definitely holding the title for the most internationally famous resort in Hokkaido is Niseko. Niseko United interlinks four ski resorts in Niseko Hanazono, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village & Niseko Annupuri making it one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. The four ski resorts, all on one mountain, offer a lot for both on piste and off piste skiing/boarding. And if it's a bit too stormy at Niseko, head over to the close by ski resort of Rusutsu or Kiroro snow world. 

Although there is a lack of authentic Japanese culture to be had in Niseko, nearby are some fine onsen in the Konbu onsen district. If you're looking to score a holiday without google translate though, Niseko is your ticket to a carefree holiday! ​

If you're looking beyond Niseko, you will need to rent a car to get around. 

Tokachidake Onsen

Central Hokkaido -- Furano Area

Furano is a beautiful town located in central Hokkaido and is enjoyable in both winter and summer time. Although it doesn't snow quite as much as Niseko, when it does snow the quality is even better than what Niseko gets. As one of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido and with a fair number of ski resorts close by, Furano makes for a great ski base for a long ski vacation in Japan. Nearby ski resorts include Tomamu and Sahoro as well as a backcountry playground in Tokachidake. 

Think of Furano as a Japanese version of Niseko, but still a good population of foreigners. Furano is an authentic Japanese town with plenty of fine restaurants and bars to explore. If you're there to stay for a few nights, don't miss out on a dip in Tokachidake's famous hot springs (picture on left). 

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Asahidake Powder

Central Hokkaido -- Asahikawa Area

Situated in the northern part of central Hokkaido, Asahikawa is not a ski resort but within close proximity are Kamui Ski Links and Asahidake.

At Kamui you will see a real deal Japanese ski resort with no foreign influence. A far cry from the Australian Invasion of Niseko or even Furano, Kamui offers great powder skiing with little to no competition. Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest mountain, is not a ski hill persay but offers great backcountry like terrain with cable car access.  There are 4 groomed trails, but these are more just for access to the great off piste skiing available at Asahidake.

​Being at such high elevation and far from the ocean, the powder snow in Asahidake is pristine. Only advanced skiiers should venture to this powder playground and due to the consistent stormy weather, a guide is most highly recommended. 

Hokkaido Guided Ski Trips

Our Hokkaido Storm Chaser is a 7-day guided off-piste ski road-trip that hits 6 different Hokkaido ski resorts for each of the 6 ski days. We base out of two main hubs--the ski town of Furano and the port-side town of Otaru. Where we go each day isn't set--it depends on where the weather report is indicating the best pow will be. 

View the Storm Chaser