Planning a Hokkaido ski trip: What you need to know

Planning a Hokkaido Ski Trip: Things to Know and the Best Season

Hokkaido is Japan's winter paradise, with perfect powder snow, first-class ski resorts, and rich local culture. Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner, the key to getting the most out of your Hokkaido ski trip is to do some advance planning. This guide will provide you with the key points to make your trip a smooth and memorable one.

Best season

Hokkaido's ski season usually runs from late November to early April, but January and February are the best months to enjoy the best powder snow. This is when the region receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, with some areas receiving over 14 metres of snowfall per year. Temperatures in January often drop to around -10°C, making for ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, come in March, when the snow is still good and the slopes are quieter.

Recommended ski resorts in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is home to many of Japan's leading ski resorts. We have summarized the characteristics of each resort below.

・Niseko United: A world-famous resort with stable powder snow. It receives over 15 meters of snowfall every year, and has a variety of terrain that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers. It is also characterized by its international atmosphere, with many Western-style restaurants and English-speaking staff.

For more information about Niseko United, click here

・Furano: With fewer tourists, you can enjoy spectacular views and high-quality snow. It is also popular with families, and there are many hot springs nearby.

For more information on Furano Ski Resort, click here

Rusutsu: A hidden gem, with over 42km of runs, perfect for all types of skiers, tree runs, ungroomed areas and a laid back atmosphere.

For more information on Rusutsu Ski Resort, click here

・Kiroro: A hidden gem that boasts more snowfall than Niseko. There are many deep snow areas for advanced skiers, and the good lift access means it's not too crowded.

For more information about Kiroro Resort, click here

Access to ski resorts

The gateway to Hokkaido's ski resorts is New Chitose Airport (near Sapporo). Shuttle buses, private transfers and rental cars are available to major resorts such as Niseko and Rusutsu. Niseko takes about 2-3 hours by bus or train.

If you are coming from Tokyo, it is convenient to take a domestic flight (about 90 minutes). If you take the Shinkansen, you will arrive at Sapporo from Tokyo via Hakodate, but the travel time is rather long at about 8 hours.

New Chitose Airport

Bibi, Chitose City, Hokkaido 066-0012

Rental and personal ski equipment

Hokkaido resorts offer high quality rental equipment, and Niseko's rental shops offer a wide range of options from beginner to luxury models, with many shops offering English language support.

If you want to bring your own gear, you can use Yamato Transport's "Takkyubin" service to efficiently send it from the airport to your accommodation.

Niseko Rental Goods Price List

Sending parcels via Yamato Transport

Prepare for Hokkaido's winter weather

The weather in Hokkaido during the ski season can be harsh. Temperatures can range from -5°C to -20°C (even colder at higher altitudes), so you'll need insulated outerwear, waterproof gloves, sunglasses or goggles, and a helmet, especially during blizzards, as visibility can be poor.

Lift tickets and passes

A one-day lift ticket in Niseko is usually around 7,000-8,000 yen, but you might be able to get a discount if you buy a multi-day or season pass. Niseko United's popular "All Mountain Pass" gives you access to all four ski areas.

Après-ski and local culture

In addition to skiing, you can also enjoy the unique cultural experiences of Hokkaido. We recommend a hot spring (the hot spring towns of Niseko and Furano are famous) to soothe your fatigue after skiing.

Hokkaido's cuisine is also not to be missed: seafood such as crab and sea urchin, miso ramen and lamb Jingisukan are must-try dishes. International cuisine is plentiful in Niseko, but local izakayas (such as Furano and Kutchan) offer more authentic Japanese flavors.

Insurance and Safety

Ski and snowboard insurance is a good idea for any ski holiday. Look for insurance that covers medical expenses, lost equipment and cancellation costs. Some resorts even include insurance in your lift pass.

Non-ski activities

If you have time, consider visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival (held in February), which features giant ice sculptures, as well as other popular activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.

Sapporo Snow Festival

8-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042

Pre-travel tips

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but prepare cash for smaller establishments. Language: English is spoken in major resorts, but it is useful to know a little Japanese. Transportation: Shuttle buses and trains are convenient, but renting a car makes it easier to explore smaller towns and resorts.

lastly

A ski trip to Hokkaido is a fantastic opportunity to experience adventure, first-class snow and unique Japanese winter culture, so use this guide to help you make the most of your trip!