Hokkaido’s powder snow is praised by skiers and snowboarders worldwide as the best quality snow in the world. There are a lot of renowned ski resorts in Hokkaido. Especially, Rusutsu and Niseko are much famous for the gorgeous powder snow and facilities.

Hotels/accommodations, transportation and hot springs (onsen) are well-supplied. The following resorts have staff who can speak English (some can speak Chinese and Korean).

Here are the introductions of 5 best Hokkaido ski resorts for the latest season 2024-2025.

▽Check out this list for best recommended ski resorts in Japan!▽

1. Rusutsu Resort

Rusutsu Resort, the biggest ski resort in Hokkaido, is the true paradise for Skiers and Snowboarders. Enjoy the untouched powder snow in tremendous snowfields with magnificent landscape of mountains. Rusutsu Ski Resort offers 37 different courses for all levels in 170 ha.

You can easily spend 2–3 days there since the resort offers a variety of facilities such as restaurants, shops, hot springs. Additionally, it is accessible to many other tourist areas in Hokkaido including Sapporo, Otaru, Lake Toya, etc.

Information

Area: Rusutsu, Hokkaido

Number of Courses: 37

Maximum Slope Gradient: 40°

Longest Run: 3,500m

Tickets: JPY14,500 (1day)

Equipment rentals: Available

Player ratio : Ski (50%), Snowboard (50%)

Hours: 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 8:00PM

Season: From November 23, 2024 to March 30, 2025

Language: English/Chinese/Korean

Website: https://rusutsu.com/en/

2. Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort

The largest resort of Niseko United’s four ski resorts, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort is know for the 5,600 m long-run slope. Its fine quality powder snow has attracted not only Japanese but also huge amount of foreign visitors especially from Australia.

The atmosphere is very unique and international, and of course the staff there assist you in English. This world-class ski resort is definitely worth visiting once in your lifetime.

Information

Area: Niseko, Hokkaido

Number of Courses: 30

Maximum Slope Gradient: 40°

Longest run: 5,600m

Ticket: JPY 6,700(1 day)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (60%), Snowboard (40%)

Hours: 8:30AM to 4:30PM

Night Skiing: 4:30PM to 8:30PM

Season: December 1, 2023 to April 7, 2024

Language: English

Website: http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/

3. Niseko Village Ski Resort

The second largest ski resort in Niseko is Niseko Village Ski Resort. It is known for having dynamic and entertaining courses with many steeply slopes and wild courses for skilled skiers. However, the resort has opened a new ski area for beginners, so now it’s a place for every level to enjoy!

As well as other resorts in Niseko, the Niseko Village Ski Resort has English speaking guides available and many other facilities to entertain your trip in Hokkaido.

Information

Number of Courses: 27

Maximum Slope Gradient: 35°

Longest run: 5,100m

Ticket: JPY8,800(1 day)/16,800(2 days)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (65%), Snowboard (35%)

Hours: 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 7:00PM from December 14 to 23 March

Season: November 30, 2024 to April 6, 2025

Website: http://www.niseko-village.com/en/

4. Furano Prince Snow Resorts

Furano Prince Snow Resorts is also a great ski resort in Hokkaido. Comparing to the most popular resorts such as Rusutsu or Niseko, the scale of the facility is a bit smaller. However, it has the same quality of fine powder snow.

The weather in Furano is much more mild and moderate (less winds and snowstorms). Also the outstanding views of the vast land of Furano and a mountain range of Daisetsu are something others can’t compete.

Furano is an amazing place to explore and extend your Hokkaido trip to the neighbor town Biei which is highly recommended!

Information

Area: Furano, Hokkaido

Number of Courses: 24

Maximum Slope Gradient: 34°

Longest run: 4,000m

Ticket: JPY6,000~ (1day)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (70%), Snowboard (30%)

Hours: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 7:30PM

Season: From November 30, 2024 to May 6, 2025

Language: English

Website: http://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/furano/

5. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

Do you know there is ski resorts near Sapporo? Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is the most accessible ski resort from Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido(approximately 30 mins by car). It was built in 1972 for Sapporo Winter Olympic.

The ski resort offers various courses for different levels with two separate zones and there is still the platform for the Olympic flame in the site. It’s a perfect place for your day trip from the city for skiing and to have an unforgettable experience with the sacred land of Olympic!

Information

Area: Sapporo, Hokkaido

Number of Courses: 15

Maximum Slope Gradient: 38°

Longest run: 6,000m

Ticket: JPY7,900~(1day)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (60%), Snowboard (40%)

Hours: 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 8:00PM (November 30 to March 30)

Season: From November 16, 2024 to May 6, 2025

Language: English

Website: https://sapporo-teine.com/snow/lang/en/

Check more information about skiing and snowboarding in other areas in Japan!

▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Japan
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Niseko
▶︎Best Ski Resorts near Tokyo
▶︎Best Ski Resorts around Mt.Fuji
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Hakuba
▶︎Best Ski Resorts near Osaka

Hokkaido has not only these wonderful ski resorts but also other winter attractions. For more info about Hokkaido, check these articles below!

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