5 Best Hokkaido Ski Resorts in 2023-2024
Enjoy Skiing with powder snow in Hokkaido: Sapporo, Rusutsu, Furano
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 2023-2024.
▽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: JPY3,700-6,200 (1day)
Equipment rentals: Available
Player ratio : Ski (50%), Snowboard (50%)
Hours: 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 9:00PM
Season: From November 25, 2023
Language: English/Chinese/Korean
Website: https://rusutsu.co.jp/ski
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: JPY3,600-4,300 (1day)
Equipment Rental: Available
Player ratio : Ski (60%), Snowboard (40%)
Hours: 8:30AM to 4:00PM
Night Skiing: Depends on dates (last season: 4:00PM to 7:00PM during December 16 to March 20)
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: JPY5,500 (1 day)
Equipment Rental: Available
Player ratio : Ski (65%), Snowboard (35%)
Hours: 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Night Skiing: until 6:00PM during December 26 to March 31st
Season: From December 3, 2022 (Last year)
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: JPY5,500 (1day)
Equipment Rental: Available
Player ratio : Ski (70%), Snowboard (30%)
Hours: 8:30AM to 4:30PM
Night Skiing: 4:30PM to 7:30PM
Season: From November 25, 2023 to May 6, 2024
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: JPY5,200 (1day)
Equipment Rental: Available
Player ratio : Ski (60%), Snowboard (40%)
Hours: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 9:00PM
Season: From November 18, 2023
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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I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)