In the suburbs of Niseko and the southern Hokkaido area, you can enjoy the fine powder snow that skiers and snowboarders have always dreamed of. In this article, we will introduce ski resorts where you can fully enjoy the powder snow that is the best part of skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido!
1. Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village)
A huge ski resort with three mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Izola. With a total of 37 courses and a total run distance of 42 kilometers, the resort’s slopes are the largest in Hokkaido, and are divided into east and west sections across the national road, each of which can be accessed by gondola. The most popular area, Mount Izora, offers a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Mount Usu from its peak, and Mount Yotei in front, making it a popular skiing and snowboarding destination while enjoying the scenery.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Business Hours
First skiing season (1): November 23 (Sat.) — December 13 (Fri.)
First skiing season② : December 14 (Sat.) — December 20 (Fri.)
Regular Season : Saturday, December 21 — Sunday, March 16
Spring Ski Season : March 17 (Mon.) — March 30 (Sun.) (tentative)
■Fees: Lift 1 day pass: 19 years old and over: 14,500 yen / 65 years old and over — Junior high and high school students: 10,800 yen / 4-12 years old: 7,200 yen
Fees vary depending on the season of use.
■Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu-mura)
2. Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Niseko Village Ski Resort in Annupuri is a world-class sanctuary of fine powder snow. In addition to skiing and snowboarding with spectacular views of Mt. Yotei, the resort offers a variety of other fun activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snow rafting. Another popular activity is snow tubing with «Hataraku-ma,» farm horses that work in the fields and forests.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Opening Hours
Early Season: Saturday, November 30 — Friday, December 13, 8:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Regular Season: Saturday, December 14 — Sunday, March 23, 2025, 8:30 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. (during nighttime operation)
Spring Season 1: March 24 (Mon.) — March 31 (Mon.), 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Spring Season 2: April 1 (Tue.) — April 6 (Sun.) 9:00 — 16:00 (scheduled)
■Fees
Regular Season: Adults 8,800 yen / Junior high school students, 65 years old and over 7,400 yen / 4-12 years old 5,200 yen
Early and spring season: Adults 6,100 yen / Junior high school students/65 and older 5,100 yen / 4-12 years old 3,600 yen
■Location: Higashiyama Onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
3. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area has many spacious courses and is safe for beginners. In the surrounding area, there are many secluded restaurants perfect for satisfying your hunger after a workout, and quaint hot springs to soothe your tired body after a day of skiing. Many skiers visit this ski resort to enjoy a different winter in Niseko than the Hirafu area.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Business Hours
Early Season: Saturday, November 30 — Friday, December 13, 8:30 — 16:00
Regular season: Saturday, December 14 — Sunday, March 23, 2025, 8:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Spring Season: Monday, March 24 — Sunday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Final Season: Monday, April 7 — Tuesday, May 6 (scheduled) 9:00 — 16:00
■Fees
Early and Spring Season: Adults 6,200 yen / Junior high school students 4,700 yen / Children 4-12 4,100 yen
Regular Season: Adults 7,000 yen / Junior high school students (65 and over) 5,300 yen / 4-12 years old 4,600 yen
Final season: Adults 5,200 yen / Junior high school students 4,200 yen / Children 4-12 3,700 yen
■Location: Aza-Niseko 485, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort (Niseko Town).
4. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu (Kutchan Town)
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu is a ski resort where you can enjoy skiing while enjoying the view of Mount Yotei, one of the top 100 mountains in Japan. The abundant snowfall, powder snow, and more than 20 varied courses attract many skiers and snowboarders from Japan and abroad. Another attraction is that skiing can be enjoyed until around Golden Week every year.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Business Hours
Early season: November 30 (Sat.) — December 13 (Fri.)
Regular Season: Saturday, December 14 — Sunday, March 23, 2025
Spring Season: March 24 (Mon.) — March 31 (Sun.)
■Fees
Early & Spring Season: Adults 6,700 yen / Junior high school students and 65 years old 5,700 yen / 4-12 years old 4,000 yen
Regular Season: Adults 9,500 yen / Junior high school students/65 years old 8,100 yen / 4-12 years old 5,700 yen
■Location: 2-9-1, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu (Kutchan-cho)
5. Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Considered to have the best snow in Hokkaido, Niseko is known around the world for its excellent powder snow. Niseko Moiwa is especially popular among skiers and snowboarders for its abundant snowfall and rich natural terrain. Niseko Moiwa, which has been preserved in its natural state, offers spectacular views, and on a clear day, Mount Yotei is exceptionally beautiful.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Opening Hours
Early Season: Saturday, November 30 — Friday, December 20
Regular Season: Saturday, December 21 — Friday, February 28, 2025
Spring Season: Saturday, March 1 — Sunday, March 16
Spring Season: March 1 (Sat.) — March 16 (Sun.) ・Final Season: March 17 (Mon.) — April 6 (Sun.)
■Fees
Regular season: Adults 11,000 yen / Seniors 65 and over 10,000 yen / High school students 9,000 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 2,300 yen
Early Season: Adults 8,800 yen / 65 years old and over 8,000 yen / High school students 7,200 yen / Elementary/Junior high school students 1,800 yen
Spring Season: Adults 7,100 yen / 65 years old and over 6,500 yen / High school students 5,800 yen / Elementary/Junior high school students 1,400 yen
Final season: Adults 6,600 yen / 65 and over 6,000 yen / High school students 5,400 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 1,300 yen
■Location: Aza-Niseko 448, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town).
6. Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
This ski resort boasts 4 kilometers of slopes and magnificent views of Komagatake, Onuma and Konuma. There are eight courses, ranging from wide gentle slopes for beginners to advanced courses that make the most of the natural surroundings. Not only are the slopes hard-packed by snow presses, but there are also unpressurized soft powder zones where you can enjoy slopes of various snow qualities.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Operating hours: Saturday, December 14 — Sunday, March 30, 2025 (scheduled) 9:00 — 17:00
Night skiing: December 28 (Sat) — March 2 (Sun), 2025 (Fri-Sun, national holidays, and days before holidays) 17:00-21:00
■Fees: 1DAY FREE PASS (including night game): 16 years old and over: 7,200 yen / 60 years old and over/junior high school students: 5,800 yen / elementary school students and younger: 1,300 yen
■Location: 666 Aza Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Click here for details and map information on Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
7.IWANAI RESORT (Iwanai Town)
This ski resort is located at the westernmost point of the Niseko mountain range, 1,086 meters above sea level on Mount Iwanai. There are three slopes where beginners and intermediate cars can ski with ease, and the panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan Peninsula from near the top of the mountain is exceptional. At the hutte, you can enjoy many gourmet foods such as classic ramen, curry, and hamburgers while taking a rest for your weary body.
8. Carles Onsen Sunriver Ski Resort (Noboribetsu City)
A ski resort with a wide variety of ski slopes that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. The slopes, with a total of seven courses, are popular not only among skiers, but also among boarders. Located in Noboribetsu, which is famous as a hot spring resort, this ski resort is right next to Carles Onsen, a famous hot spring in Japan, so it is recommended to spend a relaxing time in the hot spring after skiing.
9. Greenpia Onuma Ski Area (Morimachi)
This ski resort is a comprehensive leisure facility with a hotel attached, located in Onuma, a 40-50 minute drive from Hakodate. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing and other snow activities can be enjoyed, and equipment and clothing are available for rental, so you can use the resort without any equipment. Since the slopes are located right in front of the hotel, you can heal your body and cool off after a day of play in the hotel’s hot spring.
【2024-2025 season】
■Opening hours: Wednesday, December 25 — Sunday, March 9, 2025 (scheduled) 9:00-17:00
Night skiing: January 3 (Fri.) — March 8 (Sat.) every Friday and Saturday, scheduled 17:00 — 20:45
■Fees: 1-day lift ticket Adult 5,000 yen / Senior/Student 4,000 yen / Elementary school student 2,000 yen
■Location: 229 Akaigawa, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Click here for details and map information of Greenpia Onuma Ski Resort (Morimachi)
10. Pilika Ski Resort (Imagane Town)
Pilika Ski Resort, which preserves its magnificent and rustic nature, boasts the best snow quality in southern Hokkaido. With the Miri River Dam right below, there are a total of five courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike, including courses that make the most of the terrain and pressurized snow. The upper part of the family course is equipped with a snow park where you can enjoy snowboarding with kickers and boxes. The food prepared with local ingredients from Imagane Town is another attraction.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Operating hours: Saturday, December 21 — Sunday, March 23, 2025 (tentative)
Night skiing days: 9:00 — 21:00 / Daytime only days: 9:00 — 16:00 / Night skiing only days: 17:00 — 21:00
■Fees: 1-day lift ticket Adult 5,500 yen / 60 years old and over, junior high and high school students 3,500 yen / Elementary school students 2,500 yen
■Location: 205-1, Mikawa, Imagane-cho, Setagaya-gun
Click here for details and map information of Pirika Ski Resort (Imagane-cho)
11. Asahigaoka Ski Resort (Kutchan Town)
Asahigaoka Ski Resort is known as an important ski resort in the history of skiing in the town and Japan. There are two courses with a maximum slope of 30 degrees and a maximum run length of 560 meters, and both courses are equipped with lighting fixtures, making them safe for night skiing. It is also a ski resort that can be enjoyed by beginners, and is well-liked by skiers from both inside and outside of the town as a place where they can enjoy themselves in peace and quiet.
12. Olofure Ski Resort (Sobetsu Town)
A ski slope where you can enjoy winter sports even in Sobetsu Town, which has relatively little snow and mild climate in Hokkaido. It is easily accessible from the town center, and is used by families and people of all ages. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, «banana boating» can also be enjoyed at this precious ski resort. The banana boat ride through the clear Oroflea air is a powerful and fast-paced experience.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Business hours: Usually mid-December to mid-March of the following year: Weekdays 9:00-16:00 / Sundays and holidays 8:30-16:30
■Fees: 1-day lift ticket (reference 2023-2024 season): Adults/60 years old and over: 2,900 yen / Elementary/junior high school students: 1,600 yen
■Location: 204-5, Benkei, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun
Click here for details and map information of «Olofure Ski Resort (Sobetsu Town)
13. Yakumo Town Ski Resort (Yakumo Town)
Located in the northern part of southern Hokkaido, this ski resort offers a panoramic view of Uchiura Bay from the top of the mountain. Although compact, there are three courses that can satisfy both beginner and advanced skiers, making it perfect for family use. It is also fully equipped with lighting facilities for night skiing and a lodge where you can take a rest.
[Season 2024-2025]
■Opening Hours
Opening — Friday, February 28, 2025 (10:00 — 21:00)
Closed from Saturday, March 1, 17:00 to 21:00
Closed from 17:00 to 21:00 on March 1 (Sat.)
■Fees: 6-hour lift ticket (reference 2023-2024 season): Adults: 2,160 yen / Junior high school students and under: 1,260 yen
■Location: Kasuga 767, Yakumo-cho, Futakai-gun
Click here for details and map information of Yakumo Town Ski Resort (Yakumo Town)
14. Kaminokuni-cho Ski Resort (Kaminokuni-cho)
Located in the town’s hot spring resort area of Yunotai, this ski resort is suitable for beginners and experts alike. The Yunotai area has some of the heaviest snowfall in the town, and visitors can ski in powder snow. For beginners who are not used to getting on and off the lifts, there is a rope tower where you can grab a rope and move around while keeping your feet on the ground. Nighttime lighting is also available for nighttime skiing.
15. Chonai Ski Resort (Chonai Town)
A family ski resort with a maximum slope of 29 degrees and three courses. The slopes are attractive for the exhilarating feeling of sliding down toward the Chonai River. It is said that there are only three schlep lifts used at the Chonai Town Ski Area in Hokkaido, and it is worth visiting just to see these lifts.
16. Hakodate City Usushiri Ski Area (Hakodate City)
This ski resort is a popular place for sports and recreation for local residents. One of the attractions of this rare experience is the rope tower, where visitors can hold onto a rope while on skis and climb to the top of the mountain, which is a rare experience these days. Events for parents and children are also held, so both adults and children can enjoy themselves.
17. Mori-machi Ski Resort (Mori Town)
Known by the nickname «Sankakuyama» (meaning «mountain of three mountains» in Japanese), this ski resort has large slopes and is a favorite of skiers. The large slopes are perfect for training the legs and backs of skiers as they climb the slopes on their own feet. The slopes are also suitable for children’s sledding, and there is a warm rest house so that visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.
18. Sutto Ski Resort (Sutto Town)
The ski resort is well known as a family-friendly ski resort. The slopes are relatively gentle, so beginners and children can ski with ease. Skiing classes are also held, making it a good place to start skiing.
All information is current as of November 2024.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.
