Hokkaido Feature

Hokkaido is a fantastic winter wonderland. Ridiculous amounts of powder snow and great resorts delight skiers and boarders from both Japan and overseas.

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. In winter, cold Siberian winds bring huge amounts of snow throughout the winter months. For some locals it is a curse, (winter driving, once you've dug out your car, is slow and treacherous) but for skiers and boarders it is paradise. Those used to marginal pistes in other parts of the world let out whoops of joy as they float over the deep powder. Hokkaido has a quarter of Japan's landmass, but only one-twentieth of its population. The resorts are nowhere near as crowded as on mainland Japan, and although the Hokkaido secret is out, there's more than enough powder for everybody. And one of the great joys of winter sports in Japan is that after a long day on the slopes you can soak your aching muscles in a local onsen (thermal spa).

Dogsledding

Although not a traditional method of transportation, several dogsled races take place in Hokkaido during the winter months. Major events include the Japan Cup Dogsled Competition held in Wakkanai (February) and the JFSS Cup International Dogsled Race held in Sapporo (March). If you'd like to get up close and personal with man's best friend, then you can give dog sledding a try at the Rusutsu resort area.

Hokkaido's Ski Resorts

More than 100 ski hills are dotted across Hokkaido. Some are small, used almost exclusively by locals, and have limited facilities. Others are vast resorts that attract and cater to visitors from around the world. Hokkaido's big three are Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano but you can find great snow and a friendly welcome across the whole island.

Furano

Furano, located in the center of island, is famous for its fields of lavender in summer, and skiing in winter. Heavy snowfalls provide plenty of light powder snow while the local town has found a good balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining its traditional charm. Furano is about an hour from Asahikawa Airport, or three hours from Chitose Airport.

Rusutsu

Rusutsu is a large resort stretching out over East Mountain, West Mountain, and Mount Isola. Thirty-seven courses provide everything from smooth groomed runs to steep and deep off-piste powder. Numerous gondolas, quads, and pair lifts mean you shouldn't have to wait in line. The resort also provides a whole range of other winter activities from snowshoeing to horseback riding. Rusutsu is about 90 minutes from Chitose Airport.

Niseko

The Niseko ski area is made up of several resorts, which when combined make it arguably the best place for skiing and snowboarding in Japan. Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Higashiyama (aka Niesko Village), and Niseko Annupuri are collectively known as Niseko United and can be skied on a single pass. This gives you access to 61 official ski runs, but locals and powder hounds know of many more unofficial runs that make the most of the huge snowfalls. The chairlifts at nearby Niseko Weiss closed many years ago and have been replaced by a surprisingly inexpensive snowcat service. The tracked vehicles shuttle you up the mountain, and let you enjoy the powder on the way down.

Over the last decade Niseko has gone through an amazing boom, with a large increase in the number of foreign visitors. The positive side of this is that you can get by with limited or no Japanese language ability; rental equipment includes large sizes; and there's a lively international scene with varied bars, accommodations, restaurants, and clientele. For those looking for a more traditional Japanese experience it is worth spending at least some time exploring the more remote corners of Hokkaido.