Blessed with northwesterly snowfall, Hokkaido is home to an abundance of superb slopes and winter resorts, including world-famous Niseko, making it a true paradise for skiing and snowboarding.

That said, the appeal of Hokkaido in winter goes far beyond the ski runs. From breathtaking snowy landscapes to adrenaline-filled activities, there are many more ways to enjoy ice and snow than most visitors expect.

With so many experiences on offer, from resorts and leisure facilities to tours and seasonal events, a little advance research goes a long way. Below are some recommended must-try winter activities to help you make the most of Hokkaido’s snowy season.

For those who have never skied or snowboarded but still want to experience Hokkaido’s snow, snowshoeing is an ideal introduction.

With Hokkaido’s light, powdery snow, ordinary shoes would cause you to sink deeply into the soft surface, making walking difficult. Snowshoes, with their wide bases, distribute your weight more evenly, allowing you to move comfortably across the snow and enjoy the winter scenery with ease.

At popular mountain trekking destinations such as Niseko, Shiretoko, and Daisetsuzan National Park, snowshoe rentals are widely available. Depending on the route or location, additional equipment may be required if you plan to explore more freely.

For first-time visitors or those traveling with children, hiring a guide is recommended for added safety and peace of mind.

In Japan, smelt, tiny fish measuring 10 to 16 cm in length, usually inhabit the lakes and rivers. During Hokkaido’s winters, smelt fishing is a popular pastime, where people would make holes on the surface of frozen lakes and throw their line down.

As one would expect, being on top of ice would make for a cold experience, so those looking to try this should prepare tents for protection against the wind, on top of the expected fishing equipment and cold protection.

While some places have rental shops, it might be best to source some equipment yourself for places without rental services. You can even make tempura right away from the smelt you catch, the epitome of the smelt-fishing experience.

Riding atop a sled pulled by giant breeds of dogs like huskies is something that can only be experienced in places with a lot of snow. The snow starts piling up from December to March, and areas like Asahikawa and Furano, Tokachi start offering dogsled tours.

From introductory courses atop snowy courses to full-fledged experiences running for about two hours in the forest, there’s a variety of courses to choose from, so pick accordingly. Experience the thrill of running through a snowfield with the aid of these powerful and regal dogs.

The city of Wakkanai and Eniwa City’s theme park “Ekorin-mura” also hold dog sled races. Watch these pro racers in action and be awed by their speed.

For those seeking a more energetic winter experience, snowmobiling across vast snowy plains is an exciting option. Many popular destinations, including Sapporo, Niseko, and Furano, offer snowmobile activities during the peak snow season.

No license is required when riding a snowmobile at a leisure facility, as long as you complete a beginner training course and stay off public roads. After that, you can try dedicated courses with sharp turns and varied terrain, adding a real sense of progression and fun.

Helmets and gloves are usually provided, but wearing easy-to-move-in clothing such as ski wear is recommended for comfort and safety.

Those who aren’t confident about driving can enjoy a similar experience by riding the rafting board attached to the back of the snowmobile. Drift across the snow at snowboard speeds and feel the thrill of the swaying rafting board! Most areas with copious snowfall like snow parks are likely to offer this service.

Events with activities that make full use of the cold such as igloos or ice lodges also take place in Tomamu, Furano, Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaoi-cho), etc.

You can try unique experiences such as a bar or cafe made of ice, or a hot bath on top the ice. Come visit at year’s end for those looking for early trips, otherwise January to March is the typical cold period for such experiences.

The Okhotsk region in eastern Hokkaido is a well-known destination for drift ice cruising, with the season typically beginning in January. On especially good days, the ice drifts right up to the quays and piers, and a variety of drift ice–related activities take place along the coast in areas such as Abashiri, Monbetsu, and the Shiretoko Peninsula.

One of the most popular ways to experience this phenomenon is by taking a drift ice cruise. Options include Monbetsu’s “Garinko-go II,” which usually requires reservations at least one day in advance, and Abashiri’s “Aurora” icebreaker sightseeing cruise. Each vessel uses a different method to break through the ice, so joining both offers an interesting comparison.

If conditions are right, you may also spot wildlife such as seabirds and seals. While the interior cabins provide good views, anyone planning to step out onto the deck should dress for extreme cold, including a thick, long down coat and proper cold-weather protection.

First things first, make sure your clothes are easy to move around in. Since you’re likely to get wet with all the snow, even more so than the down jackets, you should prepare some waterproof clothes like ski wear or snowboard wear for both tops and bottoms.

Of course, snow boots and gloves are essential as well. Ski gloves are more recommended over knit gloves for outdoor activities. While some places loan out helmets, you should prepare your own knit cap or earmuffs to keep your ears warm. On sunny days the snow can be blindingly bright, so sunglasses are unexpectedly useful here.

Another thing you should be careful of is sweat. No matter how cold the outside is, engaging in sports will always result in sweat. Underwear soaked in sweat will cool instantly and is likely to chill your body.

If you decide to go for some trekking, inner wear that uses insulating animal material or fast-drying material is recommended so that you don’t lose heat that easily. Make the proper preparations and check the weather reports. Enjoy all the various activities while prioritizing safety!