Established in 1991, Kiroro Snow World is situated on two mountains, Asari and Nagamine. Snow at their summits can reach depths of 5 meters, and the quality has an international buzz, attracting skiers and snowboarders from overseas in search of the best powder.
Kiroro Snow World is a must-visit destination for skiing enthusiasts due to the wide variety and abundance of courses it offers. With an area of 152 hectares, it features a diverse range of trails suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. The longest course spans 4,050 meters, providing plenty of space for skiers to showcase their skills. The resort boasts 23 runs, among which include 14 uncompressed "Off Piste" tracks, and the "Powder Ride" where skiers can make the most of the powdery snow.
Snow begins accumulating in December, and it snows almost every day in January making January and February the best time for skiing. January’s average temperature is about -8℃, with a low of about -18℃, so be sure to wear a hat, gloves, and properly layered clothing.

Kiroro Snow World is a ski resort that caters to a wide range of visitors, from families to beginners and advanced skiers. It offers well-developed facilities such as kids’ ski schools and snow-play areas, creating an environment where both adults and children can enjoy their time. While there are not many beginner courses, the resort does feature gentle slopes that allow first-timers to learn and ski with confidence.

For intermediate and advanced skiers who enjoy cruising and long runs, Kiroro provides plenty of satisfying course options. It is especially appealing to powder lovers who want to chase deep and fresh snow. The resort is also ideal for those looking to combine quality facilities and various activities for a relaxing and fulfilling stay.

In addition, the resort offers language support services throughout its facilities, making it relatively easy and comfortable for international guests to navigate and enjoy their visit.

Let’s take a look at some recommended courses separated by skill level.

Kiroro Ski Resort offers runs for all levels. The Family Course is great for first-timers with a 250m length and 6.2° average slope. Nagamine No. 1 Course is 1,900m with a gentle slope. Asari Panorama Course is a 2,500m run through a beautiful forest from Gondola Mountaintop Station.

The Yoichi 1-A Course is 1,950 meters long and perfect for intermediate users. If you're looking for a longer cruise, check out Xebio's "Asari Dynamic Course" which stretches 4,050 meters from the summit of Mt. Asari.

For those who are searching for fresh snow, Powder Ride is the ideal place to go. If you're the first person to hit the slopes, you can enjoy the untouched, pristine snow. Nagamine No. 2-B Course provides skiers with the opportunity to experience the thrill of 1,100 meters of uncompressed snow. Asari 2-C course is ideal for advanced skiers and snowboarders, as it is steep and bumpy.

Lift ticket prices are categorized by age: Adult, Senior (65 and older), Youth (13–18 years), and Child (6–12 years). Seniors and youths may be asked to provide proof of age, such as a driver's license, passport, or student ID.

Lift tickets are issued on IC cards, with a 500 yen deposit required for first-time purchases. Children under 5 can ride the lift for free when accompanied by a guardian. However, an IC card is still required, and a 500 yen deposit for the lift card is necessary. The deposit will be refunded upon returning the lift card.


Types & Prices of Lift Tickets (examples)
Lift tickets are available at two different rates: the on-site price (when purchased at the ticket counter on the day) and the web price (when purchased through the online store). Prices also vary depending on the time of day you plan to use the lifts.

Below are the main lift ticket types and prices, with High Season running from December 13, 2025 to April 5, 2026 and Early/Spring Season from November 29 to December 12, 2025 and April 6 to May 6, 2026.

In addition, lift tickets and select packages can be purchased through Live Japan at the link below.

By purchasing lift tickets online through Kiroro Snow World’s official website, you can get 5% off.

In addition, at Kiroro Snow World, package plans that combine accommodation and lift tickets are available on the official websites of various travel agencies.

There are various types of rental equipment available, suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers or snowboarders. You can find sizes for adults and children, and even equipment for preschoolers and elementary school children that are safe and easy to use.

You can choose between two types of rental sets: ski wear and equipment sets, or equipment-only sets (ski or snowboard). The ski wear and equipment set includes a jacket, pants, and a set of ski or snowboard equipment.

Ski equipment sets consist of skis, boots, and poles. Meanwhile, snowboard equipment sets include a board and boots. You can also rent individual accessories such as helmets, goggles, and gloves.

Rental types and fees (examples)
Below are representative rental packages and their prices.

Various ski schools are available in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the region's powder snow while improving your skills.

The International Academy & Snowboard Academy offers private lessons in English or Chinese. Experienced instructors will guide beginners to enjoy long courses. Lesson fees are 80,000 yen for 4 hours (for 1–4 people). Shorter sessions, such as half-day lessons, are also available.

The Kiroro Ski & Snowboard Academy caters to beginners through advanced skiers. While lessons are conducted in Japanese, foreign participants are welcome. If you book a private lesson, you can also take it in English. The fee for a full-day beginner lesson (10 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM) is 11,000 yen, and the fee for a morning-only beginner lesson (10 AM – 12 PM) is 7,500 yen.

For children, the Kiroro Kids Academy offers ski and snowboard lessons for children ages 3 to 12. Lesson fees are 12,000 yen for a full-day course and 8,000 yen for a half-day course (morning or afternoon).

As each school has a limited number of spots, making a reservation in advance is recommended to ensure participation. However, walk-ins are also possible if space is available. Information about the lessons can be found on the official website.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter activities are another major highlight of Kiroro Snow World.

An easy and accessible option is the Snow Park, which has no age restrictions (children 3 and under are free when accompanied by a guardian). By paying the admission fee (2,200 yen for adults, 1,800 yen for children ages 4–12), you can enjoy:
・Snow tubing courses (various dedicated courses)
・Sledding slope (various sledding equipment)
・Snow play area (various snow play items)

There are also many other activities available, with prices varying depending on the activity:
・Banana Boat
・Snow Rafting
・Mini Snowmobile
・Buggy Ride
・Cross-Country Skiing
・Forest Tour with a Sherpa
・Mountain Trip: Sherpa & Gondola (outbound by Sherpa, return by bus)

For more information about activities, please visit the official website.

Kiroro Snow World does not offer childcare services.

At Kiroro Snow World, there are very few facilities such as day-trip hot springs, local dining options, bars, or izakayas, so it is not ideal for those who look forward to après-ski activities.

Of course, if you are staying at a hotel near the slopes, which we will introduce later, you can enjoy it within the hotel.

There are no day-use hot spring facilities around Kiroro Snow World. Although Akaigawa Caldera Onsen in Akaigawa Village offers day-use bathing, it takes about 45 minutes one way by Murabus from Yoichi City. If you really want to enjoy a hot spring, staying at an accommodation with onsen facilities is recommended.

There are plenty of restaurants both in and near the resort. The "Lumiere" cafeteria, located in the Mountain Center, is a great place to grab a meal before you hit the slopes, or to take a break from skiing. They serve Japanese ski resort staples like curry and ramen, as well as a special dish called "Kirorope," which is a variation of Nemuro, Hokkaido's local escalope.

You can also enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beer, in addition to Sapporo Classic beer, which is exclusive to Hokkaido. Lumiere is an excellent choice if you're looking for a delicious meal in a convenient location.

Gondola Mountaintop Station, the final stop on the Kiroro Gondola on Mt. Asari, has gained fame with its appearance in a blockbuster Thai movie.

The station's restaurant serves authentic ramen and soba noodle bowls.

At an altitude of 1,180 meters, lunch with a spectacular view of the glistening world outside is an unforgettable experience.

There are no local restaurants, bars, or izakayas open at night immediately around Kiroro Snow World. Please relax and enjoy your time at your accommodation.

・From Sapporo
・Route: From Sapporo, take the JR Hakodate Main Line → Get off at Otaru Station → From the station’s bus terminal, take the Kiroro Resort Bus (paid, advance reservation required) → Get off at the final stop
・Travel time: Approx. 40 min (28 km)
・Bus details: https://www.access-n.jp/

When traveling for skiing or snowboarding, heavy luggage can be a hassle. It’s convenient to send large or heavy items in advance via courier so you can head to the ski resort with ease.

At Kiroro Snow World, you can have your luggage sent directly to your accommodation. Be sure to arrange delivery so that your items arrive and are stored at the hotel between two days before and the day before your departure.

Below are several sightseeing spots around Kiroro Snow World that you can enjoy aside from skiing. Please use them when planning your trip.

The Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery is a popular spot that symbolizes Japan’s whisky culture. On the grounds lined with historic stone buildings, you can observe the entire production process up close, from preparing raw ingredients to distillation and aging. After the tour, you can enjoy complimentary tastings of authentic whisky and purchase distillery-exclusive bottles and goods. It is an impressive facility not only for whisky enthusiasts but also for general visitors.

The Otaru Canal area is one of the city’s most iconic sightseeing spots, featuring rows of historic warehouses and stone-built streets that evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. In addition to strolling around and visiting cafés, you can enjoy glass-making workshops, the Music Box Museum, and many other attractions. Otaru is also known for its excellent sushi restaurants such as Isezushi and Masazushi, where you can savor fresh, high-quality seafood. The canal is beautifully illuminated at night, making it enjoyable both during the day and in the evening.

Here are some recommended accommodation options around Kiroro Snow World.

Directly connected to the slopes, Yu Kiroro is irresistible for skiers and snowboarders. The hotel has 108 sophisticated one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse units, as well as storage services for your skiing or snowboarding equipment, natural hot springs, open-air baths, and a fitness center.

(*The information in this article is accurate as of November 2025. Services and prices at the resort, hotels, and restaurants are subject to change without notice.)