The main reason skiers and snowboarders from around the world travel to Hokkaido is its exceptional snow quality. Hokkaido snow contains very little moisture, giving it a light, silky texture that sets it apart from most other ski destinations.

This famous powder is exactly what skiers and snowboarders love. It makes turning and building speed feel effortless, and its soft, forgiving nature means falls are less painful. That extra comfort is especially reassuring for beginners who are still gaining confidence on the slopes.

Mr. Ueda, who spent many years living in the Kansai and Tokai regions and has skied extensively in Nagano and Gifu prefectures, says he was genuinely surprised by the quality of Hokkaido’s snow.

“In Hokkaido, you can keep skiing even when the snow is piled up to your knees or the slope isn’t very steep. On Honshu, the snow contains much more water, so even fresh snow can slow you down or cause you to get stuck. Realizing that difference left a strong impression on me.”

Hokkaido ski resorts are widely celebrated around the world for their outstanding snow quality, often nicknamed “Japow (Japanese Powder).”

Many resorts have been nominated for the World Ski Awards, which were founded in 2013, and Hokkaido’s Rusutsu Resort has even taken home the top honor.

Japan has many snowy regions, so what makes Hokkaido’s powder so special? The answer lies in two key environmental factors.

First are the ideal conditions for powder snow to form: low temperatures and low humidity. Located at the northernmost edge of Japan, Hokkaido experiences consistently cold winters, with temperatures staying below freezing for long periods.

The second factor is the winter monsoon. Cold northwesterly winds blow from the Eurasian continent across Japan during winter. As these winds cross the Sea of Japan, they pick up moisture and bring heavy snowfall to Hokkaido’s coastal areas.

As the winds move inland, they form snow clouds over regions such as Niseko, Furano, and Tokachi, blanketing the surrounding mountains in light, dry powder snow.

The second factor is the sheer number of snowy days. In Kutchan, home to the world-famous Niseko Ski Resort, snow falls on an average of 137.4 days each year, which is more than one third of the year. Regular fresh snowfall helps keep slope conditions consistently excellent.

Mr. Ueda explains, “People living in Niseko seem to enjoy skiing in the morning before going to work. I think skiing early, when the snow is fresh, is the best way to enjoy it.”

Another major advantage is Hokkaido’s long ski season. Many resorts open in mid-November and remain in operation until early May, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes for nearly half the year.

Another appealing aspect of skiing in Hokkaido is how close the slopes are to the airport.

In many ski destinations, it can take three to four hours to travel from the airport to the resort. In Hokkaido, however, transfer times are often much shorter, typically between one and three hours. Mount Racey Ski Resort in Yubari, the closest resort to New Chitose Airport, is just about an hour away.

Even resorts a bit farther out, such as Niseko and Furano, can usually be reached in around two and a half hours. In addition, regional airports like Asahikawa and Obihiro are well connected to major hubs across Japan, including the Kanto, Kansai, and Chubu regions.

Tour buses and hotel shuttle services operate between airports and ski resorts. While renting a car can be convenient, driving on unfamiliar winter roads carries some risk, so public transportation is often the safer choice for visitors who are concerned about winter driving.

Mr. Ueda notes that convenience goes beyond simple access. “Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, is located close to several ski resorts. Because the city is nearby, it’s easy to enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing in and around Sapporo as well,” he explains.

“This combination is rare in Japan. It allows visitors to satisfy both their desire to ski and to explore a major city. By staying in Sapporo for a few days, you can enjoy the slopes at Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort while also taking time to discover the city itself.”

If you prefer to travel light or do not have your own board, on-site equipment rental services are a convenient option. Many resorts offer full rental sets, so you can arrive empty-handed and still be ready to hit the slopes.

You can also rent individual items as needed, and rental shop staff are on hand to offer advice. They can help match boots and boards to your body type and skill level, ensuring a comfortable fit. Some resorts even carry a range of equipment, from standard models to higher-end gear.

With winter temperatures hovering around freezing, proper cold-weather protection is essential for outdoor sports. The key is to reduce the amount of skin exposed to the elements.

Be sure to bring a hat, gloves, and a neck warmer. Heat-retaining innerwear and even a disposable hand warmer in your pocket can also make a big difference. Intermediate and advanced skiers tend to sweat more, so choosing an inner layer that dries quickly and offers good breathability will help keep you comfortable.

It is also important to remember that on clear days, sunlight reflecting off the snow can be surprisingly intense. This reflection can cause sunburn and strain your eyes, so wearing goggles or sunglasses and applying sunscreen are effective ways to protect yourself from UV rays.

While skiing and snowboarding are enjoyable, they also carry a higher risk of accidents. Falls, collisions with other skiers, and winter-specific hazards such as avalanches are all possibilities in mountain environments.

For peace of mind, it is a good idea to purchase travel and accident insurance that covers medical treatment and hospitalization in case something unexpected happens.

In recent years, there has been a rise in accidents involving backcountry skiers. Areas where rivers are hidden beneath the snow, near steep cliffs, or in avalanche-prone zones are clearly marked with “no entry” signs. Always follow these warnings and never enter restricted areas.

Some resorts do allow skiers to leave groomed runs at their own risk, but these zones are clearly defined with ropes and caution signs. If you have limited experience in winter mountain environments or are not confident in your skiing ability, it is best to stay within designated courses.

It is also important to understand that accidents occurring outside a resort’s controlled areas may be treated as violations of regulations. In such cases, insurance coverage is often invalidated, leaving you responsible for rescue and medical costs.

Many resorts also offer a wide range of winter-only activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Options include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for a closer look at nature, as well as thrilling snowmobile experiences and banana boat rides that are fun for families and groups.

While it is difficult to name a single best family-friendly ski resort in Hokkaido, Niseko is often recommended for its international atmosphere, along with Tomamu. If you are interested in activities other than skiing or snowboarding, be sure to check each resort’s official website in advance to see what experiences are available.

It is also worth keeping an eye out for special events held at resorts and in nearby areas. At Hoshino Resort Tomamu, the magical Ice Village is open from December through March and offers a unique winter experience.

If you are visiting the Asahikawa area in February, do not miss the annual Asahikawa Winter Festival or the Ice Waterfall Festival. Both events are known for their striking displays of snow and ice and offer excellent photo opportunities.

There are many tour packages available that include round-trip airfare and resort accommodation, but Hokkaido is often perceived as more expensive than ski trips to Honshu. To clarify this point, we asked Mr. Ueda for his perspective.

“Lift ticket prices and accommodation costs are actually not very different from those in other prefectures,” he explains. “What makes Hokkaido feel more expensive is the cost of airfare, which is unavoidable given the longer flight distance. Even for me, living in Japan, the snow in Hokkaido is truly impressive. For travelers coming from overseas to ski or snowboard, I strongly recommend choosing Hokkaido. Its powder snow, praised by veteran skiers as some of the best in the world, is absolutely worth experiencing.”

Sapporo Teine
Enjoy a wide range of courses, including an ultra-long run of about 6 kilometers that descends from the 1,000-meter-high summit, as well as the famous steep “Kita-Kabe” slope, which is too rugged for snow groomers to maintain. Conveniently located, the resort is about 40 minutes by car from central Sapporo and roughly 7 minutes from the Teine Interchange.

Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort
This resort is known for offering some of Hokkaido’s finest powder snow. From the summit, skiers can enjoy sweeping views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan. With a dedicated beginner course and a snow park for sledding and tubing, it is a great choice for families. Local buses operate daily throughout the ski season, making access easy.

Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
Located about a 20-minute drive from central Sapporo, this ski area also offers night skiing until 10 PM. It features 17 runs, ranging from gentle slopes ideal for beginners and families to challenging courses that have hosted international competitions for top athletes.

Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
One of Japan’s largest ski resorts, Grand Hirafu offers around 30 courses and is renowned for its exceptional snow quality. The area is surrounded by a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and hot springs. With visitors arriving from all over the world, it also provides a lively, international atmosphere where different cultures naturally come together.

Niseko Hanazono Resort
Located on the northeast side of Mt. Niseko Annupuri, this resort is known for offering some of the world’s best powder snow. It features long groomed runs as well as ungroomed tree runs, along with a wide range of activities such as tubing and snowmobiling.

Niseko Village Ski Resort
Set in a scenic natural area with views of Mt. Yotei, this resort offers courses that wind through untouched forests as well as long runs ideal for relaxed powder cruising. At the base of the mountain, you will find a full range of après-ski options, including resort hotels, townhouses, and areas for shopping and dining.

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort
This resort offers a balanced mix of courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers, with both powder snow and well-groomed slopes. Nearby hot spring facilities provide a perfect way to unwind, allowing visitors to soak in open-air baths while taking in views of the sparkling snow.

Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village)
One of Hokkaido’s largest ski resorts, Rusutsu features 37 courses spread across three mountains. Comfortable hooded gondolas provide easy access to the slopes, and the resort offers a wide variety of terrain, from beginner-friendly runs to ungroomed courses for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Yubari Resort Mount Racey Ski Area (Yubari City)
This resort is the closest to New Chitose Airport and offers a multi-course layout suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. A free shuttle bus runs directly from the airport for Hotel Mount Racey guests, and the hotel is connected to the gondola station, making access to the slopes exceptionally convenient.

Snow Cruise Onze (Otaru City)
This resort offers the unique experience of skiing and snowboarding with views of the ocean in the distance, along with night skiing. It is about a 10-minute drive from the Zenibako Interchange on the Sasson Expressway, and a free shuttle bus operates from Sapporo.

Kiroro Snow World (Akaigawa Village, Yoichi District)
Spread across the two mountains of Asari and Nagamine, this resort offers expansive terrain and some of Hokkaido’s finest powder snow. Its 22 courses include an impressive 4-kilometer run, along with many ungroomed routes for more adventurous skiers.

Kamui Ski Links
Kamui Ski Links is the largest ski resort in northern Hokkaido, featuring three officially certified FIS courses and an extensive tree-run area. Located about 30 minutes by car from Asahikawa City, the resort offers full equipment rental sets, making it easy to enjoy the slopes even if you arrive without your own gear.

Furano Ski Resort
At Furano Ski Resort, skiers are treated to sweeping views of Mt. Tokachi and the Daisetsuzan mountain range, along with the exceptionally high-quality snow typical of inland resorts. The resort features 23 courses, including a long run stretching up to 4 kilometers, making it well suited to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Snow Park & Resort
This resort offers something for every type of skier, with wide gentle runs, challenging steep slopes, fresh powder areas, and well-balanced intermediate courses. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, a wide range of winter activities are available on site, and the spectacular Ice Village is another major highlight.

Sahoro Resort Ski Area (Shintoku Town)
The entire mountain is wrapped in the finest powder and you can take in the magnificent scenery of Hokkaido's Tokachi Plain as you ski down the substantial uncompacted runs.