ARTICLES
【2025-2026 Edition】18 Recommended Ski Resorts in the Niseko & Southern Hokkaido Area - Savor Hokkaido's Powder Snow!
In the areas around Niseko and Southern Hokkaido (Donan), you can enjoy the premium powder snow that skiers and snowboarders dream of. This article introduces ski resorts where you can fully savor the ultimate Hokkaido skiing and snowboarding experience—its legendary powder snow!
- Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village)
- Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
- Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area (Niseko Town)
- Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU (Kutchan Town)
- Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
- Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
- IWANAI RESORT (Iwanai Town)
- Karurusu Onsen Sanlaiva Ski Area (Noboribetsu City)
- Greenpia Onuma Ski Area (Mori Town)
- Pirika Ski Area (Imakane Town)
- Asahigaoka Ski Area (Kutchan Town)
- Orofure Ski Area (Sobetsu Town)
- Yakumo Town Ski Area (Yakumo Town)
- Kaminokuni Town Ski Area (Kaminokuni Town)
- Shiriuchi Town Ski Area (Shiriuchi Town)
- Hakodate City Usujiri Ski Area (Hakodate City)
- Mori Townspeople's Ski Area (Mori Town)
- Suttsu Townspeople's Ski Area (Suttsu Town)
1. Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village)
A massive ski resort spanning three mountains: West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola. With a total of 37 courses and 42 kilometers of trails, it's the largest ski area in Hokkaido. The resort is divided by a national highway into east and west sections, connected by gondolas. The most popular area, Mt. Isola, offers breathtaking views from its summit, including Lake Toya, Mt. Usu, and the majestic Mt. Yotei right in front, making it a favorite for those who want to enjoy scenic beauty while skiing or snowboarding.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates
・Early Season ①: Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Friday, December 12, 2025
・Early Season ②: Saturday, December 13 - Friday, December 19, 2025
・Regular Season: Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Sunday, March 15, 2026
・Spring Season: Monday, March 16 - Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (tentative)
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass
・Regular: Ages 19+ ¥16,200 / Seniors (65+) & Jr/Sr High School Students ¥12,100 / Ages 4-12 ¥8,000
・Early ①: Ages 19+ ¥7,200 / Seniors (65+) & Jr/Sr High School Students ¥5,400 / Ages 4-12 ¥3,700
・Early ②, Spring: Ages 19+ ¥9,500 / Seniors (65+) & Jr/Sr High School Students ¥6,800 / Ages 4-12 ¥4,000
■Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village)
2. Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Located on Mt. Annupuri, Niseko Village Ski Resort is a sanctuary of world-class powder snow. Besides skiing and snowboarding with spectacular views of Mt. Yotei, the resort offers a variety of other activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snow rafting. Another popular activity is an experience where farm draft horses, known as "Hataraku-uma," pull a snow tube.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours
・Opening Day - Friday, December 12, 2025: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
・Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Sunday, March 22, 2026: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Night skiing period)
・Monday, March 23 - Sunday, March 31, 2026: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
・Tuesday, April 1 - Sunday, April 12, 2026: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass
・Regular Season: Adult ¥9,700 / Jr. High Student & Senior (65+) ¥8,200 / Ages 4-12 ¥5,800
・Early & Spring Season: Adult ¥6,700 / Jr. High Student & Senior (65+) ¥5,600 / Ages 4-12 ¥4,000
・Final Season: Adult ¥5,000 / Jr. High Student & Senior (65+) ¥4,200 / Ages 4-12 ¥3,000
*Please check the official website for details on season dates.
■Location: Higashiyama Onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
3. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area (Niseko Town)
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area features many wide-open courses, making it a safe choice for beginners. The surrounding area is dotted with charming, hidden-gem restaurants perfect for satisfying your post-exercise hunger, as well as quaint hot springs to soothe tired muscles after a day on the slopes. Many skiers visit to enjoy a different side of Niseko's winter, distinct from the Hirafu area.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours
・Early Season: Thursday, December 11 - Friday, December 12, 2025: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
・Regular Season: Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Sunday, March 22, 2026: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM
・Spring Season: Monday, March 23 - Sunday, April 5, 2026: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
・Final Season: Monday, April 6 - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (tentative): 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass
・Early & Spring Season: Adult ¥6,200 / Senior (65+) & Jr. High Student ¥4,700 / Ages 4-12 ¥4,100
・Regular Season: Adult ¥7,000 / Senior (65+) & Jr. High Student ¥5,300 / Ages 4-12 ¥4,600
・Final Season: Adult ¥5,200 / Senior (65+) & Jr. High Student ¥4,200 / Ages 4-12 ¥3,700
■Location: 485 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area (Niseko Town)
4. Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU (Kutchan Town)
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU is a ski resort where you can ski while gazing at the magnificent Mt. Yotei, which is listed as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Its abundant snowfall, renowned powder snow, and over 20 varied courses attract skiers and snowboarders from both Japan and abroad. Another major draw is that you can typically enjoy skiing here until around the Golden Week holidays in early May.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates
・Early Season: Saturday, November 29 - Friday, December 12, 2025
・Regular Season: Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Sunday, March 22, 2026
・Spring Season: Monday, March 23 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
・Final Season: Monday, April 6 - Wednesday, May 6, 2026
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass
・Early & Spring Season: Adult ¥7,700 / Jr. High Student & Senior (65+) ¥6,500 / Ages 4-12 ¥4,600
・Regular Season: Adult ¥11,000 / Jr. High Student & Senior (65+) ¥9,400 / Ages 4-12 ¥6,600
・Final Season: Adult ¥5,500 / Jr. High Student & Senior (65+) ¥4,600 / Ages 4-12 ¥3,200
■Location: 2-9-1 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU (Kutchan Town)
5. Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Niseko is world-renowned for its exceptional powder snow, often considered the best in Hokkaido. Among its resorts, Niseko Moiwa is particularly loved by skiers and snowboarders for its heavy snowfall and abundant natural terrain. Preserving its pristine, natural landscape, Niseko Moiwa also offers stunning views, with the sight of Mt. Yotei on a clear day being exceptionally beautiful.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates
・Early Season: Saturday, November 29 - Friday, December 19, 2025
・Regular Season: Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Sunday, March 8, 2026
・Spring Season: Monday, March 9 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass
・Regular Season: Adult ¥13,000 / Senior (65+) ¥12,000 / High School Student ¥11,000 / Elementary & Jr. High Student ¥3,000
・Early Season: Adult ¥10,400 / Senior (65+) ¥9,600 / High School Student ¥8,800 / Elementary & Jr. High Student ¥2,400
・Spring Season: Adult ¥8,400 / Senior (65+) ¥7,800 / High School Student ¥7,100 / Elementary & Jr. High Student ¥1,900
■Location: 448 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
6. Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
This ski resort boasts a 4-kilometer-long run and offers magnificent, expansive views of Mt. Komagatake and the Onuma and Konuma lakes. It features eight courses, ranging from wide, gentle slopes for beginners to advanced courses that make use of the natural terrain. In addition to groomed runs, there's also an ungroomed, fluffy powder zone, allowing you to enjoy slopes with various snow conditions.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Sunday, March 29, 2026 (tentative) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*Night Skiing: Fridays to Sundays from Saturday, December 27 to Sunday, March 1, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
■Price: 1-DAY FREE PASS (includes night skiing) Ages 16+ ¥7,300 / Seniors (60+) & Jr. High Students ¥5,800 / Elementary school students and younger Free
■Location: 666 Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Click here for details and map information for Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
7. IWANAI RESORT (Iwanai Town)
This ski resort is located on Mt. Iwanai (1,086m), at the westernmost tip of the Niseko mountain range. It has three courses where beginners and intermediates can ski with confidence, and the run from near the summit offers an exceptional experience with panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan Peninsula. At the mountain hut (hütte), you can take a break and enjoy a variety of food, including classic ramen, curry, and hamburgers.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Late March 2026 (tentative) 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass ¥3,000
■Location: 350-4 Nozuka, Iwanai-cho
Click here for details and map information for IWANAI RESORT (Iwanai Town)
8. Karurusu Onsen Sanlaiva Ski Area (Noboribetsu City)
A ski resort with a rich variety of runs for everyone from beginners to experts. Its seven courses are popular not only with skiers but also with many snowboarders. Located right next to Karurusu Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot springs within the renowned Noboribetsu spa area, it's highly recommended to relax in the onsen after a day on the slopes.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Friday, March 20, 2026 (tentative) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass Adult ¥3,800 / Senior (65+) ¥2,800 / Senior (75+) ¥2,200 / Ages 4-18 ¥1,500
■Location: 27 Karurusu-cho, Noboribetsu-shi
Click here for details and map information for Karurusu Onsen Sanlaiva Ski Area (Noboribetsu City)
9. Greenpia Onuma Ski Area (Mori Town)
This ski resort is part of a comprehensive leisure facility with an adjacent hotel, located in Onuma, about a 40-50 minute drive from Hakodate. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy other snow activities like snowscooting. With a full range of equipment and wear rentals available, you can even show up empty-handed. Since the slopes are right in front of the hotel, you can soothe your tired and cold body in the hotel's hot springs after a day of fun.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Sunday, March 8, 2026 (tentative) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
・Night Skiing: Every Friday & Saturday from Friday, January 2 - Saturday, March 7, 2026, 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass (night skiing not included) Adult ¥5,300 / Senior (60+) & Student ¥4,300 / Elementary School Student ¥2,300
■Location: 229 Akai-gawa, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Click here for details and map information for Greenpia Onuma Ski Area (Mori Town)
10. Pirika Ski Area (Imakane Town)
Pirika Ski Area, which preserves its magnificent and rustic natural beauty, boasts the best snow quality in Southern Hokkaido. It features a total of five courses that cater to everyone from beginners to experts, including runs that utilize the natural terrain and groomed slopes, all overlooking the Pirika Dam. At the top of the family course, there's a mini-park with features like boxes and cylinder rails. Another attraction is the slope-side dining, which features local ingredients from Imakane Town.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Sunday, March 22, 2026 (tentative) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
・Night Skiing Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays in Jan/Feb, Saturdays in Jan, and Saturday, Feb 28, 2026: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
・Night Skiing Only: Tuesdays & Thursdays in March: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
■Closed: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays in March 2026, plus Tuesday, March 17 & Thursday, March 19. *Open on Friday, March 20.
■Price: Daytime Pass (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Adult ¥4,400 / Senior (60+) & Jr/Sr High Student ¥2,800 / Elementary School Student ¥2,000
■Location: 205-1 Pirika, Imakane-cho, Setana-gun
Click here for details and map information for Pirika Ski Area (Imakane Town)
11. Asahigaoka Ski Area (Kutchan Town)
A ski area that even beginners can enjoy. It features two courses with a maximum steepness of 30 degrees and a longest run of 560 meters. Both courses are equipped with lighting, making it safe for night skiing. It is cherished by local and visiting skiers as a place for a relaxed and enjoyable time on the snow.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Sunday, March 8, 2026 (tentative)
・Regular Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last lift at 3:45 PM)
・Night Skiing Days: Every Tuesday & Thursday, and Wednesday, Jan 7: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last lift at 8:45 PM) *If a Tue/Thu is a holiday, night skiing is on the next day.
■Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is a public holiday, closed on Tuesday), Wednesday, Dec 31, Thursday, Jan 1, Sunday, Feb 8 (tentative).
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass Adult ¥1,500 / Junior high school student and younger ¥800
■Location: Asahi, Kutchan-cho
Click here for details and map information for Asahigaoka Ski Area (Kutchan Town)
12. Orofure Ski Area (Sobetsu Town)
A ski slope where you can enjoy winter sports even in Sobetsu Town, which is relatively warm and has less snow compared to other parts of Hokkaido. It's easily accessible from the town center and is used by a wide range of generations, including families. This is a rare ski resort where you can enjoy not only skiing and snowboarding but also banana boat rides. Speeding through the clear Orofure air on a banana boat is a thrilling experience.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Mid-March 2026. Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM / Sundays & Holidays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
■Price: 1-Day Lift Pass Adult & Senior (60+) ¥2,900 / Elementary & Jr. High Student ¥1,600 *Banana boat rides are an additional charge.
■Location: 204-5 Benkei, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun
Click here for details and map information for Orofure Ski Area (Sobetsu Town)
13. Yakumo Town Ski Area (Yakumo Town)
Located in the northern part of the Donan (Southern Hokkaido) region, this ski resort offers a panoramic view of Uchiura Bay from its summit. Although compact, it has three courses that can satisfy everyone from beginners to experts, making it perfect for families. It is fully equipped with facilities such as lighting for safe night skiing and a lodge for relaxing breaks.
[Reference: 2024-2025 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours
・Weekdays: Typically late Dec to Feb: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM / March to close: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
・Day before holidays: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
・December 31: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
■Closed: January 1
■Price: 6-Hour Lift Pass Adult ¥2,160 / Junior high school student and younger ¥1,260
■Location: 767 Kasuga, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun
Click here for details and map information for Yakumo Town Ski Area (Yakumo Town)
14. Kaminokuni Town Ski Area (Kaminokuni Town)
Located in the Yunotai hot spring district, this ski area is enjoyable for everyone from beginners to experts. The Yunotai area is one of the snowiest parts of the town, allowing you to ski on powder snow. For beginners not yet used to getting on and off lifts, there is a rope tow that lets you move up the slope with your feet on the ground while holding onto a rope. Night skiing is also available with full lighting for safety.
[2025-2026 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Monday, December 22, 2025 - Mid-March 2026 (tentative) *Night skiing from Sunday, Jan 4
Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM / Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Rope tow and T-bar lift are closed from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM daily.
■Closed: Wednesday, Dec 31 - Saturday, Jan 3
■Price: Free
■Location: Yunotai, Kaminokuni-cho, Hiyama-gun
Click here for details and map information for Kaminokuni Town Ski Area (Kaminokuni Town)
15. Shiriuchi Town Ski Area (Shiriuchi Town)
A family-friendly ski area with three courses and a maximum steepness of 29 degrees. The slopes offer an exhilarating feeling of skiing down towards the Shiriuchi River. The T-bar lift (Schlepplift) used at Shiriuchi Town Ski Area is a rare sight in Hokkaido, making it worth a visit just to see it.
[Reference: 2024-2025 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Typically January to March, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM *Lifts temporarily stop from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
■Price: Free
■Location: 344-3 Moto-machi, Shiriuchi-cho, Kamiiso-gun
Click here for details and map information for Shiriuchi Town Ski Area (Shiriuchi Town)
16. Hakodate City Usujiri Ski Area (Hakodate City)
A ski area beloved by local residents as a place for sports and recreation. One of its unique attractions is the rope tow, a now-rare feature where you ascend the mountain on skis while holding onto a rope. The resort also hosts events for parents and children, making it a recommended spot for families.
[Reference: 2024-2025 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Typically mid-January to the third Sunday of March, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Rope Tow Hours: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM *Also runs 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays.
■Price: Free
■Location: 593-1 Usujiri-cho, Hakodate-shi
Click here for details and map information for Hakodate City Usujiri Ski Area (Hakodate City)
17. Mori Townspeople's Ski Area (Mori Town)
A ski area affectionately known as "Sankakuyama" (Triangle Mountain). Skiers climb the large slope on their own, making it an excellent workout for the legs and lower back. The slope is also perfect for children's sledding, and with a warm rest hut available, you can enjoy a full day of fun.
[Reference: 2024-2025 Season]
■Operating Hours: Typically Regular hours 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM / During night operations 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
■Price: Free
■Location: 326-1 Uwadai-cho, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Click here for details and map information for Mori Townspeople's Ski Area (Mori Town)
18. Suttsu Townspeople's Ski Area (Suttsu Town)
A local ski area cherished as a place for family fun. The slopes are relatively gentle, allowing beginners and children to ski with confidence. Ski lessons are also offered, making it a great place to start learning to ski.
[Reference: 2024-2025 Season]
■Operating Dates & Hours: Typically early January to mid-March. Weekdays 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM / Weekends & Holidays 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
■Price: (Past prices) Full-Day Lift Pass Adult ¥930 / High School Student ¥750 / Elementary & Jr. High Student ¥580
■Location: 198 Oshima-cho, Suttsu-cho
Click here for details and map information for Suttsu Townspeople's Ski Area (Suttsu Town)
*All information is current as of December 2025.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest details.
