EDITORIALS
18 recommended ski resorts in the suburbs of Niseko and the southern area of Hokkaido!
1. Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village )
Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town )
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort (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 Sunriver Ski Resort (Noboribetsu City)
Greenpia Onuma Ski Resort (Mori Town )
Pirika Ski Resort (Imagane Town )
Asahigaoka Ski Resort (Kutchan Town )
12. Olofure Ski Resort (Sobetsu Town )
13. Yakumo Town Ski Resort (Yakumo Town )
Kaminokuni Ski Resort (Kaminokuni Town )
Chonai Ski Resort (Chonai Town )
16 . Usushiri Ski Resort (Hakodate City)
17. Mori Town Ski Resort (Mori Town )
18 . Sutsu Town Citizens Ski Resort (Sutsu Town )
1. Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village)
A huge ski resort with three mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Izola. With a total of 37 courses and a total run distance of 42 kilometers, the resort's slopes are the largest in Hokkaido, and are divided into east and west sections across the national road, each of which can be accessed by gondola. The most popular area, Mount Izora, offers a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Mount Usu from its peak, and Mount Yotei in front, making it a popular skiing and snowboarding destination while enjoying the scenery.
The ski resort is popular for its scenic skiing and snowboarding.
Business hours: Saturday, November 25 - Sunday, March 31, 2024, 9:00 - 16:00
Night skiing: Mid-December to March 30, 2024 (Sat.) 16:00-20:00
Fees: 1-day lift ticket Adult 11,500 yen / 65 years old and older, junior high and high school students 8,600 yen / 4-12 years old 5,700 yen
Fees vary depending on the season of use.
Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu-mura).
2. Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Niseko Village Ski Resort in Annupuri is a world-class sanctuary of fine powder snow. In addition to skiing and snowboarding with a spectacular view of Mt. Yotei, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snow rafting. Reindeer sleigh rides are very popular with children.
Season 2023-2024
Business hours: December 1 (Friday) - April 7, 2024 (Sunday) 8:30 - 16:00
Night skiing: Saturday, December 16 - Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 16:00-19:00
Fees: 1-day lift ticket: Adults 7,800 yen / Junior high school students and those aged 60 and over 5,800 yen / Elementary school students 4,700 yen
Prices vary depending on the season of use.
Location: Higashiyama Onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Village Ski Resort (Niseko Town).
3. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area has many spacious courses that are safe for beginners. In the surrounding area, there are many secluded restaurants perfect for satisfying your hunger after a workout, and quaint hot springs to soothe your tired body after a day of skiing. Many skiers visit this ski resort to enjoy a different winter in Niseko than the Hirafu area.
Niseko's ski resort will be open for the 2023-2024 ski season.
Business Hours
Early Season: Saturday, December 2 - Friday, December 15, 8:30 - 16:00
Regular Season: Saturday, December 16 - Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Spring Season: Monday, March 21 - Sunday, April 7, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Final Season: Monday, April 8 - Monday, May 6, 9:00 - 16:00
Fees: 1-day lift ticket Adult 6,700 yen / Junior high school students 60 years old and up 5,100 yen / Children 4-12 years old 4,400 yen
Prices vary depending on the season.
Location: 485 Aza-Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort (Niseko Town).
4. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu (Kutchan Town)
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu is a ski resort where you can enjoy skiing while enjoying the view of Mount Yotei, one of the top 100 mountains in Japan. The abundant snowfall, powder snow, and 22 varied runs attract many skiers and snowboarders from Japan and abroad. Another attraction is that skiing can be enjoyed until around Golden Week every year.
The 2023-2024 season is scheduled to begin on December 2.
Operating hours: Saturday, December 2 - Monday, May 6, 2024 (national holiday)
Fees: Adults 7,800 yen / Junior high school students, 65 years old and over 6,200 yen / 4-12 years old 4,700 yen
Fees vary depending on the season of use.
Location: 2-9-1, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu (Kutchan-cho)
5. Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town)
Considered to have the best snow in Hokkaido, Niseko is known around the world for its excellent powder snow. Niseko Moiwa has a large amount of snow, and its wide main runs are loved by many skiers and snowboarders. Niseko Moiwa, which has been preserved in its natural state, offers spectacular views, and on a clear day, Mt.
Yotei on a clear day.
Operating hours: December 2 (Fri.) - April 7 (Sun.), 2024 (8:30 - 15:30)
Fees: Adults 8,800 yen / 60 years old and over 8,000 yen / High school students 7,200 yen / Elementary/junior high school students 1,800 yen
Prices vary depending on the season.
Location: Aza-Niseko 448, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information of Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort (Niseko Town).
6. Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
This ski resort boasts 4 kilometers of slopes and magnificent views of Komagatake, Onuma and Konuma swamps. There are eight courses, ranging from wide gentle slopes for beginners to advanced courses that make the most of the natural surroundings. Not only are the slopes hard-packed by snow presses, but there are also unpressurized soft powder zones where you can enjoy slopes of various snow qualities.
Season 2023-2024
Operating hours: Saturday, December 16 - Sunday, April 7, 2024, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Night skiing: December 23 (Fri.) - March 5, 2024 (Sun.) 17:00-22:00 (until 21:00 on Sundays and holidays)
Fees：1DAY FREE PASS (including night skiing): Adults 7,200 yen / 60 years and older/junior high school students 5,800 yen / elementary school students and younger 1,300 yen
Location: 666 Aza Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Click here for details and map information of Hakodate Nanae Snow Park (Nanae Town)
7.IWANAI RESORT (Iwanai Town)
This ski resort is located at the westernmost point of the Niseko mountain range, at an elevation of 1,086 meters above sea level. There are three slopes from the chairlift that can be safely skied by beginners and intermediate vehicles, and the panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan Peninsula from near the top of the mountain is exceptional. At the hutte, you can enjoy many gourmet foods such as classic ramen, curry, and hamburgers while taking a rest for your weary body.
Season 2023-2024
Operating hours: Saturday, December 23 - Late March 2024 9:00-15:30
Fee: 1-day lift ticket 3,000 yen
Location: 350-4, Nosoku, Iwanai-cho
Click here for details and map information of IWANAI RESORT (Iwanai-cho)
8. Carles Onsen Sunriver Ski Resort (Noboribetsu City)
A ski resort with a wide variety of ski slopes that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. The slopes, with a total of seven courses, are popular not only among skiers, but also among boarders. Located in Noboribetsu, which is famous as a hot spring resort, this ski resort is right next to Carles Onsen, a famous hot spring in Japan, so it is recommended to spend a relaxing time in the hot spring after skiing.
[2023-2024 Season
Operating hours: Saturday, December 16 - Wednesday, March 20, 2024 9:00 - 16:00
Fees: Adults 3,000 yen / 4-18 years old 1,200 yen / 65 years old and over 2,300 yen / 75 years old and over 1,800 yen
Location: 27, Karurusu-cho, Noboribetsu City
Click here for details and map information of Carles Onsen Sunriver Ski Resort (Noboribetsu City ).
9. Greenpia Onuma Ski Area (Morimachi)
This ski resort is a comprehensive leisure facility with a hotel attached, located in Onuma, a 40-50 minute drive from Hakodate. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing and other snow activities can be enjoyed, and equipment and clothing are available for rental, so you can use the resort without any equipment. Since the slopes are located right in front of the hotel, you can heal your body and cool off after a day of play in the hotel's hot spring.
【2023-2024 season】
■Opening hours: Saturday, December 23 - March 2024 9:00 - 20:45
Night skiing: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 17:00-20:45
Due to lack of snow, only the sledding slope is currently open.
Fees: One-day lift ticket: Adults: 4,400 yen / Seniors and students: 3,300 yen / Elementary school students: 1,700 yen
Location: 229 Akaigawa, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Click here for details and map information of Greenpia Onuma Ski Resort (Morimachi).
10. Pilika Ski Resort (Imagane Town)
Pilika Ski Resort, which preserves its magnificent and rustic nature, boasts the best snow quality in southern Hokkaido. With the Miri River Dam right below, there are a total of five courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike, including courses that make the most of the terrain and pressurized snow. The upper part of the family course is equipped with a snow park where you can enjoy snowboarding with kickers and boxes. The food prepared with local ingredients from Imagane Town is another attraction.
Season 2023-2024
Business hours: Saturday, December 23 - Sunday, March 24, 2024, 9:00 - 21:00
*Please check the official website for the opening hours, which vary depending on whether night skiing is available or not.
Fees: 1-day lift ticket: Adults 5,000 yen / Ages 55 and over 3,500 yen / Elementary school students 2,500 yen
Location: 205-1, Mitikawa, Imagane-cho, Setagaya-gun
Click here for details and map information of Pilika Ski Resort (Imagane-cho)
11. Asahigaoka Ski Resort (Kutchan Town)
Asahigaoka Ski Resort is known as an important ski resort in the history of skiing in the town and Japan. There are two courses with a maximum slope of 30 degrees and a maximum run length of 560 meters, and both courses are equipped with lighting fixtures, making them safe for night skiing. It is also a ski area that can be enjoyed by beginners, and is loved by skiers from both inside and outside of the Agency as a place where they can enjoy themselves in peace and quiet.
2023-2024 Season
Operating hours: Saturday, December 23 - Thursday, March 7, 2024
Fare: 1-day lift ticket Adult 1,500 yen / Junior high school student and under 800 yen
Location: Aza Asahi, Kutchan-cho
Click here for details and map information of Asahigaoka Ski Resort (Kutchan Town)
12. Olofure Ski Resort (Sobetsu Town)
A ski slope where you can enjoy winter sports even in Sobetsu Town, which has relatively little snow and mild climate in Hokkaido. It is easily accessible from the town center, and is used by families and people of all ages. It is a precious ski resort where you can enjoy not only skiing and snowboarding but also "banana boating". The banana boat ride through the clear Oroflea air is a powerful and fast-paced experience.
Season 2023-2024
Business hours: Saturday, December 23 - Early March 2024 Weekdays 9:00 - 16:00 / Sundays and holidays 8:30 - 16:30
Opening postponed due to lack of snow
Fees: 1-day lift ticket: Adults/60 years and older: 2,900 yen / Elementary/junior high school students: 1,600 yen
Location: 204-5, Benkei, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun
Click here for details and map information of "Olofure Ski Resort (Sobetsu Town)
13. Yakumo Town Ski Resort (Yakumo Town)
Located in the northern part of southern Hokkaido, this ski resort offers a panoramic view of Uchiura Bay from the top of the mountain. Although compact, there are three courses that can satisfy both beginner and advanced skiers, making it perfect for family use. It is also fully equipped with lighting facilities for night skiing and a lodge where you can take a rest.
Season 2023-2024
Operating hours
Saturday, December 23 - Thursday, February 29, 2024: 10:00 - 21:00
March 1 (Fri.) - March 3 (Sat.) 17:00 - 21:00
All holidays: 9:00 - 20:00
*Opening postponed due to lack of snow
Fees: 6-hour lift ticket Adults 2,160 yen / Junior high school students and under 1,260 yen
Location: Kasuga 767, Yakumo-cho, Futakai-gun
Click here for details and map information of Yakumo Town Ski Resort (Yakumo Town)
14. Kaminokuni Ski Resort (Kaminokuni Town)
Located in the town's hot spring resort area of Yunotai, this ski area is suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike. There is also a rope tower, which is great for beginners who are not used to getting on and off the lifts, allowing them to grab the rope and move around while keeping their feet on the ground. Nighttime lighting is also available for nighttime skiing.
Regular season
Operating hours: January 5 to mid-March of the following year: Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00 / Sun 9:00-17:00
Admission: Free
Location: Kaminokuni-cho, Hiyama-gun
Click here for details and map information of Kaminokuni-cho Ski Resort (Kaminokuni-cho)
15. Chonai Ski Resort (Chonai Town)
A family ski slope with a maximum slope angle of 29 degrees and three courses. The slopes are attractive for the exhilarating feeling of sliding down toward the Chonai River. It is said that there are only three schlep lifts used at the Chonai-cho Ski Resort in Hokkaido, and it is worth visiting just to see these lifts.
[Regular year
Operating hours: January through March 9:00-21:00
Fees: Free of charge
Location: 344-3 Aza Motomachi, Chonai-cho, Kamiiso County
Click here for details and map information of Chonai Ski Resort (Chonai Town)
16. Hakodate City Usushiri Ski Area (Hakodate City)
This ski resort is a popular place for sports and recreation for local residents. One of the attractions of this rare experience is the rope tower, where visitors can hold onto a rope while on skis and climb to the top of the mountain, a rare experience these days. Events for parents and children are also held, so both adults and children can enjoy themselves.
Regular Year
Operating hours: December 4th Saturday - March 3rd Sunday of the following year 9:00 - 21:00
Rope tower operating hours: 13:00-16:00 / 18:00-21:00
Fee: Free of charge
Location: 593-1, Usujiri-cho, Hakodate City
Click here for details and map information of Hakodate Usujiri Ski Resort (Hakodate City).
17. Mori-machi Ski Resort (Mori Town)
Known by the nickname "Sankakuyama" (meaning "mountain of three mountains" in Japanese), this ski resort has large slopes and is a favorite of skiers. The large slopes are perfect for training the legs and backs of skiers as they climb the slopes on their own feet. The slopes are also suitable for children's sledding, and there is a warm rest house so that visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.
Regular hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Business hours: Regular hours: 9:00-16:00 / Night skiing: 9:00-20:00
Fee: Free of charge
Location: 326-1, Aza-Uedai-cho, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Click here for details and map information of Mori Ski Resort (Mori-machi).
18. Sutto Ski Resort (Sutto Town)
The ski resort is well known as a family-friendly ski resort. The slopes are relatively gentle, so beginners and children can ski with ease. Skiing classes are also held, making it a good place to start skiing.
Regular season
Business hours: Mid-January to early March of the following year: Weekdays 14:00-21:30 / Weekends and holidays 9:00-21:30
Fees: Adults: 930 yen / High school students: 750 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 580 yen
Location: 198 Aza-Toshima-cho, Suto-cho
For more details and map information of "Sutsu Ski Resort (Sutsu Town)", click here.
All information is current as of December 2023.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.
