Ski Japan – Best of Hokkaido

Make your way to Sapporo in the northern island of Japan Hokkaido and we will look after you from there. Flights from any of the major hubs inside Japan will get you here in 1.5 hours (from Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya/Fukuoka). If you need help with this, we can arrange. If traveling from a far, check out which airlines fly into Sapporo directly, e.g. Finnair, Cathay Pacific are among many.

Sapporo is a great city. Full of energy all year round but especially in the Winter season when so many visitors flock to the slopes. Renowned for its signature ramen (noodles/broth), fresh fish markets, sapporo beer museum, yaki niku (BBQ style dining), great night life, Japanese Biscuit Factory (Shiroi Koibito) and giant crab meat, Sapporo deserves at least one night while on this trip. If you prefer to stay an extra few nights, just ask. Whether you are a group of friends on an annual ski trip, a family with teenagers or early learners, a loved up couple, or a solo traveler – you will find something to do in this incredibly vibrant city. We just love it, so are sure you will too!!

Niseko is probably Japan’s most popular ski resort town, and rightly so! The quality of powder, the long wide runs, the backcountry options, and the amazing facilities deserve such high regard. Niseko comprises of four resorts on the one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (1,308 metres). The three major resorts include Grand Hirafu (largest), Niseko Village, and Annupuri. You will be provided with a Niseko All Mountain Pass so you can access all resorts for the duration of your stay. We usually base people in Grand Hirafu in the centre of the action.

Read our blog on Niseko, Aspen of the East, here.

A second day-trip to Rusutsu is a must. Covering more than 4,000 acres it is considered Japan’s single largest winter resort and has retained much of the Japanese atmosphere and traditions you would expect compared to neighbouring Niseko. Rusutsu receives over 13 meters of deep, light powder snow every year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in the world. With a broad range of long runs and a good mix of groomed trails Rusutsu has slopes for all levels. Factor in its superb night-ski options and other attractions like restaurants and shops, pool facilities and hot spring baths, and Rusutsu is a fantastic choice for family trips!