If you're looking for ski resorts during a trip to Japan, Hokkaido has plenty of them. Here are some of the best you'll find:

Rusutsu Resort (ルスツリゾート)

At approximately 115 minutes by bus from the New Chitose Airport or a 90-minute drive, the Rusutsu Resort is probably one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan.

It consists of 3 mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain, and Izora Mountain. Moreover, the ski resort is immense!

Not only is the location magnificent, but you can enjoy the finest powder snow and many other activities during winter.

Beginners can also enjoy skiing at ease in the Rusutsu Resort. Besides skiing or snowboarding, you can even try out other activities such as ice fishing or riding a snowmobile.

The snow park, Crayon Shin Chan Hiroba, is also very popular among children as they can have fun and play in the snow.

Rusutsu can be enjoyed not only during winter but other seasons too.

When it gets warm outside, from April to October, people can go to the most exciting amusement park in Japan and enjoy crazy rides, thrilling roller coasters, pools, karts, many other activities and an idyllic view from the observation deck.

Rusutsu Official Website

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Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area ニセコアンヌプリ国際スキー場

About 180 minutes by bus from the airport or a 120 minutes’ drive by car is a ski resort in the Niseko area.

The place is more suited for either families or beginners because around 70 % of the courses are beginner or intermediate level.

This is the best place to start if you want to go skiing or snowboarding, but you’ve never tried it before or you are simply just not that confident yet.

However, even if you are on a more advanced level, don’t worry because there are still a few more options you can choose from and plenty of off-piste courses you can try out.

The place gives off a calm atmosphere and offers powder snow of high quality, so I am sure you will have an amazing experience if you decide to give it a try!

You can warm yourself up in the hot springs around or drink some hot cocoa while enjoying a splendid view of Mt.Yotei while there.

Niseko area is famous for ski resorts, so you enjoy looking for the one most suitable for you!

Niseko Annupuri Official Website

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Asahi-dake 旭岳

Asahi-dake has the highest peaks in Hokkaido and you can enjoy hiking/ climbing in the mountains during summer or skiing in the high-quality snow during winter.

Asahi-dake is more appropriate for snowboarders and skiers starting from the intermediate level up, but you can find a few terrains for beginners, too.

The beautiful contrast between the sky and Asahidake, covered in a cotton-like pure white carpet of snow will bring the best of your experience and if you want to try something different, you can also opt for snowshoe hiking.

AsahiDake Official Website

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Furano Ski Resort　富良スキー場

One of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido is the Furano Ski Resorts.

Important events such as the Snowboard World Cup and FIS World Cup were held here and because of its variety of courses and the high-quality powder snow mixed with the beautiful scenery of the Daisetsuzan Mountains it has become a very popular resort amongst skiers and snowboarders.

Furano is probably one of my favorite places to go when I plan on going to a trip in Hokkaido during winter because besides skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy so many other activities while there.