The five major ski resorts in Hokkaido, Japan, skiing and hot springs are the right way to enjoy winter!
The cherry blossoms in Hakodate have bloomed, the lavender in Furano has faded, and the long winter in Hokkaido has arrived. Hokkaido in winter is a perfect utopia.Snow covers everything, seagulls fly freely, swans rest in the lake, and fox and hyrax footprints are left on the snow in the mountains. You can soak in hot springs while enjoying the scenery in the snow in Hokkaido, or taste juicy seafood. But don't forget that the thick snow is the best for an exciting skiing trip in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido's ski resorts have perfect snow quality, spectacular snow trails, and magnificent snow scenery. The supporting facilities and transportation of each ski resort are impeccable!
Hokkaido has the highest amount of snow in Japan and has frequent snowfall. Unlike other places, the snow here is pure natural powder snow. Sliding on such snow can create huge snow waves in a minute. The snow waves several people high can instantly surround you! This feeling is exciting!
About powder snow: Powder snow is snow that contains almost no water and is more solid. This snow is pure natural, without any artificial modification. It is softer to slide on, like cotton candy, very fluffy. Even if you fall, it will not hurt at all, but it will be very fun! (If you are interested, you can even roll in the snow and have a warm embrace with the soft and fine snow.)
Technically, skiing on powder snow is very different from skiing on a man-made snow track. The center of gravity should be slightly back so that the nose of the board can float on the snow. When turning, your feet are empty and you can't use force directly, so you need to use leverage. Control the speed, not too fast or too slow, otherwise the board will sink.
The snow is so thick and white that you feel like you have fallen into a big ice cream store wherever you go. You can't wait to dive in and enjoy it. Sliding in the powder snow will make you feel as comfortable as walking on a thick carpet, and as exciting as surfing. The skateboard is speeding on the snow track, just like swimming in a bowl full of fine sweet frosting.
Hokkaido's winter is particularly long, from November to April, and you can have fun in the snow anytime you go. The snow is guaranteed to be sufficient, and everyone who goes there says it's great. Of course, in addition to the world-class snow quality, the ultimate hot springs and food, there is also the meticulous service of the Japanese. Everyone who has been here will "visit the cottage three times".
Winter has come to Hokkaido. How about going skiing? Next, let me recommend 5 most worthwhile ski resorts and hotels in Hokkaido!
→How to choose a ski resort←
Generally speaking, the larger the area, the more types and number of ski trails, and the higher the altitude in the same area, the better the ski resort is. However, this cannot be generalized.
1. Good snow quality and complete supporting facilities. The ski resort has a lot of snow, good snow quality, and a mixture of natural snow and artificial snow, so that there can be a very natural and good atmosphere. The ski resort has complete hardware facilities, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski trails, aerial cable cars, cable ropes, and slides. If the number of cable cars is too small and the supply is insufficient, it may cause chaos in the venue and affect the skiing experience.
2. Snow trail conditions. Although the more the better, it must be based on the scale of the ski resort. If the snow trails are too dense and narrow, it will affect the experience. For intermediate and advanced skiers, the longer the length of the snow trail, the better the skiing effect, and the more you can enjoy the fun of skiing. The altitude difference will also affect the playability of the venue, but this is not very important for beginners. For ordinary people, the slope difference is generally 500-800 meters. The primary slope of the snow trail is at least 8-10 degrees; the intermediate slope is at least 20 degrees; the advanced slope is at least 30 degrees. For beginners, 10-14 degrees is the most suitable.
3. The scenery and entertainment of the snow scene, the terrain is ingenious, surrounded by mountains, the slope should not be too steep, but there should be space for a long snow trail, preferably on the shady side of the mountain. In the ski resort, there are beautiful snow scenes to watch, so you can not only ski, but also play various interesting snow games. A ski resort with rich entertainment projects will naturally bring a better skiing travel experience.
Nisegu Ski Resort
▲Schematic diagram of Niseko ski trails (green, red, and black correspond to beginner, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels, respectively)
Tel: +81-013-6220109
Reference time: half a day to one day
Location of the attraction: 204 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Transportation: Take the Chuo Bus from Sapporo Station, Otaru Station, or Niseko City to Niseko Hirafu Station or Niseko Bureza Station
Tickets: The skiing price consists of purchasing a ropeway ticket, renting ski equipment, and purchasing a course. If you bring your own ski equipment and do not participate in the course, you can purchase a 5-hour ropeway ticket for adults for 3,900 yen, an 8-hour ticket for 4,600 yen, or a full-day ticket for 5,100 yen. You can also purchase a night ticket for 16:30-20:30 for 2,700 yen. In addition, there are multi-day tickets and season tickets to choose from. There are corresponding preferential measures for skiing off-season, children and teenagers.
Opening hours: 8:30-20:30, some ski slopes will close early, please refer to the instructions in the ski resort.
Number of ski slopes: 70
Difficulty: 30% for beginners, 40% for intermediate, and 30% for advanced
Niseko Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the region and the most famous ski resort in Hokkaido. It has the largest amount of snow and the best snow quality in Hokkaido. Its quality was once ranked second in the world by Forbes magazine.
Niseko Ski Resort is located in Annupuri Mountain in the southwest of Hokkaido. It is actually composed of four major ski resorts: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono.
Niseko Ski Resort has 30 different types of ski slopes, including a 5,600-meter-long ski slope and a sloped ski slope with a direct view of Mt. Yotei and no trees blocking the way. Among them, low-difficulty ski slopes account for about 26%, medium-difficulty ski slopes account for about 40%, and high-difficulty ski slopes account for about 34%. The total length is about 48 kilometers, the longest ski slope is 5.6 kilometers, and there are 38 cable cars, which are enough to meet the different needs of skiers of all levels.
Skiers can buy ropeway tickets, rent ski equipment, and use the loop bus inside the ski resort. In addition, Niseko Ski Resort is very considerate of beginners and has set up various teaching courses. Children over 6 years old can sign up for classes, and there are preferential policies for ropeway tickets for beginners. The ski resort is like a complete town, with many rest areas and dining facilities available for use. The dishes are mainly Western buffets.
Most people's impression of skiing in Japan begins in Hokkaido, and Niseko is the most famous epitome. The entry of foreign capital has made Niseko a top ski destination. A new round of development will further enhance Niseko's image. The emergence of new hotels in recent years is a major sign. For example, One Niseko, in which Kengo Kuma participated, Zaborin, one of Japan's top 50 hotels, and Park Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which will be launched before 2020.
Zaborin - the future of Japanese inns
Address: 76-4 Hanazono, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
The hotel itself is hidden in a poetic birch forest in Niseko. The surrounding environment is very beautiful, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has a sense of tranquility of "no village in front and no shop behind", especially in winter when the thick snow covers the vast land.
The hotel consists of 15 connected villas. Each room has its own indoor hot spring and open-air hot spring. In the secluded and peaceful valley, lying in the warm hot spring pool as warm as summer and watching the heavy snow falling in the valley in winter, who can resist such a wonder?
Snow is one of the themes of Zaborin. If you have been there many times, you will find that each room is decorated with a different "snowflake", representing the different forms of snow, which fits the hotel's attitude of respecting nature. Although Zaborin looks extremely cold, it is a "warm man" when you look closer. Each villa is built with the most natural wood, and the interior is full of warm colors and warm materials. Whether it is Japanese or Western style, it is equipped with two private hot springs indoors and outdoors.
Although this place is small, it has everything, including a bar, cigar lounge, library, massage room, ski lockers, and even a parking lot with floor heating.
If you want to give a future version of the traditional Japanese inn, Zaborin is obviously a ready-made template. This evolutionary version eliminates red tape on one hand, and accurately captures and inherits every bit of the essence of Japanese residence on the other hand.
Hoshino TOMAMU Resort Ski Resort
▲Schematic diagram of the snow trails at Hoshino Ski Resort
Tel: 010-6588-7662/0167-58-1111
Reference time: 2-3 days
Location: 204 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Transportation: The closest resort to New Chitose Airport. The resort is right after getting off at TOMAMU Station. You can take the ski resort shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport, but reservations are required.
Tickets: (skis & snowshoes & poles & ski suits) or (snowboards & snowboard shoes & ski suits) + small item set (gloves, goggles, hats) Adults Children (~12) 5 hours ¥8,500 ¥5,500; Night skiing: Adults ¥2,200 / Children (7-12 years old) ¥1,500
Opening hours: Daytime/November 26, 2016-April 2, 2017; Nighttime/December 23, 2016-April 1, 2017
Number of ski slopes: 17, Number of cable cars: 11 (including 1 cabin type)
Difficulty: 30% for beginners, 40% for intermediate, 30% for advanced
Hoshino TOMAMU Resort was fully acquired by a Chinese company at the end of 2015, becoming the first Chinese-funded ski resort in Japan.
Hoshino Ski Resort is located in a valley among the many mountains in central Hokkaido. It is a high-end ski resort with modern facilities. The ski slopes are covered on both sides of the mountains, with a vertical drop of 699m and an area of 145 hectares. The ski resort currently has 28 ski slopes with a maximum slope of 35 degrees and 9 chairlifts. With a super-long ski slope of 4,500 meters and snow as soft and light as clouds, you can fall here without any worries.
Mina-Mina Beach and Ice Village are fun-filled themed playgrounds that enrich the after-snow time for ski enthusiasts. Spas, outdoor hot springs, surfing, hot air balloons, sea of clouds, and witnessing happiness in the igloo church are all part of the daily life at Hoshino Resorts. Free buses are available to travel between various areas of the resort.
Hoshino TOMAMU Resort - The world of Hayao Miyazaki's writing
Address: Shimukappu Village, Yufu County, Hokkaido
Hoshinoya Resort Hokkaido is like a fairy tale world from the works of Hayao Miyazaki. Here is the water church designed by the master Tadao Ando, which may be the dream wedding place for every girl.
The cafe built in the clouds is hailed by netizens as "the cafe closest to heaven". The fantasy forest restaurant Nininupuri is surrounded by a century-old Yezo pine forest. It seems that it is not surprising to suddenly see a bus with plums and cats from the cartoon rushing out while eating Japanese food!
At the same time, it also has Japan's largest indoor beach - Smile Beach, with warm sunshine during the day and rippling waves at night.
If you are not a sports enthusiast, you can also go to the Korin-no-Yu to enjoy a bath, overlooking the snow-covered forests of the Snow Country during the day, and looking up at the starry sky in a dreamy environment at night.
Holding a wedding here, with the solemn nature of Hokkaido as a witness, attracts many people. This is also the most desirable place for Japanese girls to get married.
▲Water Church
Stay in the super-large luxury suite of Hoshino Risonare Tomamu, with a usable area of 100 square meters and only 4 rooms per floor. The space design is very pleasing, with an unbeatable view and a luxurious jacuzzi, and the magnificent mountain view is right in front of you!
The highest part across the sky is white, reminiscent of the snow covering the mountains in winter; the part close to the ground is green, the green of the summer forest; and the middle is dotted with scattered red, symbolizing the flowers and fruits of spring and autumn.
▲Interior view of the lobby
Or choose the friendly The Tower, which is located in the center of the resort and is a landmark building of TOMAMU. It is close to the food court and GAO outdoor center.
Furano Ski Resort
▲Furano Ski Resort ski trail map
Time guide: at least 3 hours
Attraction location: Furano City Nakagoryo
Transportation: About 138Km from New Chitose Airport. On weekdays, the journey takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. (Via Daodong Expressway Jianguan Interchange). About 45Km from Asahikawa Airport. The journey takes about 1 hour on weekdays. (Via Daodong Expressway Jianguan Interchange)
Opening hours: November to May of the following year
Number of ski trails: 23, number of cable cars: 10 (including 1 cableway crane and 1 cable car)
Difficulty level: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%
Furano Ski Resort is located in Nakagiryo, Furano City, Hokkaido, Japan, only 80 minutes' drive from Asahikawa Airport. It is frequently the venue for the Ski World Cup thanks to its rich and diverse snow trails and the powder snow unique to Hokkaido. The highest point of the ski resort is about 1,209 meters, the vertical drop is 964 meters, the maximum inclination is 34 degrees, and the skiable area is about 469 acres. Furano Ski Resort has a total of 23 ski trails, 19 of which are for beginners and intermediate tourists, which is very suitable for novice practice or family fun.
Furano Ski Resort has a natural undulating forest run with a maximum width of 80 meters. The loose fine snow and dense forests provide natural skiing conditions, including wild snow fields deep in the dense forests. Due to its inland location, the snow in Furano is slightly drier and fluffier than that in coastal ski resorts. In addition, the high altitude and low temperature mean that high-quality powder snow can be retained until early spring. There are many ski routes, ranging from beginners to ski experts. From the longest 4,000-meter snow run, you can see the rolling mountains of Furano Basin and Tokachi, and there are also ski routes designed for the whole family to play together.
The Furano area is known as the "Provence of the East" due to its endless colorful lavender fields (flowering period is from May to June each year). Tomita Farm in Nakafurano is famous for its wavy colorful flower fields and different varieties of lavender fields, and has a representative horticultural landscape in Hokkaido. Wandering in the sea of flowers and looking up at the snow-capped mountains standing before you, it feels like you are in a beautiful dream.
Ningle Terrace store in Furano Ski Resort is a romantic shopping area with 15 cabins connected in series. Strolling in the forest of Furano, you can feel the forest landscape under the changing seasons and the most romantic atmosphere of the forest elves, experience the quiet flow of time, and collect exquisite and delicate figures or Japanese forest gifts. You will definitely fall in love with it at first sight. Furano also has unique ski resort cabins such as the Forest Clock Cafe and Soh's BAR, waiting for skiers to come in and drink a cup of warm hot drink to relieve fatigue and refresh themselves during a break.
Furano Ho-tei Hotel-Lavender Flower Sea Transforms into Snow Sea
Address: Gakudensanku, Furano-city, Furano, Furano/Biei, Japan
Furano Hotei-dome is a vast area surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful lavender fields, and turns into a sea of snow in winter.
With only 25 rooms, every guest has plenty of private space. Whether in a Japanese-style room or a Western-style room, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Furano from all angles. The hotel's cuisine focuses on local ingredients from Furano, and the menu is updated in different seasons. The hotel's glass bar is surrounded by greenery and flowers, and you can enjoy free drinks at any time.
The indoor large bath has large floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view. The open-air bath is open from April to November, and the hot springs here contain natural minerals that have skin-beautifying effects.
Xilele Ski Resort
Tel: +81-0135347111
Time guide: at least 4 hours
Attraction Location: 128-1 Tokiwa, Akaikawa Village, Yoichi County, Hokkaido
Transportation: Car: About 100 minutes from Hokkaido's "New Chitose Airport", about 60 minutes from "Sapporo", and about 40 minutes from "Otaru". Train, bus: about 2 hours
Tickets: Cable car prices: Cable car (adults) 5,500 yen, Cable car (elementary school students) 2,800 yen, Cable car (elderly) 4,900 yen Rental prices: Skis (1 set) 5,000 yen, Snowboards (1 set) 5,000 yen, Ski suits 3,700 yen
Opening hours: November 27, 2016 - May 7, 2017 9:00-19:30
Number of ski trails: 21, number of cable cars: 9 (including 1 carriage type)
Difficulty level: Beginner 38%, Intermediate 29%, Advanced 33%
Kiroro Nature World is located in Yoichi County, Hokkaido. Yoichi is the birthplace of Japanese whiskey, in the forest about half an hour's drive south of Otaru. Kiroro is very similar to Tomamu Resort. Although it is not as large as Tomamu, it is also a comprehensive resort worth visiting. In winter, it is a good choice to enjoy the most unique snow scenery in Hokkaido and experience skiing.
Xilele Ski Resort is also one of the world's few powder snow resorts. Xilele Ski Resort has the highest snowfall among Hokkaido ski resorts - an average annual snowfall of 21 meters. Thanks to the abundant snowfall, Xilele does not use any snowmaking machines or snow groomers, and all ski slopes are 100% natural snow. Although the area is not large, it has been carefully designed. The 21 ski slopes are different and unique. There are 7 beginner slopes, 7 intermediate slopes, and 7 advanced slopes. The longest one can reach 4,050 meters. It has been rated as a world-class ski resort. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find the slope that suits you best here.
The highest snow mountain here is 1,180 meters above sea level, which is as high as the heartbeat of a skiing game. Without the crowds and international atmosphere of Niseko, this place has become a secret paradise for professional skiers.
The ski resort is also equipped with an ice and snow park, a restaurant, a professional equipment rental shop, etc. In 2008, it cooperated with the French "Village des Enfants" to establish the first "Ani Children's Ski School" outside of France. The 30 years of rich teaching experience and scientific methods accumulated by the French Avoriaz Ski Resort make it easy for beginners to get started and experience the joy of skiing right away.
Kiroro Ski Resort is located in the forest about half an hour's drive south of Otaru. It has complete hotel and hot spring facilities. After having fun, you can step into the open-air hot spring and watch the snowflakes fall while letting the warm bath wash away the day's fatigue. You can also drive to Otaru and feel the most romantic atmosphere of Hokkaido on the "Snow Light Road".
Hotel Kiroro - Elegant Choice
Address: Hokkaido, Akaigawa, Tokiwa 128-1
There are only two hotels in the Xilele Ski Resort, one is Sheraton and the other is Xilele Hotel. As the first hotel of TP in Asia, the predecessor of Xilele Hotel was called Piano Hotel. The owner was originally Yamaha Group, so the music atmosphere is very strong.
From the snow-covered exterior to the magnificent interior, Xilele exudes an exquisite and elegant atmosphere. It is like a palace in the snow field, and some people who have stayed there say that the quality of the hotel is higher than that of Sheraton Hotel. There is a shuttle bus from the hotel to Otaru City, so it is very convenient to travel.
The guest rooms are also Japanese style and modern style. The renovated hotel not only retains the style of the old building intact, but also carefully repairs the new look of the hotel. The simple guest rooms are just like the impression given by Japan: clean and humble. The white environment is just like the snow in Hokkaido. Looking at the scenery outside the window and taking a bath quietly, it feels comfortable to think about it.
Rusutsu Resort Ski Resort
▲Schematic diagram of the snow trails at Rusutsu Resort
Tel: +81-0136-46-3111
Reference time: at least 3 hours
Location: 13 Izumukawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta County, Hokkaido
Transportation: Take a bus from JR Hakodate Line Kutchan Station for about 60 minutes; take a free bus from Rusutsu Resort Sapporo Sales Office, and specific bus information can be found on the official website of the ski resort; take the BIGRUNS bus from New Chitose Airport, the ticket price is 2,800 yen.
Tickets: 1-day ski ticket 5,000 yen
Opening hours: late November to early April every year
Number of snow trails: 37, number of cable cars: 18
Difficulty: 30% for beginners, 40% for intermediate, and 30% for advanced (representative slope)
Rusutsu Ski Resort, less than two hours’ drive from New Chitose Airport, is a large-scale ski resort that spans three mountains (Mt. West / Mt. East / Mt. Isola), with a maximum altitude of 1,000 meters. On a clear day, you can see Lake Toya and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The dense powder snow and diverse terrain are definitely the unique charm of Rusutsu. Hokkaido has always been famous for its simple natural scenery. The 1,380-acre Rusutsu Resort was built with the theme of Hokkaido's natural scenery and beautiful environment. It has the largest outdoor amusement park in Hokkaido and three super-luxury golf courses that are integrated with nature.
This is one of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido. It is not only loved by Japanese people, but also has countless skiers from overseas. Whether you are a super player who only wants to ski, a leisurely player who enjoys the pleasure of skiing, or a family who brings their family to share the fun of skiing, you can get unlimited satisfaction here.
Rusutsu Ski Resort has a total of 37 ski slopes, with a total skiing distance of 42 kilometers. The ski resort has a total of 37 ski slopes, of which 30% are beginner slopes, 40% are intermediate slopes, and 30% are advanced slopes. The longest ski slope is 3,500 meters. There are also 18 high-speed cable cars that can transport more than 30,000 skiers per hour. The ski slopes with diverse terrains in the ski resort make your skiing fresh and exciting. In addition to the general beginner, intermediate and advanced ski slopes, there are also 3,500-meter super-long ski slopes and specially set up uncompressed snow areas. Its richness will not make you feel bored even if you stay for a long time. You can also choose night skiing, which will take you into a quiet, romantic, dreamy and colorful world.
In addition, Rusutsu has two different types of snow parks. Side Country Park fully utilizes the power of nature to create a variety of unique challenges in the forest environment. This wild snow paradise built of super-large logs is worth a try for those who are confident in their skills and have complete insurance. Powder snow enthusiasts can enjoy the unique experience of sprinting in the sky.
Freedom Park has a variety of jumping projects of different sizes, including box, railing or aerial jumping platforms, providing a snow challenge park full of fun and style for snow lovers of all levels. The most worthwhile thing to do in the snow resort is the "Tree Lines". Walking through the sea of trees hanging with snow, it seems to be a reindeer galloping on the ice field, which has attracted the attention of countless snow lovers.
Rusutsu Ski Resort stands on the shores of Lake Toya, a famous lake in Japan. Skiing down Mount Isola, you can see the sparkling waves of Lake Toya. There is also the famous Lake Toya Hot Spring on the lakeside, which is one of the few hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. In addition, famous attractions such as the Observation Deck, Miniature Sculpture Park, and Huxin Island Forest Park are all concentrated here. It is definitely a worthwhile trip here.
Toya Windsor Resort & Spa - A perspective from the top
Address: Shimizu, Toyako Town, Hatuda County
Lake Toya is a famous hot spring scenic spot in Hokkaido. The Windsor Resort and Spa Hotel occupies the best position on the top of the mountain, offering a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay. As you can tell from the name of the hotel, this is a large spa center themed on nature and the four seasons. You can easily enjoy the beautiful lake view in the hotel's hot spring bath, as if you are in the embrace of nature.
All rooms have lake or sea views. Whether they are modern luxury suites, spacious and elegant Japanese-style rooms, or affordable leisure rooms, you can feel the vacation time full of nature. There are dozens of restaurants including French restaurants, Japanese cuisine, Teppanyaki, sushi restaurants, bars, bakeries and cafes. When booking a room, you can choose French or Japanese breakfast.
The hotel's SPA center, Bloom SPA Toya, provides professional services such as aromatherapy and seawater therapy for complete relaxation. Sports enthusiasts can show off their skills at the hotel's golf course and tennis courts.
Of course, in addition to skiing, there are far more fun places in Hokkaido~
Romantic literature is standard - the "Ice and Snow Kingdom" Sapporo Snow Festival, the dazzling Otaru Snow Light Road, Lake Toya with seagulls flying over... Just take a picture and it will be an artistic blockbuster;
The way to play is never the same - hot springs, skiing, icebreakers, watching penguins, looking for whales and seals...
Super convenient transportation - from Beijing and Shanghai, it only takes four hours to fly;
There is no end to the food along the way - ramen, sushi, king crab... There is no way to eat them all;
Never stop shopping - in the shopping kingdom of Japan, shopping will never stop;
……
So what are you waiting for?
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