Opens: 01 December 2019Closes: 14 April 2020. If you’re seeking a unique and exciting spot for your next skiing destination, look no further than Japan. Tomamu is a modern and incredible looking resort, with all the bells and whistles you could hope for. This ski resort is found only 40 minutes from downtown Sapporo. Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, and is well known for its beautiful onsens and highly favourable skiing conditions, where the slopes have a reputation for being “deep, not steep”. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu; the two islands are connected by the undersea railway Seikan Tunnel.. Opens: 21 December 2019Closes: 29 March 2020. Some of the festival's sites also offer other forms of entertainment like snow slides and snow rafting. Opens: 23 November 2019Closes: 06 May 2020. Here at the resort skiers can find beginner, intermediate, and expert level trails and it has seven lifts and one gondola. Japan has hundreds of ski resorts scattered across Hokkaido & Honshu, and you’ll be pleased to hear the lift lines are often smaller than those you’ll find around the rest of the world! The problem is, the secret is well and truly out now. Excellent conditions have been known as early as December and as late as March, but most people would probably agree that the peak of the Japan season in terms of snow quality is from mid-January until late-February. There are five lifts at this resort and many beginner and intermediate trails, with only a few expert ones available. Hokkaido’s capital city is host to the truly legendary Sapporo Snow Festival every February, drawing crowds from all… The Sapporo Snow Festival is held during one week every February in Hokkaido's capital Sapporo. Some of the expert level ski courses were used for events during the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Visitors can also go ice skating, night snowshoeing, take reindeer rides, enjoy the resort’s indoor beach, or visit the Tomamu Ice Village. The second largest ski resort in Niseko is Niseko Village Ski Resort. The skiing itself offers a wide variety of runs, with great dry powder runs off-piste (which are allowed here!). The 2019/20 ski season is just around the corner and the opening dates for the resorts have now been released, check them out below before deciding what destination is best for you. Niskeo is located about two and a half hours from Chitose airport. All group lessons are conducted in Japanese. Kyuhoshi does not own any of the photographs used in any posts and pages unless it is mentioned. Rentals and lessons are available at the resort. Expected conditions (temperature and humidity) are too close to predict the type of precipitation. There are also backcountry trails available for visitors. It is very well known for its sunny days. The trails skew much more heavily to beginner and intermediate skills levels than experts. Hokkaido Ski Season Net Hokkaido’s finest ski resorts have initiated a new lift pass discount program allowing season pass holders at any one of the affiliated resorts to access the other resorts at discounted rates throughout the 2020-21 winter season. The air will be very crisp and cold at night so warm clothing is a must. It is … Hokkaido generally has an earlier start to the season than Honshu resorts, with snowfalls in December creating the start of a good snowpack. Most of the resort’s dining is found in its two main hotels and there are many different options to choose from. Opens: 23 November 2019 Closes: 06 May 2020 Hirafu Village, the main area of the resort, offers many different dining choices, from traditional Japanese food to burgers and fries. There are times when … The ice village of Lake Shikaribetsu only appears during the coldest … -----End of season general message from SnowJapan This message is being posted on all of the Now daily reports First of all, we hope that you and yours are keeping well. There are more than twenty food and beverage choices at Tomamu with a diverse number of cuisines. JAPAN REPORT The ski season for most of the Japanese ski areas that are still open is now into its final 10 days or so, with Wednesday, May 5th the main closing day for resorts like Niseko (60/370cm / 24/148"). You can find many different dining options at the township of Furnao. Kiroro Resort. The winter in Hokkaido is not just cold, it is VERY COLD. The ski resort has 19 lifts and offers both ski and snowboard rentals and snowboards, with an option for English-speaking instructors. If you don’t want to take a risk, this is the period to go for. Some ski resorts are closer to the main area of the festival than others, so be sure to plan accordingly. Niseko without question is their prime ski location in Hokkaido. There are 12 lifts and 1 ropeway. Our Active Travel Experts have exclusive deals, information and prices at their fingertips, they’ll help you find the best value deals and experiences to suit your needs and budget on your next ski/board experience in Japan. Except for some areas of inland Hokkaido, annual snowfall volume is expected to decrease (Fig. World-class powder snow in Hokkaido. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events have been canceled in Japan. Generally, powder days come with more frequency from early January until the end of February and then hit sporadically throughout March. And if you’re after 2019/20 season dates, read on…. Opens: 30 November 2019Closes: 03 May 2020. You can also enjoy snow sledding and the kids’ park. Although these two regions are said to be the prime winter holiday destinations, yet there are other renowned festivals to experience in other parts of Japan. This is considered one of the top ski resorts in Sapporo. With more than one blue-sky day per month even! Get in touch on NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here for our latest offers. May result in Rain, Snow, or Sleet. That said, in most of those eight locales, while the season undeniably got off to a slow start this year, by late February Hokkaido was back on form. Using the Japan Meteorological Agency’s data download service, I’ve downloaded the last 75 years of snow accumulation data for a few select locations around Hokkaido: Kutchan (home to Niseko ski resort), Furano City, and Sapporo City.The figures are interactive – you can exclude months and years, to see how things change. But some have now announced a season extension including Happo One (94/140cm / 38/56"), which now says its lifts will be open through to Sunday 9th. In terms of snow and conditions, the story of the season … Red = Chance of a Rain Storm. However most view the high season as winter and summer. Always check official sites before heading to an event. If you’re looking to go skiing in Hokkaido, the first thing to do is decide on which of Hokkaido’s many ski resorts is for you. Opens: 23 November 2019Closes: 06 May 2020. If you are planning to stay around Hirafu village then stay at this hotel. We'll also share why spring in Hokkaido is the best time to visit, plus tips on what to see and do! Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, and is well known for its beautiful onsens and highly favourable skiing conditions, where the slopes have a reputation for being “deep, not steep”. Visit this website to know Rusutsu Resort’s Lift Tickets, Hotels, Restaurants, News, Winter Activities, Ski Lessons and Rentals. It’s the best ski resort in Japan that has four interlinked ski resorts – Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Hanazono, Annupuri. Besides, a lot skiers from other countries also like to visit Rusutsu ski resort, Furano ski resort, Kiroro resort, Hoshino resort Tomamu, Sapporo Kokusai, Sapporo Teine and so on. Opens: 23 November 2019Closes: 05 April 2020. With 30 lifts, it gives you complete access to all ski zones.