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Japan

Overview | The Resorts | The Cities | The Ski Safari | Need to Knows |


Small orange arrow Niseko

Three interlinked ski areas (Hirafu, Annapuri and Higashiyama) combine to create Niseko, Japan’s largest and best known resort.

The terrain includes wide cruising runs fringed with snow-laden trees and steeper backcountry descents accessed from gates off the mountain peak. The latter should be skied with a guide or a local as a wrong turn can lead to a long walk through deep snow!

Those seeking nightlife (with an Australian flavour) should stay in Hirafu. Otherwise we recommend the Hotel Annapuri, or the Prince Hotel in Higashiyama.

Small orange arrow Rusutsu

Rusutsu is a smaller resort with two large hotels, one of which has a Vegas-style Bavarian village in the lobby and a roller-coaster (not operational in the winter)!

The skiing is on two entirely separate mountain areas, one chiefly for beginners. The second includes masses of rolling cruisers as well as some steeper tree skiing. There are impressive views of the surrounding volcanic landscape dotted with blue lakes.

Rusutsu is an hour’s drive from Niseko, making it easy to visit on a day trip from Niseko.

Small orange arrow Furano

Located in a farming valley which is considered a rural idyll by the Japanese, Furano is a little further off the beaten track than Niseko and Rusutsu and ideal for those looking to get beneath the skin of Hokkaido skiing.

The ski resort has a small village area with a couple of hotels and places to eat. To experience a Japanese town, head to Furano 10 minutes drive away.

There are runs to suit all abilities, including superb tree skiing. Day trips to other nearby resorts in the area can be organised locally.


Niseko Prince Hotel 
Niseko  Prince Hotel


Rusutsu Hotel 

Furano groomed 
Groomed pistes of Furano




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