Japan

Niseko: Niseko is undoubtedly one of the best known and largest ski areas in Japan, if not the world. Sitting at the bottom of the impressive Mount Yotei, Niseko United comprises four interlinked resorts – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. The resort has some remarkable back country skiing with off-piste touring, wide open bowls and tree runs and main village at the base of Grand Hirafu boasts an amazing choice of dining options, from upmarket Michelin star restaurants to small family run izakayas.

Hakuba: Known for offering an authentic Japanese experience, Hakuba Village is the gateway to ten amazing resorts and a huge variety of terrain, all accessible with a single lift pass.

Furano: One of the most majestic regions of this country, Furano has great cruising runs for beginners, while for intermediates and the more advanced skier or snowboarder there is plenty of challenging terrain. Views of Mount Tokachi can be taken in while skiing or snowboarding, or from gondolas which are open year-round. You can also visit Mount Asahi, the tallest mountain on the Hokkaido island, as part of a guided day trip from Furano. The town of Furano, approximately one kilometre from the ski base, is a typical Japanese town, mostly untouched by modern influences.

Tomamu: Tomamu has the reputation of being one of the most extravagant of Hokkaido’s ski resorts with plenty of modern entertainment to complement its famous light dry powder. The base area is filled with activities such as snowmobiling, snow rafting, cross country skiing, para-skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. One of Tomamu’s highlights is the illuminated village which is a collection of domes constructed entirely of snow and ice.

Nozawa Onsen: Both a ski resort and a hot springs resort, here you will experience traditional Onsen culture with more than 30 bathing onsens. The traditional town has narrow and cobbled streets kept clear of snow due to the hot spring water running under them. The terrain varies greatly with long wide runs through to steep ridges for the more advanced skier or snowboarder

Myoko Kogen – with a huge quantity of average snowfall (13 metres) and lots of off-piste areas, Myoko Kogen is arguably one of the best skiing and boarding areas in the country. The village is small and offers an authentic Japanese experience for travellers with locally-run restaurants and izakayas. There are three resorts in the area and we recommend a day trip to Lotte Arai for its amazing advanced terrain. Off the slopes, there are many onsens to soak in, including outdoor springs surrounded by snowy forest landscapes.

Madarao: Amazing ski treeing is the biggest drawcard of Madarao – the resort has gladed many of the trees and cleared out shrubbery, making for the most skiable tree areas in the country! There’s also steep bowls, plenty of off-piste skiing including easy back and side country for experts with the right equipment. The village is comprised of a cluster of lodges so is smaller than many of the more well-known resorts. It is very family friendly, offering great value lift tickets especially for children.

For more information on our snow and ski holidays, give us a call for an obligation-free chat.