The Ultimate Guide: Ranking the 5 Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido

Winter in Hokkaido feels magical in a way that’s hard to forget. Families flock to its ski resorts for soft, powdery snow and easygoing slopes perfect for beginners. After a day outside, change the pace by going to an open-air hot spring and have a relaxing moment. Winter festivals like Sapporo’s Snow Festival add charm with giant ice sculptures and local food stalls. You can also discover Ainu-inspired crafts, cozy cafés, and dishes like miso ramen that warm you from the inside out. Hokkaido’s winter blends nature, culture, and comfort into an experience that feels both special and inviting.

Club Med operates four all-inclusive ski resorts in Hokkaido: Tomamu, Sahoro, Kiroro Grand, and Kiroro Peak. Tomamu is the largest and most energetic, with 145 hectares of terrain, ski lessons, snow trekking, and evening entertainment. Sahoro is quieter and family-focused, ideal for beginners and kids, plus serene for onsen bathing. Kiroro Grand is powder-heavy, offering deep snow, wellness spaces, and cultural experiences. Kiroro Peak brings a more luxe ski-in/ski-out vibe, with refined dining and access to steep terrain.
Skiing at Club Med includes lift passes and group lessons for all ages. Non-ski activities include snowshoeing, cultural workshops, and evening shows.
• Tomamu: about 1.5 hours from New Chitose Airport or about 1 hour 40 minutes from JR Sapporo.
• Sahoro: approximately 2 hours by transfer from New Chitose Airport.
• Kiroro Grand/Peak: about 1.5 hours from Sapporo (via the Kiroro region).

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a modern resort, offering a full-service ski destination set amid mountain scenery. It blends ski terrain, luxury lodgings, and family-friendly amenities.
• Location: In Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu, central Hokkaido.
• Skiing & Activities: Offers a wide range of slopes for all levels, plus guided snow trekking, snowmobiling, and the famous “Unkai Terrace” (a cloud-sea viewing spot). The resort also has onsen, a spa, and winter-only entertainment.
• Access: Around 90 minutes by car or shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport.

Furano Ski Resort is a classic in Hokkaido—known for its long, scenic runs and varied terrain, suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.
• Location: Nakagoryo, Furano, in central Hokkaido.
• Skiing & Activities: Features 23 runs split between the Furano and Kitanomine zones, serviced by 11 lifts. There are groomed slopes, tree runs, and backcountry options, plus local food, snowshoe tours, and sightseeing.
• Access: From New Chitose Airport, regular resort-liner buses run in winter (booking required). From JR Sapporo, you can take a seasonal express train or bus to reach Furano in about 2-3 hours, depending on connections.

Kamui Ski Links is a more local, laid-back resort known for its high-quality snow and carefully maintained courses.
• Location: Near Asahikawa in northern-central Hokkaido.
• Skiing & Activities: Boasts 25 courses with a vertical drop of ~600m. It’s famous for its dry, fluffy inland powder snow, cruising runs up to 4,000 m, and open tree lines.
• Access: About a 30-minute drive from Asahikawa City. From JR Sapporo, you’d typically travel by train/bus via Asahikawa (a longer journey), making it more of a destination than a quick ski stop.