More than 10 ski-fields close to Yoichi
This is why we call Yoichi A new base for Hokkaido Winter Adventures
Trusted snow, no crowds, and affordable prices
Despite the recent warming climate, Hokkaido's stable snowfall is gaining attention from skiers. While Niseko and Furano attract international skiers, the crowds and price hikes are unavoidable. We recommend Yoichi as a base for enjoying quality snow at a reasonable price, especially for those who don’t mind a short drive each day. More than 10 unique ski fields are within a 1-hour drive distance.
There are many good, uncrowded restaurants at much lower prices compared to the big resorts.
Convenience of a prime location
Just 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido, and 60 minutes to Sapporo for rest-day shopping and sightseeing, with Otaru only 30 minutes away.
With over 10 years of experience, we will share with you the features and tips of each ski resort!
Kiroro area
Kiroro Snow World
Best weather conditions: Southerly wind. Early and late season.
One of the largest skiable terrains in Japan and famous for its abundant snowfall, especially during the early season (from early December). There are plenty of areas and excellent side-country options for those in search of fluffy powder! Various courses cater to all skill levels.
English-speaking lessons are offered for children as young as 3 years old. Be sure to dress warmly as temperatures are low at the mountain's summit.
| Peak 1180m | Lesson ✔️ | Crowd ➕➕ |
| Lift/Gondola 10 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕➕➕ |
| Courses 23 | Price ➕➕➕ | Family ➕➕➕ |
Niseko area
In recent years, Niseko has faced growing winter crowds, but its five ski fields offer excellent snow quality and stunning views on clear days. For a great experience, start from Yoichi in the morning and return by dinner. Don't forget warm clothing for cooler mountain temperatures. Note that southerly winds can reduce visibility in Niseko.
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono
Best weather conditions: Northerly wind.
Excellent and expansive resorts with multiple gondolas. Usually a day pass covers both areas and they are suited to using both together in a day's skiing. Expect crowds, and the powder tends to get tracked out early in the day. Cafeterias are also bustling.
Hanazono offers a luxurious experience with state-of-the-art leather gondolas and heated lifts, along with numerous beginner courses. Grand Hirafu, on the other hand, may not be suitable for groups consisting solely of beginners due to its steeper slopes.
Niseko United or Hanazono & Hirafu common lift pass
| Peak 1200m | Lesson ✔️ | Crowd ➕➕➕ |
| Lift/Gondola 16 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕➕➕ |
| Courses 41 | Price ➕➕➕ | Family ➕➕ |
Niseko Village
Best weather conditions: Northerly wind.
Many challenging courses and off-course areas attract intermediate and advanced skiers. A wide range of snow activities and schools are also available.
Niseko United pass, Village only ticket or Village & Annupuri common pass
| Peak 1170m | Lesson ✔️ | Crowd ➕➕➕ |
| Lift/Gondola 8 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕➕➕ |
| Courses 27 | Price ➕➕➕ | Family ➕ |
Niseko Annupuri
Best weather conditions: Northerly wind.
On the edge of the main Niseko divide, it avoids some of the crowds and is more family-friendly than Grand Hirafu. There are also great backcountry areas, although please ensure you have a guide or are adequately equipped.
Niseko United pass, Annupuri only pass or Village & Annupuri common pass
| Peak 1156m | Lesson ✔️ | Crowd ➕➕ |
| Lift/Gondola 6 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕➕➕ |
| Courses 13 | Price ➕➕ | Family ➕➕➕ |
Niseko Moiwa
Best weather conditions: Northerly wind.
A little distance from the main Niseko fields, it is less crowded, and has great ungroomed trails, with easy access via a great quad lift straight up the middle of the terrain.
Highly recommended day trip from Yoichi.
Moiwa only pass
| Peak 800m | Lesson ✔️ | Crowd ➕ |
| Lift 3 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕➕ |
| Courses 8 | Price ➕➕ | Family ➕ |
Otaru area
Otaru is renowned as a tourist hotspot, but it's also home to two distinctive, medium-sized ski fields that remain relatively undiscovered by international visitors. These fields provide breathtaking vistas of the Sea of Japan.
Asari-gawa Onsen Ski Field
Best weather conditions: Southerly wind.
Off the beaten track with minimal surrounding accommodation, this field avoids the tourist crowds. Full rental facilities, and a surprisingly large terrain to explore. Good value and nice easy slopes. A bonus onsen nearby. Family-friendly hole-in-the-wall ski resort.
Snowboarders can enjoy fresh snow without crowds.
There is also a sledding area for small children.
| Peak 680m | Lesson ✖️ | Crowd ➕ |
| Lift 4 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕ |
| Courses 8 | Price ➕ | Family ➕➕➕ |
Snow Cruise Onze
Best weather conditions: Southerly wind, extremely cold days (higher fields can get too cold)
Perched right above the Sea of Japan, you can ski down the slopes with a direct view of the ocean (just be sure not to fall in!). Onze is a favorite among Sapporo locals who enjoy skiing late, as it remains open until 11 pm every night. Don't miss the Night Ski/Ramen package deal, and there is a terrain park for tricks.
| Peak 380m | Lesson ✖️ | Crowd ➕ |
| Lift 2 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕ |
| Courses 9 | Price ➕ | Family ➕➕ |
Sapporo area
Sapporo Teine
Best wind conditions: Southerly wind.
Host of the 1972 winter olympics, and close to the highway exit direct from Yoichi, this large resort is a favorite with Sapporo locals. Busy on the weekends, but a fantastic way to avoid the crowds during the week when all the locals are at work. Plenty of ungroomed areas for powder.
Popular with Niseko private guides taking personalized trips to avoid crowds. Do it yourself and avoid the cost of a guide. Park features for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
| Peak 1023m | Lesson ✖️ | Crowd ➕ |
| Lift/Gondola 10 | Rental ✔️ | English ➕➕ |
| Courses 15 | Price ➕➕ | Family ➕➕ |
Other areas
Rusutsu Resort
The premium powder spot, Rusutsu, features large resort hotels with ski-in/ski-out facilities. However, it is also the priciest. Nevertheless, it's worth it for a day trip filled with exhilarating powder rides off the ridges and convenient access to side-country skiing.
Plan for a 90-minute drive from Yoichi, and be sure to arrive early to secure convenient parking and avoid crowds. Due to its extensive site and complex trails spread across two mountains, Rusutsu may not be suitable for large groups or small children.
| Peak 994m | Lesson YES | Crowd ➕➕➕ |
| Lift/Gondola 18 | Rental YES | English ➕➕➕ |
| Courses 37 | Price ➕➕➕ | Family ➕ |
Iwanai Resort
Book a cat ski day trip from Yoichi. Great powder and ocean views.
It's not cheap though, at 130,000 yen per day.
Niki Chomin Ski Field
The cute little field can have surprisingly good powder conditions. 3 short courses and one wee pizza-box lift to whisk you back up. Lift tickets are very cheap. Closed for lift and night lighting repairs until 2027. Watch this space.
＊Please note, that when you are based in Yoichi, you will need a car.
Enquire Now
Yoichi Holiday is an outdoor expert with local insight. We are ready to help in English and ensure a seamless experience:
- Provide affordable rental houses, each accommodating up to 7 guests
- Assistance in itinerary planning/ car rental
- Assistance in arranging long-term ski and snowboard rentals/guided tours
Visit our TRIP IDEAS for sample itineraries to plan your trip.