{"id":92756,"date":"2022-03-25T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=92756"},"modified":"2022-04-15T17:48:29","modified_gmt":"2022-04-15T08:48:29","slug":"winter-in-hokkaido-fresh-powder-snow-ski-hills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/winter-in-hokkaido-fresh-powder-snow-ski-hills\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter in Hokkaido: Fresh Powder Snow and Local Gourmet on the Best Ski Hills in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With an average of 485cm (191in.) of snowfall annually, Hokkaido<\/a> is one of the best playgrounds for skiing and snowboarding<\/a> enthusiasts worldwide. You can look forward to 487 kilometers in a total of slopes, served by over 100 ski resorts in Hokkaido<\/strong><\/a>, many of which offer CAT tours and backcountry tours, coupled with luxurious experiences of hot springs and local delicacies. What\u2019s even better, the 9-hour direct flights from Europe to New Chitose Airport<\/strong> will resume, making this exciting getaway just a quick hop away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Venture into the Lesser-Crowded Hills at Kamui Ski Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Situated in the center of Hokkaido, next to Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamui Ski Links<\/strong><\/a> not only has the world\u2019s best powder snow but is also rich with Ainu culture<\/a>. The park offers 12 trails from beginner (2 courses), intermediate (3 courses), to advanced (7 courses). In addition, there are plenty of ungroomed areas<\/strong> that allows you to ski through the trees to enjoy that fresh coat of powder snow amid spectacular winter scenery in Hokkaido. Though this ski resort isn\u2019t as large in scale as some other ones in the area, it is less crowded, equipped with gear rental, and has three restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Skier<\/figure>\n
Skiing at Kamui Ski Links. Photos: Bradley Paul Bennett <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Experience the Best of Snow Hills, Local Wine, and Dining in Furano<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The town of Furano is a 2-hour drive from New Chitose Airport<\/strong> or a 1-hour drive from Asahikawa Airport<\/strong>. While it is known for lavender in the summer months, it is covered in beautifully thick powder snow in winter. There are also plenty of restaurants for you to fuel up after an exciting day on the slopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just minutes from the city center is Furano Ski Res<\/strong><\/a>o<\/a><\/strong>rt<\/strong><\/a>. It offers an impressive 28 trails down two zones, Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone, with a maximum run length of 4,000m. The slopes are suitable for beginners to advanced skiers in both zones. The snow in this region is of such an excellent standard that they held 12 Snowboard and Ski World Cups here. The Prince Hotel is directly connected to both zones, which has ski-in ski-out<\/strong> areas, so you waste no time getting onto the slopes. The First Track<\/strong> option is also available for an extra fee if you want to get on the slopes early in the morning before anyone else to enjoy the fresh powder snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are traveling with little ones, there are two schools you can pick from that offer ski and snowboarding classes in English for kids as young as three years old. On top of that, the Waku Waku Family Snowland<\/strong> is where you can enjoy banana boat rides, snow rafting, or snowmobiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For wine tasting, head into town to Furano Winery<\/strong>, which has a wide range of red, white, rose, sparkling, and ice wine. Here you can learn about the process of making wine, details of their aging warehouse, as well as indulge in some wine tasting. If you are looking for the best of Furano local cuisine, head to Kumagera Izakaya<\/strong><\/a> (Japanese-style pub) in town. Kumagera comes from the Japanese word for black woodpecker, Furano\u2019s town bird. The izakaya itself boasts 40+ years of history and is known for its \u201cbandit hot pot,\u201d<\/strong> a nutritious miso-based hot pot that includes chicken, duck, venison, and vegetables. There are plenty of other options such as beef, beef stew, pork, and lots more, so you can be sure that you\u2019ll find something of your liking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Furano Winery has floor to ceiling views of Furano’s winter landscape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bandid hot pot with chicken, duck, venison, and vegetables is a recommended choice at Kumagera Izakaya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Photos: Bradley Paul Bennett<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sahoro Ski Resort: A Nature and Gourmet Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Situated on the eastern side of Hokkaido, the Tokachi area receives plenty of snow and is also home to the brown bear. Its all-inclusive Sahoro Ski Resort<\/strong><\/a> offers 20+ slopes ranging from beginner to advanced levels, about half of those being advanced. As you get off the gondola at the top, don\u2019t forget to take in the panoramic views of Mt. Tokachi and Mt. Tomuraushi in Daisetsuzan National Park. Backcountry tours<\/strong> are also available for advanced skiers. If you are up to trying something different, there\u2019s also a snowshoe downhill<\/strong> experience from the summit, as well as an airboard tour<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sahoro<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sahoro Resort\u2019s Gourmet and Nature Experience. Photos: Bradley Paul Bennett<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While you are in the heart of Hokkaido\u2019s extraordinary nature, there are a variety of activities that allow you to appreciate the beauty of Hokkaido. For example, you can hop on a compacted snow car night tour to go star-gazing, go ice cave fishing, trek through the park in snowshoes, go waterfall trekking, or do tree climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waiting for you after a long day of activities is a fantastic restaurant offering food such as steak, curry, and spaghetti. But to truly enjoy the best of Hokkaido\u2019s gourmet, the Hokkaido Buffet<\/strong><\/a> is highly recommended, including snow crab, grilled salmon, scallops, steak, and more. After a hearty meal, you can also enjoy one of their hot baths as well as saunas to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop from the local produce and goods sold at Sahoro Ski resort.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Dinner
Enjoy one of the hearty meals at Sahoro Ski Resort after your day of winter adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Photos: Bradley Paul Bennett<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least, if you are traveling with small children, they have a \u201cChildren rental s<\/strong><\/a>et,<\/a><\/strong>\u201d<\/strong><\/a> which is \u00a51,500 per day and will help you significantly reduce the amount you need to pack in your luggage. The set includes ten diapers, web wipes, waterproof sheets, formula, baby shampoo, bath towels, and face towels, as well as a stroller. Advanced reservation is required, so please request during booking of the hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU: World Class Luxury Travel Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hoshino Resort is a group of luxury hotels that offer the best of the best when it comes to travel experiences. The Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU<\/a><\/strong> not only has an amazing ski experience that offers CAT<\/strong> and backcountry<\/strong> tours but there\u2019s also 30+ activities on and off-snow, an ice-village<\/strong> with beautiful ice sculptures and ice bars, not to mention more than 20 restaurants ranging from meat to seafood<\/strong> and the terrace caf\u00e9 at the summit of Mt. Tomamu<\/strong>. The spacious and elegant guest rooms sit in the two towers of RISONARE Tomamu and restaurants that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. All rooms in the RISONARE Tomamu tower are equipped with air bubble bathtubs<\/strong> with a view, adding that extra luxury experience to your stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ice<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Photos: Bradley Paul Bennett<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With 29 trails and a maximum run length of 4,200m, the slopes at Tomamu are suitable for anyone from first-timers to experts. There are also eight trails opened for night-ski. If you prefer off-piste backcountry skiing, there is an \u201cExperts Only Powder Area<\/a>\u201d <\/strong>which you should register before your arrival. You can also go for the CAT tour<\/a> <\/strong>which will give you access to untracked powder snow through steep slopes, trees, ice, and deep ungroomed powder snow. There are also multiple backcountry<\/a><\/strong> options which include a very special sunrise tour. And of course, gear rental and classes<\/a><\/strong> are available for adults and kids as young as 3 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Fireworks<\/figure>\n
Photos: Bradley Paul Bennett<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Switching gears from ski and snowboard to other snow activities, at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, you can go on a snowmobile tour available for kids and adults. For 16 years old and above, there is a snowmobile off-piste tour option. Some of the more unique experiences include pond ice fishing,<\/strong> curling<\/strong>, and snow karting<\/strong> within and around the resort area. If you\u2019re more of a crafty type, you can opt for the woodcraft workshop<\/strong>. You\u2019ll be able to make your own wooden spoon from Shirakaba white birch which grows in the native forests of Hokkaido. This will also make a really nice souvenir to bring back for family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Access Hokkaido and its Top Ski Resorts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A 9-hour direct flight with Finnair connects Europe to New Chitose Airport<\/strong>. From the airport, you can access major cities via the train, or hop on a shuttle bus to Hokkaido\u2019s top resorts, such as Niseko, Jozankei Onsen, and Asahikawa. If you are renting a car, the destinations mentioned in this article are approximately 2 hours from the airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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