Hokkaido

Furano, in the centre of Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s best snow destinations for skiers and boarders of all abilities. Boasting 170 hectares of mixed terrain, plenty of deep dry powder, and two areas to ski or board from, you can enjoy this mountain from late November right through to mid-March. On and off the snow, Furano has plenty of activities as well as a great après scene to keep you entertained day and night. The apartments, restaurants and facilities can be a little spread out from the ski zones at Furano so book your accommodation carefully.

Kiroro Resort, near the coast of Hokkaido, is a purpose-built resort with modern facilities. If Japanese powder and off-piste skiing is what you’re looking for, then go no further than Kiroro Resort. Kiroro has a few restaurants and limited nightlife, because this place really is all about the powder, powder and more powder. Niseko ski resort is close by.

With deep dry powder, an incredible four resorts accessible via a single pass and a vibrant après scene, Niskeo is one of Japan’s most popular snow destinations, especially for Australians. Sitting on the ridge of An’nupuri, this is Japan’s biggest ski area and there is terrain to keep every ability excited, challenged and coming back for more. Niseko is a great place to bring your family thanks to plenty of English speaking services, English signs and self-contained apartments.

Rusutsu is Japan’s ultimate snow destination for families with fantastic gentle terrain for learners, an indoor slope and masses of great fun Disneyland style activities off the mountain as well. While there are just two hotels servicing this unique resort, there are also a few family owned pensions that offer a more traditional experience. The resort is signposted in English for your convenience. Beware of the lift towers that blast out Japanese pop music!

Tomamu in Hokkaido is a family friendly ski resort that boasts amazingly light dry powder snow, great beginners’ areas, exceptional advanced terrain and a mass of activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the mountain. Tomamu is not your usual resort. With no village, there’s barely an après atmosphere to speak of – so be prepared to enjoy just a few local restaurants and the grand dining halls and bars in the resort’s two hotels. That said, there’s plenty to love about this purpose built resort – two mountains to ski, sensational powder and the ability to get amongst the trees and under the chairlifts, which is restricted in many Japanese resorts. Accommodation is limited to just two interconnected high rise buildings juxtaposed against the natural beauty of the snow covered mountains, and Club Med Tomamu, which is perfect for families, couples and first timers.