Furano is situated on the island of Hokkaido and is well known for the light and dry snow that falls throughout the winter season - an average of 9 metres. There are great cruising runs for beginners and intermediates alike, and fror the advanced skier or boarder there is come challenging terrain to suit. The town of Furano, approximately one kilometre from the ski base, is a typical Japnese town mostly untouched by modern influences.

One of Japan’s premier alpine destinations, Hakuba Village is the gateway to ten amazing resorts set in the heart of the Japanese Alps, all accessible with a single lift pass. With access to over 200 runs, Hakuba Valley offers world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels with amazing powder runs and exceptional groomed runs. The southern end of the valley starts with Sun Alpina which includes three ski areas, to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47, Goryu-Toomi and Happo One situated in the heart of Hakuba. The northern end of the valley is made up of Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina. Another fantastic feature of this area are the natural hot spring onsens – not only a great Japanese experience but also to ease the aches after a day on the mountains. If you want to take time away from the slopes, there are some excellent day tours available from Hakuba including a visit with the famous “Snow Monkeys”.

Located two hours from New Chitose Airport, Kiroro is the hidden gem of the Central Hokkaido region. Usually receiving more snow than its sibling resorts, locals come to Kiroro to escape the lift lines and find deep untracked tree-skiing. Lift lines are rare and even when the snow does stop falling, fresh tracks can be found for days. The inbound off-piste areas, so called Powder Zones, are a great way to explore the ungroomed powder snow of Kiroro. Offering the best of both worlds: secluded steep and deep, wide open groomed runs and comfortable accommodation for the perfect ski holiday.

The Myoko Kogen ski area in 'The Heart of Japan' is ideal for powder hounds. With over a hundred years of skiing to its credit and with snowfalls of up to 13 metres each year, Myoko Kogen is renowned for its soft deep powder. The Myoko area is made up of several ski resorts - Myoko Akakura, Myoko Suginohara and Ikenotaira Onsen - that are largely linked together via a shuttle bus. The main ski area is Myoko Akakura which is made up of two side by side resorts; Akakura Kanko ski resort and Akakura Onsen. Most of the accommodation is based in and around the main village of Akakura, and as Japan's first international mountain resort Myoko Kogen is well known for its rich history, culture and traditional onsens.

Naeba’s proximity to Tokyo makes it a very popular destination for visitors to the southern Japanese snowfields. The mountain towers over the village below and features incredible views of the snow-covered landscape and trails of up to four kilometres in length. Take a 25 minute ride from the base of the resort in the Dragondola (the longest gondola in Japan) and be whisked across to neighbouring Kagura ski resort five and a half kilometres away, to experience even more terrain and incredible snow. With terrain parks, snow tubing and family snowplay areas, Naeba really does have something for everyone.

Niseko is undoubtedly one of the best known and largest ski areas in Japan. Located two and half hours from Chitose Airport, Niseko comprises of four resorts – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri which are interlinked and can be accessed by a single lift pass. World-renowned for the copious amounts of light, dry powder and an average annual snowfall of 15 metres, Niseko is a powder haven for beginners and thrill seekers alike. The resort has some remarkable back country skiing with off-piste touring, wide open bowls and tree runs. When weather permits, Niseko also offers some great night skiing with runs open until 9:00pm. The main village at the base of Grand Hirafu, boasts everything you would expect in an international resort – an amazing choice of dining options, from upmarket Michelin star restaurants to small family run izakaya’s, all serving the very best of Hokkaido’s local produce. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed in the Niseko area including snow tubing, snow shoeing and traditional onsens. The majestic Mt. Yotei dominates the skyline, making the scenery something that will stay with you long after you return home.

Located one hour's drive from Nagano, Nozawa Onsen is a classic ski resort that was one of the original ski resorts in Japan. The variety of terrain offers long wide open green runs, through to rolling panoramic cruisers and some very steep pitches off the ridges for the more advanced skiers and riders. The village is a very old onsen town that was founded when a visiting Samurai indulged in a hot spring starting the very tradition of the onsen. The streets are narrow and cobbled, they are kept clear of snow bu the hot water running under them. Nozawa Onsen is famous for its public hot-springs with more than 30 springs located throughout the village. Nozawa is the place to explore small traditional Izakayas and ramen restaurants, featuring the very best of local produce. Not much English is spoken so dining is best experienced with an open mind.

Situated 80 kilometres west of Sapporo and only one and half hour's drive from Sapporo Chitose Airport, Rusutsu is considered by many to be Hokkaido's best overall ski experience. The resort itself offers a range of restaurants and there is a wave pool and different public baths. The ski area is spread over three peaks and boasts as one of the largest most modern lift networks in Hokkaido. Your Rusutsu lift ticket also includes night skiing until 9:00pm each evening. There is a wide variety of ski terrain to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and like its neighbour Niseko has some superb powder conditions during the ski season. The peak Mt Izola offers long challenging runs with panoramic scenery. The Epic and Epic Local Pass now include 5 days of skiing at Rusutsu.

Shiga Kogen is situated in the heart of the Johshinetsu Kogen National Park and is by far the largest ski resort in Japan, with 21 interlinked resorts all on one lift ticket! Shiga covers a huge area and offers a great diversity of natrual terrain. Famous for its grand scale, amazing panoramic views and snow quantity, Shiga Kogen is the ultimate destination for the keen skier and snowboarder and also boasts one of the longest seasons in Japan due to its higher elevation. The accommodation at Shiga Kogen is spread out around many distinct "villages"and most of the accommoation is ski-in/ski-out or located very close to the slopes.

Located in Niigata Prefecture, Lotte Arai is a boutique resort set amidst a scenic mountain landscape just two hours from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen. While small at just over 500 acres of skiable terrain, Lotte Arai enjoys a great accumulation of dry, powder snowfall and views to the ocean on a clear day. The resort has 15 ski courses and first-class leisure activities, including eight off-piste areas of ungroomed snow, spas, pools, restaurants, cafes, and a 1501 metre zipline tour – the longest in Asia.

Tomamu is a modern resort located in central Hokkaido, which means the abundant of snow they recieve is usually light and dry. There is a good mix of runs and the controlled 'off piste' skiing and boarding is exceptional. On the mountian Cat Skiing is available and the base area is filled with snow activities such as snowmobiling, snow rafting, cross country skiing, paraskiing, 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. If you want a break from the snow, you can visit Mina Mina beach which has one of Japan's largest indoor wave pools! There are plenty of restaurants throughout the small resort to smaple great local Hokkaido produce.