Skiing and Snowboarding in Japanese Ski Resorts
Japan - Ski Resorts
Japan boasts some of the world's best ski areas, renowned for their light, powdery snow and stunning landscapes. With over 500 ski resorts across the country, regions like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps offer diverse terrains suitable for novices to seasoned experts. The unique cultural experience adds to the allure, with onsen (hot springs) and delicious local cuisine available throughout ski towns.
Most Forecast Snow
| Ski Area | 7 Day |
|---|---|
| Niseko | 34cm 13in |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 34cm 13in |
| Niseko Village/Higashiyama | 29cm 11in |
| Niseko Annupuri | 24cm 9in |
| Kiroro | 18cm 7in |
| Shizukuishi | 18cm 7in |
Forecast updated : 14 Nov 2025 13:37 GMT
Japanese Snow ForecastsPartner Offers
Ski resorts for Beginners in Japan
Resorts such as Naeba and Niseko are excellent choices for beginners, featuring gentle slopes and ski schools with experienced instructors. With easy access and a friendly atmosphere, these resorts make learning to ski a delightful experience.
Ski resorts for Families in Japan
Families will find Hakuba Valley particularly accommodating, with a range of activities beyond skiing, such as snowshoeing and sledding. The family-friendly facilities and variety of slopes ensure a memorable trip for all ages.
Ski resorts for Experienced Skiers in Japan
For advanced skiers, the challenging terrains of the Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen are ideal, offering steep runs and backcountry options. These resorts provide a thrilling experience for those looking to test their skills against Japan's rugged mountain landscapes.
Ski areas with off-piste, freeride and out-of-bounds terrain in Japan
Resorts like Hakuba and Niseko are popular for off-piste skiing, providing ample opportunities to explore untouched powder. Expert guides are available to help navigate the backcountry safely while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Ski Areas for reliable snow in Japan
For guaranteed snow, head to resorts like Niseko and Furano, known for their reliable snowfall and extensive season. These high-altitude locations ensure great skiing conditions from late November to early May.
Find out about the skiing in Japan, in our comparison of Japanese Ski Resorts, below. Sort by suitability, altitude, piste length, etc.
Japanese Snow Reports
November 14, 2025
Snow is next forecast to fall in Japan over the next 2 days, in at least 8 Ski Resorts including Furano, Kiroro, Niseko, Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Grand Hirafu.
See all Snow Forecasts for Japan.
The Best Ski Resorts in Japan
| Ski Resort | Pistes | Top | Beginn. | Interm. | Experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adatara Kogen | - | 1,350m 4,429ft | - | - | - |
| Aizu Kogen Daikurayama | - | 1,200m 3,937ft | - | - | - |
| Aizu Kogen Nango | - | 1,000m 3,281ft | - | - | - |
| Aizu Kogen Takahata | - | 1,240m 4,068ft | - | - | - |
| Aizu Kogen Takatsue | 16km 10 miles | 1,650m 5,413ft | - | - | - |
| Ajigasawa | - | 921m 3,022ft | - | - | - |
| Akabirayama | - | 369m 1,211ft | - | - | - |
| Akazawa | - | 1,000m 3,281ft | - | - | - |
| Akazurayama | - | 1,500m 4,921ft | - | - | - |
| Akitaken Tazawako Kogen | - | 1,200m 3,937ft | - | - | - |
| Alts Bandai | - | 1,280m 4,199ft | - | - | - |
| Amihari | - | 1,350m 4,429ft | - | - | - |
| Appi Kogen | 45km 28 miles | 1,305m 4,281ft |  | - | |
| Arai | - | 1,280m 4,199ft | - | - | - |
| Asahidake Onsen | - | 660m 2,165ft | - | - | - |
| Asarigawa Onsen | - | 530m 1,739ft | - | - | - |
| Ashibetsu | - | 274m 899ft | - | - | - |
| Aso Choei Jinko | 1km 1 miles | 1,100m 3,609ft | - | - | - |
| Bandai Kokusai | 10km 6 miles | 1,050m 3,445ft | - | - | - |
| Biwako Valley | 7km 4 miles | 1,174m 3,852ft | - | - | - |
| Cupid Valley | - | 980m 3,215ft | - | - | - |
| Daisen Kokusai | - | 1,140m 3,740ft | - |  | - |
| Dynaland | 17km 11 miles | 1,430m 4,692ft | - | | - |
| Furano | 25km 16 miles | 1,209m 3,967ft | | | |
| Gala Yuzawa | - | 1,180m 3,871ft | - | - | - |
| Geihoku Kokusai | - | 1,126m 3,694ft | - | - | - |
| Geto Kogen | - | 1,070m 3,510ft | - | | |
| Gokase Highland | - | 1,620m 5,315ft | - | - | - |
| Hachimantai | - | 1,450m 4,757ft | - | - | - |
| Hachimantai Resort | - | 1,000m 3,281ft | - | - | - |
| Hakuba 47 | 24km 15 miles | 1,620m 5,315ft | | | |
| Hakuba Cortina Kokusai | - | 1,440m 4,724ft | - | - | - |
| Hakuba Norikura | - | 1,300m 4,265ft | - | - | - |
| Hakusan Sena Kogen | - | 1,110m 3,642ft | - | - | - |
| Happo One | 39km 24 miles | 1,831m 6,007ft | | | |
| Hiba Valley | - | 1,150m 3,773ft | - | - | - |
| Hotaka Olympia | 7km 4 miles | 1,310m 4,298ft |  | - |  |
| Inawashiro | 20km 12 miles | 1,200m 3,937ft | - | | - |
| Ipponsugi | - | 470m 1,542ft | - | - | - |
| Ishizuchi Ski Hill | - | 1,300m 4,265ft | - | - | - |
| Iwappara | - | 985m 3,232ft | - | - | - |
| Kagura | - | 1,845m 6,053ft | - | - | - |
| Karuizawa | 6km 4 miles | 1,155m 3,789ft | - | - | - |
| Kawaba | 12km 7 miles | 1,870m 6,135ft | - | - | - |
| Kijimadaira | - | 1,271m 4,170ft | - | | - |
| Kiroro | - | 1,180m 3,871ft | - | - | - |
| Kusatsu Onsen | - | 1,600m 5,249ft | - | - | - |
| Madarao | - | 1,350m 4,429ft | - | - | - |
| Maiko Kogen | 23km 14 miles | 920m 3,018ft | - | - | - |
| Minowa | - | 1,500m 4,921ft | - | - | - |
| Myoko Akakura / Shinakakura | 30km 19 miles | 1,510m 4,954ft | - | | - |
| Myoko Ikenotaira | 20km 12 miles | 1,210m 3,970ft | - | - | - |
| Myoko Pine Valley | 10km 6 miles | 945m 3,100ft | - | - | - |
| Myoko Suginohara | 24km 15 miles | 1,855m 6,086ft | - | - | |
| Naeba | 43km 27 miles | 1,789m 5,869ft | | |  |
| Niseko | - | 1,308m 4,291ft | | | |
| Niseko Annupuri | 13km 8 miles | 1,156m 3,793ft | | | |
| Niseko Grand Hirafu | - | 1,308m 4,291ft | | | |
| Niseko Hanazono | - | 1,100m 3,609ft | | | |
| Niseko Kokusai Moiwa | 7km 4 miles | 800m 2,625ft | - | - | - |
| Niseko Village/Higashiyama | 19km 12 miles | 1,170m 3,839ft | | | |
| Norikura Kogen Onsen | 21km 13 miles | 2,000m 6,562ft | - | - | - |
| Nozawa Onsen | 31km 19 miles | 1,650m 5,413ft | | | |
| Numajiri | - | 1,220m 4,003ft | - | - | - |
| Owani Onsen | - | 709m 2,326ft | - | - | - |
| Oze Iwakura | 19km 12 miles | 1,703m 5,587ft | | - | |
| Rusutsu | 40km 25 miles | 994m 3,261ft | | - | |
| Sahoro Resort | 20km 12 miles | 1,030m 3,379ft | | | |
| Shiga Giant | 2km 1 miles | 1,580m 5,184ft | - | - | - |
| Shiga Hasuike | 1km 1 miles | 1,595m 5,233ft | - | - | - |
| Shiga Higashitateyama | 7km 4 miles | 1,970m 6,463ft | - | - | - |
| Shiga Hoppo Bunadaira | 7km 4 miles | 1,583m 5,194ft | | - | |
| Shiga Ichinose Diamond | 4km 2 miles | 1,710m 5,610ft | - | - | - |
| Shiga Maruike | 1km 1 miles | 1,599m 5,246ft | - | - | - |
| Shiga Okusiga Kogen | 11km 7 miles | 2,000m 6,562ft | | - | |
| Shiga Yakebitaiyama | 18km 11 miles | 2,000m 6,562ft | | | |
| Shizukuishi | 33km 21 miles | 1,370m 4,495ft | | - | |
| Sun Marina Tamaniwa | - | 600m 1,969ft | - | - | - |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 35km 22 miles | 1,845m 6,053ft | | | |
| Teine Olympia | 7km 4 miles | 530m 1,739ft | - | - | - |
| Tengendai Kogen | - | 1,820m 5,971ft | - | - | - |
| Togakushi | 21km 13 miles | 1,748m 5,735ft | - | - | - |
| Togari Onsen | 19km 12 miles | 1,050m 3,445ft | | - | |
| Tsubetsu | 6km 4 miles | 945m 3,100ft | - | - | - |
| Tsugaike Kogen | 33km 21 miles | 1,680m 5,512ft | - | | - |
| Ushidake Onsen | - | 850m 2,789ft | - | - | - |
| Utopia Saioto | - | 1,150m 3,773ft | - | - | - |
| Yonezawa | - | 800m 2,625ft | - | - | - |
| Yuzawa Kogen | - | 1,170m 3,839ft | - | - | - |
| Yuzawa Nakazato | - | 702m 2,303ft | - | - | - |
| Yuzawa ParK | - | 650m 2,133ft | - | - | - |
| Zao | 43km 27 miles | 1,661m 5,449ft | | | |
The Ski Resorts of Japan
Compare the top ski areas for ski area size, altitude, and suitability for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.
Top 10 Largest ski areas in Japan
The most extensive downhill ski areas in Japan, by total downhill piste length.
| Ski Resort | Pistes |
|---|---|
| Appi Kogen | 45km 28 miles |
| Happo One | 39km 24 miles |
| Myoko Akakura / Shinakakura | 30km 19 miles |
| Naeba | 43km 27 miles |
| Nozawa Onsen | 31km 19 miles |
| Rusutsu | 40km 25 miles |
| Shizukuishi | 33km 21 miles |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 35km 22 miles |
| Tsugaike Kogen | 33km 21 miles |
| Zao | 43km 27 miles |
Top 10 Highest altitude ski resorts in Japan
The highest altitude ski resorts in Japan, by base / resort altitude.
| Ski Resort | Resort |
|---|---|
| Gokase Highland | 1,410m 4,626ft |
| Kawaba | 1,290m 4,232ft |
| Kusatsu Onsen | 1,245m 4,085ft |
| Norikura Kogen Onsen | 1,550m 5,085ft |
| Shiga Giant | 1,340m 4,396ft |
| Shiga Higashitateyama | 1,540m 5,052ft |
| Shiga Ichinose Diamond | 1,600m 5,249ft |
| Shiga Okusiga Kogen | 1,460m 4,790ft |
| Shiga Yakebitaiyama | 1,540m 5,052ft |
| Togakushi | 1,220m 4,003ft |
Top 10 Highest lift-served ski areas in Japan
The highest lift-served skiing in Japan, by the highest lift (top) altitude.
| Ski Resort | Top |
|---|---|
| Happo One | 1,831m 6,007ft |
| Kagura | 1,845m 6,053ft |
| Kawaba | 1,870m 6,135ft |
| Myoko Suginohara | 1,855m 6,086ft |
| Norikura Kogen Onsen | 2,000m 6,562ft |
| Shiga Higashitateyama | 1,970m 6,463ft |
| Shiga Okusiga Kogen | 2,000m 6,562ft |
| Shiga Yakebitaiyama | 2,000m 6,562ft |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 1,845m 6,053ft |
| Tengendai Kogen | 1,820m 5,971ft |
Top 10 Best ski areas for Beginners in Japan
The best beginner ski areas in Japan, rated according to the availability of easy slopes and ski schools.
| Ski Resort | Beginn. |
|---|---|
| Hotaka Olympia | |
| Naeba | |
| Nozawa Onsen | |
| Oze Iwakura | |
| Rusutsu | |
| Sahoro Resort | |
| Shizukuishi | |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | |
| Togari Onsen | |
| Zao | |
Top 10 Best ski areas for Intermediate Skiers in Japan
The best intermediate ski resorts in Japan, rated by the length and number of easy to moderate ski runs.
| Ski Resort | Interm. |
|---|---|
| Daisen Kokusai | |
| Dynaland | |
| Furano | |
| Happo One | |
| Kijimadaira | |
| Naeba | |
| Nozawa Onsen | |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | |
| Tsugaike Kogen | |
| Zao | |
Top 10 Best ski areas for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders in Japan
The best ski areas for Advanced and Expert skiers and boarders in Japan, rated by the availability of steep pistes and/or the accessibility of freeride and off-piste terrain.
| Ski Resort | Experts |
|---|---|
| Furano | |
| Myoko Suginohara | |
| Niseko | |
| Niseko Annupuri | |
| Niseko Village/Higashiyama | |
| Nozawa Onsen | |
| Oze Iwakura | |
| Shiga Hoppo Bunadaira | |
| Shiga Okusiga Kogen | |
| Shiga Yakebitaiyama | |
Japan
Our Japanese Ski Resort pages include Skiing Facts, Snow Reports and Forecasts (for most major ski resorts), local accommodation and online ski hire booking (where available) for 92 Ski Resorts in Japan.
You can find the major ski stations listed on the Top Japanese Ski Resorts page, ranked according to various criteria.