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 |
|---|---|
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 47cm |
| Niseko Village/Higashiyama | 47cm |
| Hachimantai | 46cm |
| Happo One | 45cm |
| Kagura | 37cm |
| Niseko | 35cm |
Forecast updated : 11 Dec 2025 04:15 IST
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
December 11, 2025
Significant Fresh Snow is forecast for Furano, Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village/Higashiyama and Nozawa Onsen.
See all Snow Forecasts for Japan.
The Best Ski Resorts in Japan
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 |
| Happo One | 39km |
| Myoko Akakura / Shinakakura | 30km |
| Naeba | 43km |
| Nozawa Onsen | 31km |
| Rusutsu | 40km |
| Shizukuishi | 33km |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 35km |
| Tsugaike Kogen | 33km |
| Zao | 43km |
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 |
| Kawaba | 1,290m |
| Kusatsu Onsen | 1,245m |
| Norikura Kogen Onsen | 1,550m |
| Shiga Giant | 1,340m |
| Shiga Higashitateyama | 1,540m |
| Shiga Ichinose Diamond | 1,600m |
| Shiga Okusiga Kogen | 1,460m |
| Shiga Yakebitaiyama | 1,540m |
| Togakushi | 1,220m |
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 |
| Kagura | 1,845m |
| Kawaba | 1,870m |
| Myoko Suginohara | 1,855m |
| Norikura Kogen Onsen | 2,000m |
| Shiga Higashitateyama | 1,970m |
| Shiga Okusiga Kogen | 2,000m |
| Shiga Yakebitaiyama | 2,000m |
| Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata | 1,845m |
| Tengendai Kogen | 1,820m |
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.