[Japan Ski Guide] Essential Tips for First-Time Skiers and the Most Popular Ski Resorts

Rusutsu Resort is one of Hokkaido’s largest all-season resorts. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In summer, there’s an amusement park with nearly 60 attractions, plus golf and more.
It’s located in Abuta District, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport by shuttle bus. The resort covers three mountains—West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola—with 37 courses and a total run distance of 42 km.
The powder snow and stunning scenery are the main draws.
There are plenty of activities (like dog sledding and snowmobiling), a kids’ park, hot springs, restaurants, and shopping areas, so you can have fun all day.
Multilingual services are available in English, Chinese, Korean, and more, making it a hit with international visitors.

Located in central Hokkaido’s Furano City, in the “Powder Belt” area known for some of the world’s best powder snow, this is a large-scale ski resort.
It has hosted FIS World Cup and Snowboard World Cup events, so it’s well-known internationally.
The resort is divided into two areas: Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone. There are 28 courses, covering 194 hectares, with the longest run stretching 4,000 meters.
You’ll find everything from wide family-friendly slopes for beginners to steep, ungroomed powder zones for experts, all with amazing views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range.
There are also plenty of activities besides skiing, like snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Plus, you can enjoy local food and hot springs at nearby accommodations.

Spread across the base of Mt. Niseko Annupuri (1,308m), this is the largest ski resort in the Niseko area.
There are 22 courses and 12 lifts and gondolas, with a maximum slope of 40 degrees and the longest run at 5,300 meters.
The world-famous powder snow here attracts skiers from all over, offering a unique and exhilarating ride.
You’ll find groomed runs, ungroomed powder zones, a snow park, and night skiing, so there’s something for everyone.
The view of Mt. Yotei from the slopes is breathtaking and makes for a memorable experience.
At the base town, you’ll find hotels, condos, hot springs, and restaurants, making it a great place for an extended stay.

Located at an altitude of 800–900m, Appi Kogen boasts a vast area of approx 2,000 hectares surrounded by nature.
With birch forests, grasslands, and beech forests, the resort has a European alpine vibe, lined with stylish pensions and hotels.
The slopes spread across Mt. Maemori (1,305m) and Mt. Nishimori (1,328m), offering 21 long courses.
Nearby, you can enjoy fresh milk soft-serve ice cream or interact with animals at Appi Kogen Farm. There’s also Appi Onsen Shirakaba-no-Yu, a hot spring known for its beautifying waters.

With 26 courses and 34 lifts, this is one of Japan’s largest snow resorts. The vast slopes, shaped by the complex terrain, are divided into six main areas with a wide variety of courses for all levels.
The uppermost Juhyo Field course is world-famous for its stunning “snow monsters” (frost-covered trees).
At the heart of this huge resort is Zao Onsen, a hot spring with a history dating back 1,900 years. Both overnight guests and day visitors can enjoy a soak.

This long-established ski resort sits within Bandai-Asahi National Park, surrounded by Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro.
On clear days, you can enjoy spectacular lake views in an open, scenic setting.
Fifteen out of 18 courses are designed for beginners and intermediates, so you can practice at your own pace.
It’s popular with beginners and families, thanks to the wide, gentle slopes and fewer worries about collisions.
For advanced skiers, there’s a challenging course with a max slope of 42 degrees, where you can enjoy steep runs, moguls, and fresh powder.
Don’t miss the mystical “sea of clouds skiing” and the “night slopes” with snow fireworks. Both are held on specific days and are truly unforgettable experiences.

Just approx 2 hours from Tokyo via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, with a free shuttle bus from JR Numata Station, this ski resort is super easy to get to.
Eighty percent of its eight courses are for beginners and intermediates, making it ideal for kids’ first ski trips.
The restaurants offer plenty of kid-friendly options, and there’s even a branch of a popular local ramen shop.
There’s also “Tambara Land,” a dedicated area for snow play and sledding, so even little kids can have a blast. The ski and snowboard schools, run by experienced instructors, are also highly rated.

This mountain resort spreads across the northwest slope of Mt. Takahara in northern Tochigi. It’s approx 150 minutes from the Tokyo area via the Tohoku Expressway, so it’s easy to visit for a day.
There are 12 courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with the longest run stretching 3,000m for a real thrill.
There’s also a kids’ park with soft slides, tubing, bouldering, and more, making it a hit with families.

You can access the slopes directly, and there’s a multi-story parking lot for up to 1,800 cars. The resort is also packed with facilities like restaurants, sports shops, and rest areas.
There are courses for everyone, from beginners to experts, so even seasoned skiers will be impressed.
You can also book the “FIRST TRACK CAT SERVICE,” where a snowcat takes you to the top of the slopes before opening. Enjoy the view and be the first to ski the untouched snow that day.

Located on the eastern slope of Mt. Dainichigatake (1,709m) in Takasu, Gujo City, this is one of the largest snow resorts in western Japan.
There are 18 courses spread across a 165-hectare field, designed to suit a wide range of levels and needs.
You’ll find a 3,200m long course, an advanced course with a max slope of 38 degrees, and four tree run courses, so you can enjoy all kinds of skiing.
Night skiing is available every day until 11pm, and on weekends and holidays, the resort opens at 6am, so you can ski all day.
There’s also “Baboon,” a snow play area with a sledding slope, indoor playground, and food court, so families with small kids can relax and have fun.

Located on the eastern slope of Mt. Dainichigatake in Takasu, Gujo City, this is one of the largest snow resorts in western Japan. The summit is 1,550m high, and the slopes are covered in the area’s famous “Takasu Powder.”
There are 12 courses, including three long runs of around 4,000m, with options for everyone from beginners to experts.
Families will love the “Kids Park,” where both kids and adults can enjoy snow play, sledding, tubing, and even snowmobile rides.

This ski resort is in the Oku-Mino area (Meiho, Gujo City), one of Gifu’s top snow destinations.
It boasts 14 courses, including the famous “α5000,” a super-long run with a max length of 5,000m.
The elevation difference, summit height, and longest run are all among the best in the area. From the top, you can see stunning views of the Northern Alps and Mt. Hakusan.
The courses make use of the natural terrain, so both beginners and experts can have a great time.
There’s also a “Terrain Park” produced by pro snowboarder Makoto Takeuchi, which is another highlight.
With six areas featuring jumps, rails, and more, it’s popular with skiers looking to level up their skills.

This is the largest snow resort in Ishikawa, spreading across the base of Mt. Hakusan.
It’s just approx 1 hour by car from Kanazawa City or Komatsu Airport, and there are plenty of hot spring inns at the base, making it great for overnight stays.
The varied courses include a long run of approx 3,000m and an elevation difference of approx 500m, so you can enjoy long cruises whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
The huge kids’ park, known as a “winter amusement park,” is another must-see.
There’s a sledding slope, snow slide, snow play area, tubing, moving belt, and rest spaces, so kids can have the time of their lives.
The center house also has a restaurant and nursing room, so the facilities are very family-friendly.

Located at the southwestern base of Ushidake in Toyama City, this local ski resort is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.
The slope is a single, spacious 70-hectare run with a gentle incline—average gradient of 10 degrees and a max of 20 degrees—stretching up to 2,000 meters.
You can enjoy skiing with views of the Tateyama mountain range, the Toyama Plain, and, if you’re lucky, even a mirage over Toyama Bay.
The wide course and well-maintained, packed snow make it a popular spot for families and those new to skiing.
It also boasts one of Japan’s largest night skiing facilities, so you can ski almost everywhere on the slopes after dark and soak in the magical scenery of city lights and starry skies.
To wrap up your day, relax and unwind in the natural hot springs at the adjacent Ushidake Onsen Health Center—highly recommended!

This city-run local ski area is located in Tawara Town, Kanazawa.
It’s just a 30-minute drive from downtown, making it easy to get to. The reasonable prices, typical of a municipal facility, make it a casual choice.
At 540 meters at its highest point, it’s relatively low in elevation and features four compact courses.
There’s a gentle, wide family slope and a challenging course with a max gradient of 37 degrees, offering a variety of natural terrain and thrills.
From the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mt. Hakusan (2,702m) and the Noto Peninsula, making for a refreshing ride down the slopes.
You can enjoy everything in half a day to a full day, so it’s easy to combine with sightseeing at Kenrokuen or Higashi Chaya District, or a relaxing hot spring visit.

Biwako Valley is a nature resort at approx 1,100 meters elevation in Otsu, Shiga, on the western shore of Lake Biwa. It’s super easy to get to from the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe area.
This popular spot offers a wide range of activities, including winter skiing.
The ski area usually opens in late December and boasts a location with stunning panoramic views of Lake Biwa below.
There are nine courses, from the beginner-friendly Uchimi Slope to the advanced Horai North Slope.

Located in Okuibuki, Maibara City, this is one of Kansai’s largest ski resorts, famous for its world-record snowfall of 11.82 meters.
It’s easy to reach from the Kyoto-Osaka and Nagoya areas, making it a great choice for day trips.
The wide slopes make the most of the mountain terrain, and it’s been ranked No.1 in the national ski resort rankings (Weathernews survey).
There are plenty of courses, including a long run of approx 2,500 meters, all with fantastic views of Lake Biwa and the Northern Alps.
The highlight for advanced skiers is “Heavenly46°,” a thrilling run with a max slope of approx 46 degrees.
Facilities are also top-notch, with a kids-only slope, over 4,000 rental sets, and a food court serving unique slope meals. You can enjoy your visit even if you come empty-handed.

Located in Kami Town, Mikata District, northern Hyogo, this is one of Kansai’s biggest ski resorts, with two areas—Hachi Kogen and Hachikita Kogen—and a total of 25 courses.
You can move between both areas with a single lift ticket, so you get to enjoy two resorts in one visit.
The course breakdown is well-balanced: 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced. The longest run is 4,000 meters, with an elevation difference of approx 641 meters.
There are plenty of unique courses, like the scenic “Sky Road” from the summit, the steep “North Wall” for advanced skiers, and the powder-filled “Nature Zone.”
The kids’ park has a moving belt and snow attractions, making it a great place for children to try skiing for the first time.

This local ski resort is located along Route 186 in the Geihoku Highlands, near the border with Shimane Prefecture.
It’s long been a favorite among locals, and in winter, its stylish, Canadian resort-style buildings attract many visitors.
The biggest draw is the super-wide slope, up to 400 meters across.
The gentle incline makes it easy to ski, and there’s plenty of space to get back up safely if you fall-perfect for those just starting out with skiing or snowboarding.
You might also want to join one of the ski lessons, which are organized by skill level.
Families with small children will love the facilities, which is another highlight.
There’s a kids’ park, a sledding-only slope, a kids’ room, a nursing room, and a spacious free rest area-everything you need for a comfortable visit.

Located in Onbara Kogen, Kagamino Town, Tomata District, Okayama, at an elevation of approx 800-900 meters, this is the largest ski resort in the prefecture.
The courses are mainly divided into the Panorama Slope and Lakeside Slope, with everything from gentle beginner runs to advanced sections with a max slope of approx 28 degrees.
The best part is enjoying natural snow while taking in the stunning views of the Chugoku Mountains, the highlands, and Lake Onbara.
Skiing here with such a beautiful backdrop is a special experience, and the surrounding nature helps you forget everyday stress.
The kids’ park has a dedicated area for sledding and playing in the snow, so families of all ages can enjoy it.
There are also accommodations nearby, so after a day on the slopes, you can relax in a hot spring and try some local gourmet food.

This snow resort stretches across the northern slopes of Mt. Daisen in Tottori. There are four areas-Kokusai, Goenzan, Nakanohara, and Uenohara-with nine diverse courses for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.
The biggest highlight is the view: as soon as you get off the lift, you’re greeted by a sweeping panorama of the Sea of Japan. Known as the “slope with a sea view,” you can see the Yumigahama Peninsula, the Shimane Peninsula, and even as far as the Oki Islands on clear days.
On weekends and holidays, there’s a kids’ park open for toddlers and young children, where they can safely enjoy sledding and playing in the snow.

Located on Mt. Kainayama (approx 1,100m elevation) in Ikawa Town, Miyoshi City, this is Tokushima’s only ski resort.
It opened in 1927, making it the oldest ski resort in Shikoku. It’s especially popular with snowboarders, who make up about 70% of visitors.
There are four main courses plus a kids’ slope. The runs are on the shorter side, but they’re wide, so everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can have fun.
The resort boasts one of the best artificial snow systems in Shikoku, so you can always expect top conditions.
Rental services and the central lodge are well-equipped, making it a great choice for first-timers.
The biggest draw is the breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea.
The panorama from the main course is especially impressive. On clear days, you can see the islands and even the Seto Ohashi Bridge in the distance.

This compact ski resort is located near the 1,400m elevation mark on Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, in Saijo City, Ehime.
It gets plenty of snowfall for the region, and all courses have snowmaking machines, so you can count on good, stable conditions.
There’s one course each for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, so everyone can enjoy skiing at their own pace.
On sunny days, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. The quiet, relaxed atmosphere is a nice change from the big resorts near cities.
Since it’s a smaller resort, it doesn’t get too crowded. It’s perfect for first-timers or families, and it’s also popular for day trips or overnight stays combined with local hot springs and inns.

Kuma Skiland is one of Ehime’s top local ski resorts, located in Kumakogen Town, about an hour’s drive from Matsuyama.
It sits at an elevation of approx 900–1,003m, with a vertical drop of approx 103m. It’s very compact, but there are five well-designed courses for beginners and intermediates.
The longest run is 610m, and the steepest slope is 24 degrees, so it’s gentle and family-friendly.
It has the largest snowmaking system in Shikoku, so you can count on stable conditions throughout the season.
Unlike most resorts that only offer night skiing on weekends or limited courses, this resort has night skiing on all courses almost every day. Perfect for those who want to ski for longer hours.
There’s also a large restaurant with 300 seats, serving rice bowls, noodles, curry, and more, so you can enjoy a good meal too.

Located in Kusu District, Oita, this is the largest ski resort in Kyushu.
It sits at an elevation of approx 1,150–1,330m, offering panoramic views from the slopes and a stunning outlook over the Kuju mountain range and Mt. Aso.
The resort uses 100% artificial snow with the latest snowmaking machines.
There are five courses and three lifts, with a good balance from beginner runs to a challenge slope with a max gradient of 25 degrees.
You can rent everything you need, from the latest wear to gear and accessories. There’s also a ski school and a snow play area for kids, so you can come empty-handed and still have a great time.
The “CAFE HILL SIDE,” which opened in 2024, is a popular spot to relax on the mountainside.

Located in the mountains of Nishi-Usuki District, Miyazaki, at an elevation of 1,420–1,610m, this is Japan’s southernmost ski resort.
While there are snowmaking machines, you’ll also find high-quality natural powder snow here, making it a rare spot for snow play in Kyushu.
There are three courses, with the main Paradise Course for beginners and intermediates stretching approx 1,000m.
All runs start from the summit, offering amazing views of Mt. Aso, Mt. Kuju, and even the Kyushu coastline.
The snowy scenery in this almost tropical region is truly special. On clear days, you’ll be treated to stunning, photogenic views in crisp mountain air.
The snow park is equipped with features like kickers (jumps) and boxes (jib items), so both snowboarders and freestyle skiers can have fun.