Treat the Kids to Winter Fun in 3 Hokkaido Ski Resorts

 

 

 

 

Looking for a place to bond with the family during winter? Consider Hokkaido. Japan’s largest and northernmost prefecture is noted for its ski resorts that offer something for every member of the family.

 

Here are three recommended ski resorts in the Hokkaido area that are ideal for families. Engage in various fun activities within the premises without having to move to different locations. They’re perfect for families with small children!

 

When is the snowy/skiing trip season in Japan?

 

The snowy season in Hokkaido differs depending on each area. In northern locations such as Wakkanai and Asahikawa, the snowy season starts in late October. In Hakodate and other locations in the southern part, the first snowfall is often recorded in early November and the main snowy period is from December to February. After that, snow doesn't melt until April. The period when ski resorts are open also varies depending on each facility. In general, they usually open from around the end of November at the earliest and close around the beginning of April.

 

1. Plenty of activities for children: Niseko HANAZONO Resort

 

 

Situated in the Niseko area, Niseko Hanazono Resort is famous for its powder snow. Located at the foot of Mt. Niseko Annupuri, the highest peak in the area, the resort has a full-scale ski course overlooking Mt. Yotei. At the foot of the mountain is the biggest Hanazono tube park in the area, which is popular with beginners and kids. Snow tubing is an activity where you slide on the snow using a large floatation ring. Take the Magic Carpet, a moving walkway up to the starting point of the snow tubing course. When you’ve had your fill, extend the fun in a dedicated snow play area where you can go sledding or engage in other snow activities besides skiing and snowboarding. A ski school for kids offers group and private lessons in English, so it’s great for families traveling with children.

 

Some bus companies have a shuttle bus that can take you directly from New Chitose Airport to the resort.

 

 

Services and Facilities for Kids

・The indoor kids center Hanazono Galaxy of Kidz allows kids to play safely indoors in its playground and wall climbing facilities.

・The Niseko Kid’s Club Hanazono in the resort has daycare and childcare services and provides rental services for childcare products (fees applicable for services and rentals). Staff members who speak more than two languages, such as Chinese and French, are available.

 

 

Location: 328-36 Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Access:

Bus: During winter, airport shuttle buses such as the ski bus (Chuo Bus) and the white liner (Good Sports) run frequently from New Chitose Airport. Expect to travel around two and a half to three hours (advance ticket reservation required).

Railway: Take JR Hakodate Main Line from Otaru Station for about 1 hour 30 minutes and get off at Kutchan Station. About 10 minutes by taxi from Kutchan Station.

※During the snow season at Hanazono, two Hanazono shuttle buses run every 30 minutes in and around the upper village in the Hirafu area.

Slope operating period: From December to April (Please check the official website for the latest schedule.)

 

2. A ski resort with gentle slopes for kids: Jozankei Mikasa Ski Resort

 

 

Located on the grounds of Jozankei Onsen, one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, Jozankei Mikasa Ski Resort is easy to access by car. From central Sapporo, travel time is about 50 minutes. At this ski resort, there are no ski lifts, just wide and gentle slopes for kids who have never skied before. Your children can go sledding and skiing safely and to their heart’s content. What’s more, admission is free and so is the sled rental for kids!

 

 

 

Services and Facilities for Kids

・At Mt. Wakakusa Lodge, situated at the entrance of the ski resort, sleds for kids can be rented for free. No need to bring your own when you come to the resort. Adults can rent snowshoes for a fee.

・Few people ski and snowboard at this resort, so make the most of the snowy mountains of Jozankei! This resort is best for adult skiers or snowboarders as well as their kids.

 

Location: Jozankeionsennishi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Slope operating period: Every November to March (Please check the official website for the latest schedule.)

Access: Head to Sapporo Station and take the Jotetsu Bus or the Jozankei Onsen direct bus Kappa Liner (advanced reservation required). Get off at the Jozankei Ohashi Bus Stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes.

 

3. Brimming with activities at one of the largest resort facilities in Hokkaido: Rusutsu Resort

 

 

Rusutsu Resort is one of the biggest resort facilities in Hokkaido, with four gondolas, 14 lifts across three mountains, and 37 ski courses ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to courses for more advanced skiers. The kids park is a snow play plaza for sledding, snow tubing, and biking on the snow on gentle slopes. A snow escalator helps small children move around easily and enjoy the snow. 

 

 

 

 

Services and facilities for kids

・There are lots of activities that both parents and children can enjoy, such as a dog-sledding experience on a 400-meter trail course; ice fishing, where the aim is to catch large rainbow trout with a lure fly by fishing through a hole in a frozen pond; and snowmobiling on a vast, powdery snowfield! Reservations can be made on the official website.

・Enjoy the hot springs, shops where you can get daily necessities and Hokkaido souvenirs, and over 30 restaurants serving Hokkaido cuisine.

・Projection mapping is another activity that the whole family will love. At night, images relating to Hokkaido’s rich nature are projected onto the hotel’s 50 meter x 13 meter glass wall and accompanied with music. Kids will be mesmerized by the larger-than-life pictures, ensuring they stay put, so you need not worry! 

 

 

・A nursery school (with a teacher who can speak English) can be used on an hourly basis. There are also private family ski lessons and private group ski lessons conducted by English-speaking instructors who can train students according to their level and needs.

・The largest amusement park in Hokkaido is great to visit regardless of the season. Among its over 60 attractions on the premises are facilities for rafting, canoe touring, helicopter sightseeing, horseback riding, and even a sheep farm.

 

Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Access: If you’re staying at the resort, a toll bus for Rusutsu Resort guests runs from New Chitose Airport. It takes around two hours to reach the resort. Also, during the slope operating period, free buses run daily between Sapporo and Rusutsu Resort. Reservations can be made on the official website.

Slope operating period: November to April (Please check the official website for the latest schedule.)

 

Refer to the following for more information on the facilities mentioned in this article.

https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/hokkaido/hokkaido/

 

Niseko HANAZONO Resort
https://www.niseko-ta.jp/en/
https://hanazononiseko.com/en
Youtube URL：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-YhDBZMvrw&t=31s

 

Jozankei Mikasa Ski Resort
https://jozankei.jp/en/

Rusutsu Resort
https://rusutsu.com/en/
Youtube URL：https://rusutsu.com/en/video-library/