The best time to ski and snowboard in Hokkaido
Discover Hokkaido for ski and snowboarding
From its captivating culture to its legendary slopes, Japan offers something for every traveler.
Hokkaido
, in particular, is a skier's paradise, renowned for its abundant powder snow and breathtaking landscapes.
Let Club Med handle all the details of your Hokkaido ski or snowboard trip. Our expert team will put together a package to match your preferences and budget, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable winter getaway.
When is the best time to visit Hokkaido for ski and snowboarding?
The ski and snowboard season in Hokkaido, Japan, commences in December and runs till March, of course depending on the snow conditions at each individual resort. But the question still remains, when is the best time to ski and snowboard in Hokkaido? Club Med has you covered with the answer.
December
Mid-December, pre-Christmas holidays, is generally a great time for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders in Hokkaido. There are usually sufficient gatherings of snow on-piste (ski run or path), however, this is not always the case and may vary from year to year.
Although December can host ideal snow conditions for beginner skiers and snowboarders, it is advisable to avoid going skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido over the Christmas period as the Christmas rush can be hectic, which in turn can result in the rising price of accomodation, over-crowded slopes and over-priced flights for travelling during the peak holiday season.
January
Similar to the Christmas period, early January can be chaotic at ski and snowboard resorts around Hokkaido - particularly at resorts such as Niseko, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and Rusutsu, with many holiday-makers all making the most of their time off work. The Christmas holiday period is also the most popular time for the Japanese to go skiing and snowboarding. Resorts tend to be very crowded and prices for accommodation may also sky-rocket over this period.
The best time to ski and snowboard in Hokkaido is usually directly after the Christmas holiday rush. It isn’t called “Japanuary” for no reason. Resorts tend to be much quieter; slopes are more peaceful, there is generally a lot of snowfall of great quality, temperatures are quite cold and the price of skiing and accommodation and flights tend to lower which is a great bonus.
February
The Chinese New Year holiday and celebrations vary each year, typically falling in January or February. During this festive period, many Chinese and Asian skiers head to the slopes to enjoy the winter season. Similar to the Christmas period, prices for accommodation and flights may soar, accommodation may be limited and both resorts and slopes can be very crowded - particularly on-piste.
If you don’t particularly dislike crowds, you may want to visit Hokkaido in early February to attend the annual Sapporo Snow Festival - which attracts around 2 million visitors each year.
February’s weather is similar to January’s in Hokkaido, Japan, with fantastic snow conditions. With the exception of the Chinese New Year holidays, February, post Chinese New Year celebrations, is a great time for skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido as the crowds begin to disperse.
March
With temperatures gradually rising in March, the start of the spring ski season can bring unpredictable conditions, with varying snow quality. However, for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, March is a fantastic time to enjoy on-piste skiing. The warmer weather results in fewer crowds on the slopes, along with generally lower prices on flights and resort stays.
April
April is considered an ideal time for skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido, Japan, especially for families looking for lower costs and fewer crowds while still enjoying plentiful skiing and nightlife. While the ski season is winding down and only a few resorts remain open, on-piste snow conditions are often still good, even as off-piste coverage diminishes. With many professional skiers and snowboarders having moved on, the slopes are quieter, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
