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Higashikawa White Season Guide

Ski resorts and snowshoe trails accessible from Higashikawa

Daisetsuzan mountain range from Blooming Villa
Nestled at the foot of the majestic, snow-capped Daisetsuzan Mountain Range in Hokkaido, Higashikawa transforms into a pristine winter sanctuary. Renowned for its pure spring water and vibrant café culture, it’s a true “Town of Photography,” offering breathtaking monochrome landscapes at every turn. Higashikawa and its surrounding areas offer an abundance of world-class winter experiences, from legendary powder skiing and backcountry exploration to snowshoeing through silent forests and relaxing in open-air hot springs surrounded by falling snow.

❄️ Did You Know?

The snow here is “Silky,” not just soft. While Hokkaido is famous worldwide for its powder, the snow in the Higashikawa and Asahikawa region is distinct from coastal resorts like Niseko. Because this area is located inland, winter storm clouds shed their heavy, wet moisture over the coastal mountains before they reach the Daisetsuzan range. By the time the snow falls here, it is exceptionally dry and light—a phenomenon locals call “Silky Snow.” It is often so dry that if you try to squeeze it into a snowball, it will simply crumble in your hands!

In our companion Green Season Guide, we listed some popular activities, sightseeing spots, restaurants, and cafés in and around Higashikawa during the warmer months. This White Season Guide only lists ski resorts and snowshoe trails within an hour’s drive from Blooming Villa. To avoid duplication we haven’t listed any other activities or the restaurants in this Winter guide. Please note many of the activities and sightseeing locations in the Green Season Guide are either closed during winter, or recommended during the warmer months. As with the Green Season Guide, all driving distances in this guide are calculated from Blooming Villa Higashikawa to help you plan your days. Note car rental is available at Asahikawa Airport, approximately 10 km from the villa.

Map: Click here to see the locations below on Google Maps → Higashikawa Winter Guide

Skiing & Snowboarding

Asahidake Backcountry (Asahidake Ropeway)

As the highest mountain in Hokkaido, Asahidake is world-renowned for its deep, dry powder snow. It is primarily a backcountry area served by a single ropeway rather than a traditional resort. While there are two groomed trails, it is best suited for advanced skiers equipped with avalanche safety gear who want to explore off-piste terrain.

Canmore Ski Village

Located just minutes from the villa, Canmore is the “home” mountain of Higashikawa. It features groomed runs suitable for all levels, a ski school, and reasonably priced lift tickets. Its proximity and convenient night skiing hours make it the perfect spot for a quick morning or evening session without a long drive.

Furano Ski Resort

Furano is a premier world-class resort featuring two major zones (Furano and Kitanomine) with long groomed runs and varied terrain. It offers a full resort experience with English-speaking ski schools, high-speed lifts, and diverse dining options, catering to everyone from complete beginners to experts.

Kamui Ski Links

A favorite among locals, Kamui Ski Links offers a “big mountain” feel without the crowds or premium price tags of larger resorts. It features FIS-certified courses and designated un-groomed powder zones within patrolled boundaries, making it an excellent choice for intermediates and advanced skiers seeking fresh snow.

Pippu Ski Resort

Located north of Asahikawa, Pippu is a vast and beginner-friendly resort known for its wide, open courses and relaxed atmosphere. The slopes are well-groomed and uncrowded, providing an excellent environment for practicing turns. It offers a great view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range on clear days.

Santa Present Park

Santa Present Park is a convenient city-side ski hill located on the outskirts of Asahikawa. It is most famous for its night skiing, where skiers can enjoy spectacular views of the glittering city lights below. The terrain is primarily beginner to intermediate, making it popular for after-work or after-school practice.

Snowshoeing

Asahidake Ropeway Snowshoe Area

The Asahidake Ropeway area is a gateway to dramatic alpine snowshoe terrain inside Daisetsuzan National Park. Most snowshoeing here is done with local guides, offering safe access to volcanic landscapes, deep powder snow, and unforgettable mountain scenery.

Asahidake Visitor Center Snowshoe Trails

Located in the foothills of Mt. Asahidake, this area offers some of the most accessible and scenic snowshoeing in the region. Trails wind through pristine winter forest and open wetlands, making it ideal for first-time snowshoers and nature lovers looking for a peaceful winter experience.

Biei Rolling Hills Snowshoe Walks

Snowshoeing in Biei’s rolling hills offers wide-open winter landscapes, gentle terrain, and stunning views of snow-covered farmland. Most experiences here are guided and focus on relaxed walking, photography, and enjoying the quiet beauty of winter.

Mt. Arashiyama Snowshoe Trails

Mt. Arashiyama is a gentle forested hill on the edge of Asahikawa, perfect for easy snowshoe walks close to the city. Well-suited for beginners and families, the area offers quiet winter trails and scenic viewpoints without venturing deep into the mountains.

Shirogane Hills & Forest Snowshoe Trails

Located in the scenic Shirogane area of Biei, these snowshoe routes pass through beautiful birch forests and snowy river valleys. The area is popular for guided snowshoe walks and pairs perfectly with a visit to nearby hot springs after your hike.