Where can I ski in Hokkaido in late November for a first-time visitor?

Snow usually starts falling in northern Hokkaido from October, but ski resorts often open in late November—check snow conditions before planning your trip.

Where can I ski in Hokkaido in late November for a first-time visitor?

Hokkaido is huge, so I can’t guarantee there’ll be snow everywhere, but in northern Hokkaido, snow usually starts falling around October. By November, you can expect to see snow even in cities like Sapporo. However, if you’re planning to ski, you’ll need a lot of snow, so ski resorts might not be fully open by the end of November. Typically, though, some resorts are likely to have snow, so it’s worth checking ahead. Skiing can be pretty challenging, so if it’s your first time, it might be a good idea to take a lesson.

These ski resorts are often open from late November. However, the exact dates can change each year depending on the snow conditions, so please make sure to check for yourself.

Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake · Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
★★★★☆ · Skioord
Nakayamatoge Ski Field · 345 Kawakami, Kimobetsu, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0223, Japan
★★★★☆ · Skioord
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort · Japan, 〒061-2301 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami Ward, Jōzankei, 937番地先
★★★★☆ · Ski resort
Snow Cruise Onze · 357 Harukacho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0265, Japan
★★★★☆ · Ski resort
SAPPORO TEINE · 593番地 Teinehoncho, Teine Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-0029, Japan
★★★★☆ · Golfbaan
富良野スキー場 富良野ZONE · Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511, Japan
★★★★☆ · Ski resort
Rusutsu Amusement Park · Japan, 〒048-1711 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Rusutsu, Izumikawa, 13番地
★★★★☆ · Pretpark
Shibetsu City Hinata Ski Area · Tayorocho, Shibetsu, Hokkaido 098-0475, Japan
★★★★☆ · Ski resort