From December 2025 through March 2026, Hokkaido is rolling out the welcome mat for Australian travellers, offering deeper powder, expanded resorts and direct Qantas flights—making it easier than ever to reach Japan’s winter wonderland.
Renowned for its fluffy powder snow, world-class ski resorts, enchanting snow festivals, and vibrant winter culture, Hokkaido continues to top the wish list for Aussie snow lovers. The region offers an unbeatable mix of thrilling alpine experiences and authentic Japanese charm, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and adventure seekers from around the world.
Whether it’s cruising through treelined runs, soaking in a steaming onsen after a day on the slopes, or wandering through lantern-lit festivals, winter in Hokkaido is nothing short of magical.
Qantas returns direct service
For the first time since March 2020, Qantas will operate direct flights from Australia to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. The direct service cuts travel time by up to five hours compared with previous itineraries via Tokyo or Osaka, shortening a journey that once exceeded 15 hours to about 10 hours door‑to‑door. The change is expected to spark strong Australian demand for the 2025–26 ski season.
Hokkaido’s resorts shine in winter
Renowned for its fluffy, light powder and top‑tier ski facilities, Hokkaido continues to be a favourite among Aussie snow lovers—offering alpine thrills alongside rich winter culture. Explore the best of Hokkaido’s snow resorts From the famed slopes of Niseko to the family-friendly trails of Tomamu, Hokkaido’s ski areas cater to every level of snow-seeker.
- Niseko United offers champagne powder and lively après-ski, now with expanded night skiing hours for thrilling runs after dark.
- Rusutsu Resort, crowned Japan’s Best Ski Resort, combines tree runs with a snow amusement park perfect for families.
- Furano Ski Resort, nestled near a vibrant town, has added new trails and upgraded lifts for even faster access to its pristine slopes.
- Kamui Ski Links remains a hidden gem with light crowds and deep powder.
- Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is an upscale winter playground featuring the whimsical Ice Village.
- Iwanai Resort invites adventurers to experience CAT skiing for off-trail powder and panoramic views.
- The Hokkaido Powder Belt – connecting Furano, Kamui and Tomamu – makes it easy for travellers to explore multiple resorts with one pass.
Time your trip for a festival
Why not enjoy more than just the snow adventures and time your trip around one of the many festivals happening across Hokkaido at the time. Here are some of the must visit festivals:
- Sapporo Snow Festival (4- 11 February) – Towering snow sculptures, food stalls and live entertainment across the city.
- Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (early – mid February) – February evenings glow with candlelit lanterns along the canals of this historic town.
- Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival (late January–mid March) – Spectacular frozen waterfalls illuminated in vibrant colours at night create a magical winter experience in the Daisetsuzan mountains.
Beyond the slopes
Hokkaido offers more than skiing: snowmobile safaris, backcountry snowshoeing, ice fishing, and immersive events like the Tomamu Ice Village with its igloo cafés and frosty bars. In Biei, the Blue Pond Winter Illumination transforms a frozen landscape into an ethereal LED-lit scene.
Exciting winter additions ahead
This season sees a flurry of new enhancements: ski run expansions and lift upgrades at Furano and Tomamu, gourmet pop‑ups and winter markets in Sapporo and Niseko, and the opening of new hotels such as the InterContinental Sapporo.
Australian snow seekers are encouraged to book early—particularly for the peak December to February period. Whether chasing fresh powder, cultural experiences, or a snowy family escape, Hokkaido promises a magical winter season.
