Asahidake
The Asahidake ski area in Hokkaido Japan is a haven for all powderhounds. It’s essentially a backcountry ski resort that has the luxury of being serviced by a cable car.
Asahidake Ski and Snowboard Terrain The Asahidake skiing is definitely not suited to beginners or intermediates as there are only four groomed trails, with all other areas being a playground of off-piste powder skiing. There’s an abundance of powder, with an average annual snowfall of about 14 metres. Generally the Asahidake ski “resort” is very uncrowded, so there are plenty of freshies just begging to be ripped up.
The ski and snowboard terrain at Asahidake is smokin’ – literally considering that Mt Asahidake is an active volcano with lots of fumaroles emitting steam and gas (so it’s a little stinky sometimes!).
Where is Asahidake Ski Resort? Mt Asahidake is located in Central Hokkaido, Japan, about 1 hour east of
Asahikawa, and approximately 50 minutes from
Furano ski resort. From Asahikawa, Asahidake can be easily accessed by car or public bus. From Furano, guided tours are run by Hokkaido Powder, or Furano Alpine Travel arranges transport on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Asahidake Accommodation Asahidake accommodation is limited to only a few hotels and a youth hostel that make up a small “village”. These are located on the road below the ropeway building, so none of the Asahidake accommodation options are ski-out (but they can be ski-in). Alternatively many skiers commute from
Asahikawa or
Furano.
Facilities Asahidake is in a national park rather than a ski resort so it has very limited facilities, but the powder hunters that frequent Asahidake don’t seem to mind.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Asahidake, Japan? It is generally super quiet at Asahidake, with only about 20-30 skiers and snowboarders visiting each day. This makes powderhounds very happy, with fresh tracks still to be found at the end of the day. Get to Asahidake before everyone else discovers it!