JAPAN SNOW GUIDE 2022
Ride in luxury at Niseko Hanazono Resort’s shiny new Hanazono Lift 1, a six-seat hooded chairlift, or the tenperson Hanazono Symphony Gondola which travels at an industry-leading six meters per second. The 1,362-meterlong gondola will provide access to Hanazono’s Juicy Fruit beginner terrain via a new mid-station. Intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy Colly’s Folly, a new run from the top station. This 550-meter course is located on the east side of the famous Legend of Shinya ski course. The new lifts will also run in the green season to service Hanazono’s new zipline network opening June 2022, and a light exhibition. Where: Niseko, Hokkaido hanazononiseko.com The all-inclusive Rusutsu Resort offers several fun activities and events throughout the season: the Powder Snowshoe Run (Jan. 23, Feb. 27) and the Snow Trail Run (Mar. 20). Guests can also enjoy the Kamakura BBQ using local vegetables and lamb, an outdoor sauna and live jazz back at the hotel. Where: Rusutsu, Hokkaido rusutsu.com The annual Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival returns this winter to transform Lake Shikotsu into a frozen kingdom. The lake’s water is used to create massive ice sculptures which are illuminated at night.
Sapporo Snow Festival
8 | TRAVELER
You can also enjoy other wintry activities such as careening down an ice slide, gliding across an ice rink, horseback riding, hopping into a nearby hot spring and enjoying warm local delicacies like oden, soba and udon. Admission fee is ¥500. When: Jan. 29-Feb. 23; 16:30-20:00 hyoutou-special.asia Plan your winter Hokkaido trip a ro u n d t h e 2 0 2 2 S a p p o ro S n o w Festival, one of the most impressive ice sculpture festivals in the world. Odori-koen, Sapporo’s Central Park, is filled with creative sculptures during the event and resorts such as Sapporo Kokusai and Teine are nearby. When: Feb. 4-11 Where: Odori-koen, Sapporo, Hokkaido www.snowfes.com The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is held every February in Otaru, a charming port town in Hokkaido. Enjoy a night stroll as the Unga Kaijo and Temiyasen Kaijo areas are lit up by lanterns. When: Feb. 5-12; 17:00-21:00 Where: Otaru, Hokkaido yukiakarinomichi.org
Niseko Shootout Film Festival Photo by Niseko Promotion Board
Evergreen Backcountry Guides
News&Notes
Join the Niseko Shootout and Film Festival, a season-long photo and video contest to win exciting snow season prizes including Roko skis, Gentemstick snowboards, cat tours, action cameras and more. Tag #NisekoShootout for your chance to win. Photos and videos will be featured at the film festival at the end of the season. When: Until Mar. 12 Where: Niseko, Hokkaido nisekotourism.com Ani Ski Resort is targeting young adults this season. 19-year-olds ride free and 20-year-olds receive a lift pass discount. The resort is located on Mt. Moriyoshi. This northern Akita resort is uncrowded yet offers special features like powder tree skiing, juhyou "snow monsters," and a resident Akita dog, Hokuto. Where: Ani, Akita aniski.jp
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival Photo by Niseko Promotion Board
