Japan's top ski hotels enjoy privileged access to some of the best skiing in the world.
Japan’s ski resorts consistently rank among the best in the world thanks to a ski season that benefits from more snowfall than any other country. Only a limited number of hotels have the privilege of slopeside access to these world-class resorts, ranging from luxury condominium-style residences to stylish boutique lodges.
ANA InterContinental | ANA Crowne Plaza
Appi Kogen
“True luxury at one of Japan’s best powder destination resorts”
Awarded ‘Japan’s Best Ski Resort’ at the 2022 World Ski Awards, Appi Kogen has developed into a world-class destination resort, popular for the huge quantities of pristine powder or “Japow” it receives each season. At the base of the resort, which comprises 21 courses, 5 chairlifts and a gondola, both the ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen and the newer ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort offer a huge range of luxury facilities plus direct ski-in ski-out access.
ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen. View more images
The towering Crowne Plaza complex is one of Appi Kogen’s defining landmarks and enjoys a reputation as one of Japan’s best ski hotels thanks to a string of nominations at the World Ski Awards. The hotel features several fine dining restaurants including Teppanyaki Kazan and Arberg, a seasonal hotel buffet, plus amenities including a large hot spring bath, fitness centre, spa and recreation facility.
The InterContinental, the newer of the two properties, is the first 5-star hotel in the Northern Tohoku region, offering a standard of luxury rarely seen in a ski hotel. Highlights include two lavish onsen baths, Iwa and Hinoki, made from rock and cypress, and an afternoon tea and cocktail time with local beer and fine wines.
Guests have access to a range of winter activities including powder guide tours, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and cat tours. The resort also features a popular snow playground and kids’ ski school for families with young children.
Image: ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort. View more images
Hakuba Powder Mountain
Happo-One
“Prime access to Hakuba’s biggest and most popular ski area”
The closest lodge to Happo-One’s Sakka slope, Hakuba Powder Mountain enjoys prime slopeside access to Hakuba’s biggest and most popular ski area, with both lifts and ticket desks just metres away.
This family-friendly lodge, located in the peaceful Wadano neighbourhood, comprises several 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, each with its own living room, kitchen and view onto the slopes. The apartments feature cozy wooden interiors plus a generous range of modern amenties, combining the warmth and character of a traditional chalet with the creature comforts of an upscale condo.
Hakuba Powder Mountain. View more images
The lodge is family run, led by Taka-san, whose generous hospitality and local knowledge have contributed to a near perfect rating across all major booking sites. Shuttle buses to nearby resorts stop within metres of the lodge. Otherwise, Wadano is home to several restaurants, cafes and onsen, plenty of which are within easy reach on foot.
Another notable convenience is the lodge’s in-house rental shop, located on the ground floor. The shop stocks a full range of adults’ and kids’ skis, boards, equipment and gear, and offers some of the cheapest rates in the area.
Hamon
Tsugaike Kogen
“Art, culture and slopeside access to one of Hakuba’s snowiest resorts”
Hamon is located is on the slopes of Tsugaike Kogen at the snowier northern end of Hakuba Valley. The lodge offers true ski-in ski-out access to one of Hakuba’s biggest ski areas, known for its powder credentials, backcountry and beginner terrain.
Founded by backcountry operator Goodguides, who designed it as a “one-stop shop”, the lodge features several double and twin rooms, male and female onsen-style baths, an art gallery and souvenir shop, and a stylish Japanese restaurant-bar that looks directly onto the slopes.
Hamon offers true ski-in ski-out access to one of Hakuba’s biggest ski areas. View more images
The property itself combines a traditional ryokan aesthetic with some stylish contemporary touches including local modern art and original furnishings. The spacious guest rooms feature tatami mats, soft timber finishes and original shoji screens paired with cozy western-style beds – twin or double arrangements available on request.
Thanks to its partnership with Goodguides, the lodge provides local ski field and backcountry information including daily avalanche forecasts. Hamon’s English-speaking Japanese staff also carry an enormous amount of local knowledge and have developed a reputation for their omotenashi brand of Japanese hospitality.
Park Hyatt Hanazono
Niseko Hanazono
“5-star luxury at one of Niseko’s powder hotspots”
Thanks to its ever growing popularity, Niseko has seen massive development over the past 20 years and is now home to a huge number of luxury and slopeside properties. Of these these, Park Hyatt Hanazono, a relative newcomer to the Niseko landscape, is among the most impressive.
This luxury 5-star hotel is based at the foot of Niseko Hanazo, one of the quieter Niseko resorts known for its beginner-friendly slopes, world-class powder and competition-level terrain parks. The hotel looks directly onto Hanazono’s bunny slope and tube park, and is just a stone’s throw from the resort’s Symphony Gondola base.
Park Hyatt Hanazono is based at the foot of Niseko Hanazono, one of the quieter Niseko resorts known for its beginner-friendly slopes, world-class powder and competition-level terrain parks.
The rooms on offer include king and twin bed suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, sleeper sofas and 55-inch flat-screen TVs. The hotel’s lavish residences offer a level up in luxury, each with its own private balcony and and onsen overlooking Mount Yotei and the Annupuri ranges.
Guests have easy access to a variety of fine dining restaurants including Molière Montagne and Sushi Mitsukawa, both led by Michelin-starred chefs. The hotel’s Bar & Cigar Lounge is also popular for its premium range of spirits, micro-brews and signature cocktails, four of which are inspired by Niseko’s four distinct seasons.
Fenix Furano
Furano Ski Resort
“Direct access to one of Japan’s best all-round ski resorts”
The impressive Fenix Furano sits directly behind the Kitanomine Gondola, offering immediate access to Furano Ski Resort, one of Hokkaido’s best all-round ski destinations thanks to its pristinely kempt groomers, wide-ranging terrain and Central Hokkaido powder.
This luxury condominium-style hotel, whose unique wooden beam façade was inspired by local birch forests, features 62 full-service units, ranging from hotel-style studio suites to 3-bedroom penthouse apartments.
Fenix Furano sits directly behind the Kitanomine Gondola, offering immediate access to Furano Ski Resort, one of Hokkaido’s best all-round ski destinations.
At ground level, guests have access to shops, restaurants, a ski room, and a stunning designer lobby and lounge, which features high ceilings, custom furniture and two large-scale murals. All guest rooms and apartments come with private balconies, many of which offer spectacular views of Furano and the Daisetsuzan Range.
The property sits on the fringe of Kitanomine Village, home to a small concentration of lively bars, restaurants and onsen. On the other side of the Sorachi River, downtown Furano is a tourist destination in its own right, and offers more options for food, drink and entertainment.
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