Just an hour’s drive from Niseko and only 30-minutes from the historic town of Otaru, the lesser-known resort of Kiroro offers visitors not only amazing backcountry skiing but also some of the best piste-runs in Hokkaido. Spread out over two mountains, the resort offers 21 courses serviced by a modern lift infrastructure. Powderhounds will get their fix out of ungroomed runs, tree lines and sidecountry areas, but it is worth finding a qualified guide for those who wish to head out of the resort boundaries.

Boasting an annual average snowfall of 21 metres, Kiroro has an abundance of powder for riders to score fresh tracks. However, with an area so vast it is near impossible to know not only where the best routes are to ski, but also how to choose safe lines in the unmanaged terrain. Kiroro’s backcountry is scattered with natural hazards including tree wells and open creeks, and skiers need to register with the resort to gain permission to head out of the resort boundaries. Booking a qualified guide means you will find the best powder under the resort’s safety requirements. Backcountry guides not only know the hazards in each area, they also stay up to date with the avalanche conditions and of course know where to find the best lines!

The immaculate groomed runs at Kiroro spread out over two mountain peaks, with a good mix of green, blue and black pistes. None are overly challenging, which is ideal for beginners and intermediates, and there are also park areas with jumps, rails and wave runs to enjoy.

Modern Kiroro has a range of shops, restaurants and ski rental options in its vast indoor complex. Expect a range of traditional Japanese dishes available from the restaurants, and plenty of vending machines to pick up a cold or hot beverage. One unique feature of this resort is the resident dogs. Saint Benard sisters, Sugar and Hoku, are most often found in the foyer of the indoor complex ready for a cuddle, or playing in the snow outside, and are an Instagram favourite.