Time flies, and before we know it, 2018 the end of the year is upon us (surprise!). Children’s childhoods race by even faster than a hundred-meter dash, and once it’s gone, it’s gone—so take this winter to let your kids experience skiing for fun. Japan, not far from Taiwan, is definitely one of the most popular countries for skiing . But taking children skiing in Japan requires careful planning—don’t know how to choose? This article is just for you!
(*Due to the vast size of resorts, it’s not possible to introduce all activities. This article focuses only on family-friendly activities and child facilities. Please understand.)
Japan Skiing Grade System
How to define skiing beginners and experts
Pay attention to slope grading
- Beginner slope (Green): Located at lower altitudes, with flat terrain and gradients of about 6%~25%, suitable for beginners.
- Intermediate slope (Red): The most common type of slope at ski resorts, with gradients of about 25%~40%.
- Advanced slope (Black): Steep slopes with gradients exceeding 40% , some requiring avoidance of trees and rocks.
Although Japanese slopes are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, standards may vary by resort. It’s recommended to assess the environment and your own abilities before skiing. Also, when a family goes skiing together, as everyone has different skill levels, it's essential to grade according to individual ability and chooseindividually suitableslopes, so that beginners can play safely and experts can have fun to the fullest.
Don’t skimp on skiing attire
Skiing requires a lot of gear,such as beanies, snow goggles, gloves, scarvesand other cold-weather essentials—choose wisely.waterprooffunctionality; otherwise, getting wet is not only uncomfortable but also increases the risk of catching a cold. For clothing, it's recommended to go withlayered dressing, starting with breathable, moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts and pants as the base layer, then adding warmer, thicker outerwear. As for socks, opt for long ones to avoid any gaps around your legs, and choose waterproof, non-slip shoes. Additionally, sunlight reflecting off the snow can be much stronger, so be sure to takesun protectionseriously.
Pro tips:Since renting a full set of winter gear can be pricey, if you're skiing for several days, it’s advisable to bring your own basics such as a woolen hat, ski goggles, gloves, and a scarf.
The Ultimate Japan & Korea Ski Guide: A Lazy-Person’s Handbook for Beginners and Families to Have Fun~
Complete Guide to Winter Weather in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Kyushu – All Your Winter Outfit Tips in One Place~
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Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu Ski Resort
?Ski Resort Features:
Rusutsu isHokkaido’s largeststandalone ski resort, boasting the region’s renowned high-quality powder snow (soft and fluffy), with a total of 37 trailsof varying difficulty levels,spanning 42 kilometersin length, offering suitable runs for both beginners and advanced skiers.
?Kids’ Facilities:
The resort features a dedicatedkids' snow play areawith special runs, plus child-friendly equipment such as magic carpets (moving carpet lifts), sleds, snow bikes, and inflatable castles for practice and fun. Additionally, younger children can enjoy an indoor playroom supervised by professional childcare staff.
?Snow Activities:
Introductory snowmobile rides (with instructor guidance), snow tubing, adventure snowmobiling (solo ride), New Year’s Day sunrise snowmobile tours (with guide, up to20persons), snow tubes
? Lessons(All conducted in English, participants must be at least 4 years old):
Private lessons (up to8friends or family members may join per class, but they should have similar skiing abilities), early morning review sessions (for those on a budget, wishing to review or improve their skills — not recommended for beginners), evening lessons, night lessons
?Within the ski resort, there are 4 restaurants serving ramen, shabu-shabu set meals, Japanese and Western cuisine, among others.
Rusutsu Resort children's facilities and activities
? Amusement park:
Features an exclusiveKids' World(inflatable playground, mini pirate ship, animal-themed electric cars, coloring area, etc.), as well as 8 different types of amusement rides such as roller coasters, miniature trains, and Ferris wheels. In addition, the amusement park includesa summer water play zone, which features an outdoor oversized swimming pool, water slides, ramps, a toddler splash pool, and an indoor wave pool.
? Children’s special activities:
- Outdoor: horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, beginner fishing classes, parent-child rafting, farm harvesting, etc.
- Indoor: rock climbing, handicrafts (mountaineering ropes, leatherwork, glass art, picture frames, plant dyeing, chopstick making, etc.), cooking classes (milk candy, potato pancakes, jam, etc.).
(*Reminder: Most of the above activities require paid reservations and are mainly offered in Japanese or English.)
Resort transportation:You can reserve a resort shuttle bus to and from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.?
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The Westin Rusutsu Resort hotel Westin Rusutsu Resort
–The Westin Rusutsu ResortFacilities –
? Rooms: A total of 5 room types, each with a bathtub in the bathroom, and some room types feature a lounge area.
?2 Restaurants: An atrium restaurant with scenic views, and aKazahanaserving teppanyaki and kaiseki cuisine.
? Onsen (Hot Springs): Indoor and outdoor baths available for free use during your stay.
? Indoor Wave Pool: Guests can enjoy playing in the water, and there is also a slide in the pool.
? Japanese Aromatherapy Massage Rooms: Offering facial and body treatments, reservation required for adults 18 years and older.
? Children’s Facilities: Double-decker carousel, game world,4Dtheater, shooting games.
? Other Facilities: Musical fountain (especially recommended for the show after sunset), Starlight Avenue (a light-projected pathway with a cricket bar), reading room, mahjong rooms.
? Multiple Shops: Selling ski equipment, daily necessities, wine, Christmas goods, traditional Japanese items, Ainu handicrafts from Hokkaido, glassware, etc.
– Services –
Free Wi-fi, parking,24-hour front desk, currency exchange,24-hour security, laundry
? Phone:?+81 136 46 3111
? Address:?133 Izumikawa Rusutsu-mura,?Abuta-gun??048-1711?Japan
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Kiroro Resort
Kiroro Ski Area
? Ski Resort Features:
The Shirakaba Resort is located in an undevelopednatural scenic area,boasting dense forests in summer and what is touted as Hokkaido’s five-star snow in winter. With an average annual snowfall of 21 meters, coupled with Hokkaido’s intense cold, the area easily forms dry powder snow that is favored by expert skiers. Additionally, many staff members at the resort are proficient in English, ensuring smooth communication, and the resort is just 30 minutes away from the famous port town of Otaru.
The Shirakaba Resort was ranked as one of the 2018 best family ski resorts in the worldin [year], featuring dedicated ski slopes for families and parent-child skiing, making it very beginner-friendly. Moreover, thechildren's ski lessonsat Shirakaba Resort are in collaboration withAnnie?Famose Village Des EnfantsFrance’s leading ski school, making them a favorite among many parents.
? Children’s Facilities:
Kids’ Snow Park (with various snow play equipment such as sleds, inner tubes, mini shovels, etc.), cross-country skiing (beginner courses available for families), parent-child and beginner-exclusive ski runs equipped with surface lifts.
? Snow Activities:
Snow tubing, snowmobile rides (available as instructor-driven or self-operated options), snow banana boat rides, ATV rides, snowshoe tours, large-scale snowmobile guided tours, two-wheeled electric balance vehicles, cross-country skiing, cycling on snow, and snow bubble balls (where participants are enclosed in space-like bubbles and bump into each other)
? Lessons:
Children’s Lessons:Based on the [system] children’s grading system, kids are divided into different classes according to their individual skill levels (skiing hasAnnie Famoseto 3-12 years old categorized by level, with skiing divided into 9 levels and snowboarding into 4 levels), enabling children to learn more safely and effectively.
Adult Lessons:Divided into regular and international courses. Regular courses include group and private lessons, allowing you to choose based on your needs (such as practicing basic techniques or preparing for a ski exam); international courses are all private and tailored to each customer’s specific requirements.
(*Note: Group lessons are conducted in Japanese, while private lessons can be booked with English-speaking instructors upon request.)
Children's Facilities and Activities at Xilele Resort
? Family Facilities:
Entertainment Center (featuring various play equipment such as a puzzle maze, climbing wall, ball pit, etc.), KaraokeOK, Children’s tennis court, Large lawn (where you can rent soccer balls, volleyball, baseball, badminton, frisbees, etc.)
? Family Special Activities:
Making candles, music box decoration, glass decoration, painting ceramics, bungee trampoline, water bubble ball, bubble soccer, fishing, treasure hunt, night forest adventure, children’s bicycle lessons, chopstick making, table tennis, stream exploration, canoeing.
(*Note: Some facilities and activities are only available in specific seasons.)
Resort Transportation:There is a resort shuttle bus at JROtaru Chikko Station.?
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Sheraton Hokkaido Hotel Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort
-Sheraton Hokkaido HotelFacilities-
? Rooms: Each guest room is very quiet and offers views of the snow, mountains, or garden, along with 24 room service available 24 hours.
? Restaurants: Includes Western buffet, fast-food café (ski-in/ski-out access with mountain views), and Japanese cuisine.
?Other Facilities: Indoor pool (with children’s pool), outdoor rock pool, snack shop
*As the hotel does not have separate hot spring or gym facilities, it is recommended to walk to the resort to use them.
- Services -
Free Wi-fi, Parking,24reception desk 24 hours, Laundry
? Phone:+81 135 34 7111
? Address:?650 Tokiwa, Akaigawa,?Yoichi-gun??046-0593?Japan
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Furano Ski Resort Center
Furano Ski Area
? Ski Area Features:
The Furano resort was ranked among the top three ski resorts in the world in 2017 and boasts the Furano Gondola capable of transportingpassengers at once 101 A van tour for travelers in FuranoGondolathat goes straight to the mountaintop, offering stunning views of the snowy peaks. The ski area features beginner-only zones, ungroomed powder runs, and steep courses that were used in the FIS World Cup competitions,ensuring options for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. Additionally, childrenunder elementary school age (13years old) canride the gondola and rent ski equipmentfree of charge,making it an ideal destination for family trips.
? Child Facilities & Activities:
Children under elementary school age (13years old) can use the gondola and rent ski gear for free. There are also kids’ ski lessons (in Japanese), children’s ski competitions (sleds, obstacle courses, etc.), snow treasure hunts, and snow patrol experience activities. Moreover, children aged 1to5 can book day care services (limited to 5 children per day — advance reservation required).
Special Info:The resort also has cute fox mascot plush toys that sometimes appear on the slopes for photos and interactions with guests.
? Snow Activities:
Chairlifts, Furano Starlight Adventure (stargazing in the snow), Furano Kan-Kan Village (featuring ice and snow sculptures, with an ice café and a course stretching200-meter slide where you can experience tubing and ridesNighttime hot air balloon ride), family snow park (including snow banana boats, rubber dinghies, motorcycles, etc.), fun competitions (such as straight-line downhill races, sled races, etc.), overnight skiing
? Lessons: Private lessons, group lessons, and children’s lessons are available, with options for instruction in Japanese or English.
Resort transportation:Take a bus or taxi from Furano Station, approximately 10–20 minutes to arrive
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[ Hokkaido Lavender ]The stylish and psychedelic purple representative!A must-see in Furano during spring and summer~
Shin-Furano Prince Hotel New Furano Prince Hotel
–Shin-Furano Prince HotelFacilities–
? Rooms: Interior furnishings and furniture are predominantly light-colored with a wooden tone, featuring bright and soft hues. Some room types include a lounge area where you can enjoy the surrounding natural scenery (lavender, sunflowers, and winter snow views).
? Dining:4 restaurants (Japanese cuisine, sushi, buffet), rooftop lounge, café, stone-bar, forest café,Ningle TerraceArt zone Open-air wooden café, bakery
? Onsen: Indoor baths, public pools, and Finnish sauna are available, along with rest areas and massage services in the onsen zone.
? Golf garden area (36H), Wind Garden (featuring365different types of flowers, with approximately 20,000 plants in total)
? Shops: Furano TV Drama Museum (sells merchandise from TV dramas filmed in Furano),Ningle Terrace Art Zone (located in the forest, the wooden shop cabins light up after dark—you can visit even if you’re not shopping!)
- Services -
Free Wi-fi, parking,2424-hour front desk, currency exchange, laundry
? Telephone:+81 167 22 1111
? Address:Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511 Japan
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FuranoNATURWALDHotels Hotel Naturwald Furano ★ Best for families with young children ★
-FuranoNATURWALDHotelsFacilities -
? Rooms: Each floor features a different Furano-themed scene, with seven unique room types, and every room is equipped with an air purifier. Among them,White owl the Shirofukurou room type has been certified as Miki House suitable for infant staysby a well-known children’s product brand, and eachWhite owlalso includes a private kitchen for preparing baby food.
? Restaurant: Offers fresh seasonal ingredients, plusthree different kids’ meal options for 0-2 year-olds,3-5 year-olds, and lower-grade elementary school children.
? Hot Springs: Open-air baths, indoor baths (Koumeishi Hot Spring), includingChildren's amenities(such as children's chairs and toys, etc.)
? The hotel has 2 terraces, the garden terrace is perfect for chatting with friends; the observatory terrace is located on the rooftop viewing platform, offering views of the Furano Basin and Mount Tokachi, which are especially beautiful in the early morning and evening.
?Children’s playroom (toys, storybooks, play equipment, etc.), beauty SPA salon
? Large banquet hall: Available by reservation and for a fee, accommodates up to 15 people, you may bring your own food or use the kitchen inside, ideal for gatherings with family and friends. party .
? Other facilities: Furano Plaza (lounge offering drinks and snacks), souvenir shop, library
-Services-
Free Wi-fiWi-Fi, parking,2424-hour front desk, laundry, free winter shuttle bus, bicycle rental,stroller rental
? Phone:+81 167 22 1211
? Address:14-46 Kitanominecho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0034 Japan
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I never expected that ski resorts and hotels these days are so amazing—not only do they offer more and more amenities, but the family-friendly activities and kids' facilities are simply dazzling (I kind of want to be a kid again). Make the most of this winter and go on a family skiing trip to Japan!
*The above information is for reference only. Actual activities and facilities are subject to what is available on-site at the ski resort and hotel.
Text by Kayline | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team
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[Winter Exclusives in Japan & Korea]No skiing skills? No problem—play in the snow!Popular sledding, snow tubing, and ice fishing activities in Japan and Korea revealed