The Hokkaido Powder Belt. Geographically located in the heart of Hokkaido. The best-quality powder snow in Japan—and possibly even in the world—falls upon this area, which is why it has been referred to as such. In fact, the appeal of the snow in this area towers above all others.
I would hazard a guess to say that many of you reading this publication are more than familiar with the quality of snow in Japan and are aware that it is sometimes referred to as “Japow.”
Japan is a mountainous country and snow falls upon many places across it.
The high volume of snow is not often seen around the world with Australians and other international ski and snowboarding fans visiting to experience the plentiful snow.
Now, when greeted with an abundance of snow, you need to consider the quality of it.
It may not be far-fetched to say that you don’t get many opportunities in your lifetime to experience top-quality powder snow that is so light you question its existence, yet provides a soft sensation that makes you feel as if you’re floating.
It is this very Powder Belt that offers powder snow of such quality that can’t be experienced elsewhere.
I want to declare right now that if you are a passionate skier who has never visited the Powder Belt, yet you have frequented many other ski resorts in Japan and claim that Japanese powder snow is the greatest—then your skiing life is missing out on so much.
You must go now.
This magazine will feature ski resorts in the north and south of the Powder-Belt area, while also covering the appeal of staying in the surrounding cities as the base of your adventures, to detail what makes the area so fantastic.
I want you to enjoy everything to the fullest— skiing, food, and culture.
This magazine is sponsored by Hoshino Resorts, one of the most prominent resort operators in Japan and the driving force behind wanting to shine the spotlight on this area to spread the word as well as educate everyone reading this.
There are many ski areas in the Powder Belt that are popular amongst hardcore ski fans, such as Asahidake (often worshipped as an off-piste haven). Hoshino Resorts operates OMO7 Asahikawa, which is a resort in the form of a city located in Asahikawa. It’s situated near Asahikawa Airport, in the northern portion of the Powder Belt and helps skiers and snowboarders get in and out of the various ski areas peppered around the area.
The southern portion of the Powder Belt is home to Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, where the ultimate powder snow can be found as well as runs amongst the trees, which can only be accessed by experts, to satisfy ski and snowboard fanatics. It’s also great for families and casual skiers who want to make the most of their time there and have fun.
