Asahidake, Hokkaido

The 2,000+ meter height and inland position of Asahidake leads to exceptionally dry snow. This is why you come to Hokkaido. 

As for quantity, every year is variable, but common knowledge places Asahidake at a similar average amount of snow to the relatively seaside Niseko. The snow lasts longer and at the very peak of the season in February, the amounts tend to be mind-boggling. 

There are no ski schools available at the mountain.

All equipment should be brought to Asahidake. There are no rental shops and the minimal shops at the ropeway and hotels will have only basic equipment.

Dining is pretty much limited to the hotels, and most hotel packages are half-board (breakfast and dinner inclusive). The cuisine is genuine Japanese and tuned to mountain appetites.

Regarding fine dining, there is no destination dining at Asahidake.

All the hotels at Asahidake feel rustic. The Tudor style La Vista is the most elegant with the wooden feel of a classic mountain lodge.

The closest airport to Asahidake is Asahikawa Airport, with most visitors transferring to the resort by hired car. The trip time will be about 1 hour depending on weather and traffic. It is also a relatively easy train ride from Sapporo by either rapid or limited express for a 1.5 to 2.0 hours. The car ride from Asahikawa Station is also about 1.0 hour.

The hotels are classic Japanese hospitality experiences, from the meals to the onsen. Placed in the middle of National Park, there are not any cosmopolitan experiences available. Asahikawa City is famous for ramen.