Summit Ski School & Guiding logo
EXPLORE

Hokkaido Guides

Twelve years of local knowledge — where to ski, when to come, what to bring and where to go once the lifts stop.

This is a knowledge hub rather than a blog. Everything here is written by the instructors and guides who work in Niseko, Furano and across Hokkaido, and it is reviewed each season so the detail stays current. If you cannot find the answer you need, ask us directly — the questions we get most tend to end up here.

Browse by topic

Niseko

Where to ski across the four Niseko United resorts, and what lies beyond the pass.

READ →
Furano

Why central Hokkaido’s snow is colder, drier and a great deal quieter.

READ →
Hokkaido

When to come, month by month, and how long to stay to land a storm.

READ →
Backcountry

What a first guided touring day involves, and the level you need for it.

READ →
Gear

Touring skis, splitboards, safety kit and clothing that works here.

READ →
Local Knowledge

Food, onsen, coffee and après in Niseko and Furano.

READ →

Local knowledge, off the mountain

Restaurants, onsen, coffee and après — the part of a Hokkaido trip that is hardest to organise from another time zone. Our concierge team books all of it.

Restaurants

Small rooms, booked out weeks ahead. We make the call for you.

READ →
Onsen

Etiquette, tattoos, and which bath suits the day you have had.

READ →
Coffee

Where to get a proper espresso before first chair.

READ →
Après Ski

Izakaya, beer and small plates — how the evening actually works.

READ →

Ready to plan your trip?