Opening its doors just in time for the 2023 season, Club Med Hokkaido Kiroro is an all-inclusive winter resort that is perfect for those who don’t want to think about travel particulars and focus on hitting the slopes. Located on the Northern Island of Hokkaido, there is plenty of unspoilt nature to explore. Skiers and snowboarders will relish the powder paradise that surrounds the resort (FYI ski passes are included in your stay). Those not keen on skiing can explore the snowy surrounds a trek or simply take some time to unwind with a soak in the Rotenburo outdoor hot bath or natural Japanese onsen. For beginners, there are group ski classes available (also covered in your stay). The kid-friendly, Club Med Kiroro Grand, will open in 2023 and is set to host a wide selection of family-oriented activities. In the meantime, Club Med Hokkaido Kiroro is exclusively for guests aged 12 and up.

There are only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, and Japan is now home to one of them. ‘What is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve?’, you ask. Only the Ritz-Carlton’s ritziest personalised hospitality offering, available in luxurious resorts located in remote locations. At the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri you’ll find the 50-room Higashiyama Niseko Village. The surrounding slopes offer more than 850 hectares of skiable terrain and plenty of choice between groomed slopes and backcountry trails to ski, sled, snowshoe or ride along on a snowmobile. Sushi Nagi is the luxe on-site restaurant for an apres ski feed, and for rejuvenating tired muscles there’s also a private onsen and spa.

More like a resort town than standalone resort, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a sprawling 100-room property that boasts 11 restaurants and bars, a hot spring spa and its own four-seat ski lift. Massive, right? It sits on the exclusive Hanazono side of Mt Annupuri, known for its pristine powder snow. As well as its prime positioning, this Park Hyatt has a long list of facilities for when you’re off the slopes, like a pool, golf course, spa and fitness centre. As an added bonus, it’s also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your fur babies with you.

If you’re looking for somewhere to ski close to Tokyo, look no further than Tohoku. Just over two hours on the Shinkansen bullet train will get you to Appi Kogen, the region’s largest ski resort. Here, ANA InterContinental takes full advantage of the stunning snowscapes in winter and lush greenery and white birch forest in the summer, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the rooms and property. You’ll find the perfect apres ski spot on the rooftop terrace where you can take in the star-studded night sky (and rest weary legs).