Kiroro sits deep in a forested valley on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's main islands and a corner of the country that catches extraordinary amounts of snow each winter. It's a compact, self-contained resort, with just a small cluster of hotels and lifts set among dense birch forest and quiet, snow-laden peaks. The mood is calm and understated, with a focus on the snow and the outdoors by day, and the relaxing onsen hot springs to soak in come evening. For anyone who has never skied in Japan, it's a welcoming and easy first taste of what makes the country so special on snow.

On the mountain, the skiing spreads across two peaks, Asari and Nagamine, rising around 610 metres from base to summit. There's a real spread of terrain for every level. Beginners get wide, gentle runs lower down, plus a long, scenic cruise all the way from the top, so even first-timers can ride the gondola up for the views. Intermediates have rolling, well-groomed pistes to open up on, while strong skiers can make for Kioro’s steep runs and, above all, the trees. Kiroro is one of the few resorts in Japan to allow tree skiing inside its boundary, and the powder that gathers between the birches is what many people come here for. Sitting in the path of cold winds that sweep moisture off the Sea of Japan, this pocket of Hokkaido gets some of the deepest, driest snow anywhere in the country, feeding a long season that runs from late November well into spring.

Off the slopes, the pace at Kiroro slows right down. The resort has its own onsen (the Japanese hot springs that are a ritual in themselves) where you unwind in steaming outdoor pools with snow falling around you. There are restaurants running from ramen to international menus, an indoor complex linking the main buildings, and ski-in, ski-out accommodation that puts the lifts and powder on your doorstep. It's a place you come to ski hard, soak long, eat well, and sleep deep, before getting up to do it all again.

Check out Kiroro ski deals to start planning your trip.