It’s not just about skiing and snowboarding! Winter play guide in heavy snowfall areas
Let's play in the area with heavy snow in winter! Check out the charms and recommended spots for cross-country, snowshoeing, skating, and tube skating!
Not only the snowy scenery, but also the fun of playing on the fluffy snow is the charm of winter in the heavy snow area.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are a variety of snow activities that families and beginners can easily enjoy playing in the snow.
Cross-country walking in a quiet forest, snowshoeing on a leisurely walk through a snowy field, skating on a neon-lit rink, tube skiing that can be enjoyed innocently… Introducing the charm of each and recommended places.
Please try to create winter memories.
Index
- 01The exhilaration of moving with the wind through a quiet snowfield! cross-country
- 02The adventurous spirit of walking through unexplored snowfields and forests. Safe snowshoes even for the first time
- 03Romantic outdoor skating in snowy landscapes and illuminations
- 04Thrill and smile in the snow play! Tube skating for children and adults
The exhilaration of moving with the wind through a quiet snowfield! cross-country
Cross-country is an activity in which you ski through snowy fields and forests on special long, narrow skis.
Since you can proceed at your own pace in the quiet nature, it is attractive to enjoy the scenery and get moderate aerobic exercise.
There are many courses with few ups and downs, and there are plenty of lessons and guided tours for beginners.
It is also ideal for those who want to enjoy birdwatching and taking photos of snowy landscapes, providing a pleasant feeling of fatigue and accomplishment.
There are many facilities with tool rentals and rest spots, so you can rest assured.
Recommended spot “Kitasaito Walking Ski Course”
At Kitasaito Garden behind JR Asahikawa Station, a ski (cross-country skiing) course is open in winter, allowing you to easily enjoy nature in the city.
At the Asahikawa Tourist and Product Information Center at JR Asahikawa Station, cross-country skis can be rented, so you can experience it empty-handed.
The flat and gentle course is perfect for beginners and those who want to refresh themselves for a short time, and you can easily experience the outdoors near the station while enjoying the snowy scenery along the trees and river.
It is an easy spot to stop by between sightseeing and business trips.
| Spot Name | Kitasaito walking ski course |
| Business Period | From mid-January to mid-March |
| business hours | 10:00~16:00 *This is the time when rental equipment can be borrowed and returned. |
| access | 〈Asahikawa Tourism and Products Information Center〉 In front of the JR Asahikawa Station East Concourse |
| parking lot | without |
The adventurous spirit of walking through unexplored snowfields and forests. Safe snowshoes even for the first time
A simple activity of walking on snow with large footwear.
You can easily walk through deep snow and unexplored snowfields, so you can freely explore the snowy forest and lakeside.
The exhilarating feeling of walking in a pure white world without a single footprint and the sense of stability that does not sink into the snow are attractive.
There are also a variety of themed tours, such as guided night tours and animal tracks, making it easy for children and seniors to participate.
Take good measures to protect yourself from the cold and relax and interact with nature.
Recommended spot “Sounkyo”
Sounkyo is full of natural icefalls and spectacular views.
Hokkaido Manchu Sightseeing Navi offers snowshoe guided tours.
The guide carefully lectured on how to wear snowshoes. They will also guide you to hidden spectacular views.
The walking tour is presented with photos and video data, making it perfect for creating memories of your trip.
There is no doubt that you will be able to enjoy Sounkyo in winter!
For details, please refer to [Sounkyo Snowshoe] Beginners welcome! Check out the snowshoe guided tour to enjoy Sounkyo in winter!
Romantic outdoor skating in snowy landscapes and illuminations
Skating on outdoor rinks and indoor skating rinks is a popular and classic activity for families and couples.
Most facilities are equipped with rental shoes and support equipment.
Rather than taking lessons, it’s time to enjoy skating time to your heart’s content with the illuminations and snowy scenery in the background.
There are many rinks in relatively accessible locations, so you can easily enjoy gourmet food after skating.
Recommended spot “Yukki Link ASAHIKAWA”
A free skating rink “Yukki Rink ASAHIKAWA” that appears only in winter in front of JR Asahikawa Station.
It is held from mid-January to mid-February every year.
In addition to free shoe rental, colored cones and helmets are also available for beginners, so you can rest assured.
At night, it is lit up and a fantastic skating rink.
You can easily enjoy skating in a short time.
| Spot Name | Yukki Link ASAHIKAWA |
| Business Period | Undecided *As of October 2025 |
| business hours | Weekdays 13:00~19:00|Saturdays, Sundays, Asahikawa Fuyu Festival Period 10:00~19:00 *This is information from last year. |
| Notes | ・Hats and gloves are required due to injury hats ・Due to the naturally cooled outdoor rink, it may not be open due to weather, temperature, snow, etc |
| access | Immediately after exiting the west exit of the north side of JR Asahikawa Station |
| parking lot | without |
Thrill and smile in the snow play! Tube skating for children and adults
Tube skating, which can be enjoyed by both children and adults, is the most casual activity that involves skiing on a round tube on a snowy slope.
The sense of speed and floating feeling in the air is attractive, and it is exhilarating that makes you want to try again and again.
Many places have dedicated parks and courses with lifts, and safety measures are in place.
It can be enjoyed even if you have no skiing or snowboarding experience, so it is perfect for families or groups to play in the snow.
Recommended spot “Chibikko Ski Resort (Starkhin Stadium)”
Starkhin Stadium in Hanasaki Sports Park is a “little ski resort” in winter, where you can enjoy tube skating using the slope of the outfield stands.
Tube rental is free. There is also a special slope for infants, so you can enjoy it safely while being thrilling.
In addition to tube skiing, skiing and snow mazes also appear. It is a popular spot for families who can easily enjoy it empty-handed.
| Spot Name | Chibikko Ski Resort (Starkhin Stadium) |
| Business Period | late December to the end of February *Closed: 12/31~1/1 |
| business hours | 10:00~16:00 *Until 19:00 during night training |
| access | By car ・Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Asahikawa Station |
| parking lot | Yes (free) |
