Obviously skiing is the main attraction here so let’s devote this entire post to skiing at Kiroro Snow World. Kiroro Snow World is basically the term used for Kiroro Ski resorts, which consists of the Sheraton and the Tribute Hotel. Kiroro Snow World is renowned for it’s powder, being higher up and near the coast, it’s often the first to get the new snow. Because we went late season in March/April, the was basically now powder so can’t comment on that.

Kiroro Snow World has a total of 9 lifts in total. One high speed Gondola situated right outside the Sheraton Kiroro takes you to the top of Asari Peak (1,180m) and gives intermediate skiers a long run to the bottom. As is the case with most Japanese ski resorts, there’s some excellent beginner areas catering to first time skiers and kids. Once the kids are up and away, the Nagamine No 1 Express is ideal with gently sloping rides all the way down, including a nice up and down section where kids will have fun skiing up and over some little hills. For the most part you won’t have to worry about the kids gaining too much speed at any stage of this section.

The Yoichi No. 1 Express shows a beginners section but this is really for advanced beginners who are confident at turning and stopping. It’s not too steep but if you or your kids are just starting out it might be a bit much. The Asari No.1 and Yoichi No.2 lift are in a separate area and feature something called Kiroro Banks where you can whizz up and down banked turns.  This an area that’s really fun but the lifts and runs are very short so you probably won’t want to spend too much time over there.  It’s basically for beginners although there is one so called black run but not sure how they managed to categorise that as an advanced slope.

There’s not many on-piste courses for advanced skiers and I got quite bored after a few hours here, but Kiroro Snow World is best suited for families and kids. This is not really the place to leave your kids and go have a ball in endless knee-deep powder, although it can be done. If you’re into moguls, there’s an excellent section at the Nagamine No.2 Express lift. I foolishly tried to relive my twenties and thought I’d give it a go and am still aching a week later!

Kiroro Snow World is best suited for intermediate skiers (and beginners) with almost every lift leading to an intermediate run, and this is why I reckon it’s better for families, specifically those who have kids and are wanting them to get used to skiing on the red trails and get them off the beginner slopes. There’s also no nightlife whatsoever so if that’s your thing, head to Niseko with half of Australia.

There’s also night skiing at Kiroro Snow World, check the website for times and prices.  For more information about Kiroro Resort in general, go back to our Kiriro home page. If you want to find other info or have questions, please ask us on Twitter.