Living in Sapporo, chasing powder snow under the night lights.

English Translation:

Many ski and snow-sport enthusiasts have relocated to areas like Niseko, Asahikawa, or Furano — all famous for their incredible powder snow.

But there’s another way to enjoy “Powder Island” Hokkaido — by living in Sapporo.

I’m one of those people.

Here in Sapporo, no matter where you live in the city, there are five ski resorts within a 30-minute drive: Sapporo Bankei, Mt. Moiwa, Sapporo Teine, Fu’s Snow Area, and Otaru Asarigawa Onsen Onze in the neighboring town.

In recent years, early-season snow has been lighter due to global warming, but there are still two or three perfect powder days every winter that make it all worthwhile.

And if you expand your range just a bit — about an hour’s drive — you can reach major snow resorts like Sapporo Kokusai and Kiroro Snow World.