Winter events and recommended ski packages

59th Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is an event not to be missed. One of Japan's largest winter events is attracting a growing number of visitors from Japan and abroad. Over two million people came to the annual event last year to see the hundreds of beautiful snow statues and ice sculptures which lined Odori Park, the main street in Susukino and Satorando. The festival takes place in early February for 7 days from February 5th to 11th.
Though flights to Sapporo will still be available, finding a hotel room will be the most difficult task. Most air + hotel package plan will be sold out by New Year or even X'mas, leaving only very little choice of hotel for those who start looking at them in January. Hurry and get your tickets and hotel reserved now.

11th Hokkaido Ski & Snowboard Week
Jan4-14 mark the Hokkaido Ski & Snowboard Week, there will be various events planned during this period. Keep a look out for them and who knows you may be lucky enough to win prizes like complimentary ski lift, free hotel stay or the grand prize for a ski holiday to Canada Whistle Blackcomb.

49th Asahikawa Winter Festival
The 49th Asahikawa Winter Festival to be held in February 7th to 11th. Although the Asahikawa Winter Festival is not as large or as famous as the Sapporo Snow Festival, it does hold the Guinness Record with the world's largest snow sculptures. The Ice Sculpture World Competition is held concurrently with the festival. Though less crowded and much more quiet than the big event in Sapporo, it has a charm all of its own.

10th Otaru Snow Gleaming
The beautiful scence with the softly lit snow candles, lining along the walking paths and with 400 floating candles glimmering on the canal surface. It is guranteed to capture your heart. This special event will be held from February 8th to 17th.

Other events during the winter in Hokkaido;
- Nov22 ~ Dec16, München Christmas Market in Sapporo
- Nov22 ~ Feb11, Sapporo White Illumination
- Dec1~25, Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
- Dec1 ~ Feb29, Hakodate Illumination Fantasy
- Dec1 ~ Feb29, Goryōkaku Hoshi no Yume(Dream of Pentagonal Stars)
- Jan26 ~ Mar9, Otofuke Tokachi River Swan Festival "Sairinka"
- Jan25 ~ Feb17, Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 2008
- Feb3 ~ Feb4, Noboribetsu Hot Spring Festival
- Feb5 ~ Mar22, Shiretoko Fantasia 2008 Aurora Fantasy

Below are some popular winter vacation packages ideal for your holiday. You must purchase them at least 10 days before the departure date. Plans covered below are available for Tokyo and Osaka departures. There should also be similar ski plans leaving from other cities like Nagoya, Sendai, Fukuoka and Okinawa.

JAL Ski & Snow Resorts 2008 Hokkaido valid from 2007DEC-2008MAR Offering return flight with accommodation and breakfast plus optional ski essentials. Minimum 2 person. Covering the following ski regions in Hokkaido; • Niseko Hirafu, Higashiyama & Annupuri • Rusutsu • Furano • Kiroro • Yubari • Tomamu • Sahoro. City hotel stay plans avail in Sapporo, Otaru and Asahikawa. Onsen stay plans are also available (Toya, Asarigawa, Jozankei, Niseko). Reservation can be made at the following; • www.jaltours.co.jp (Japanese reservation only) • Most agencies.

JAL Hokkaido Ski Special valid from 1DEC2007-31JAN2008 Offering return flight with accommodation, breakfast and ski lift plus other optional items. Catered specially for first time skiers. Minimum 2 person. Covering the following ski regions in Hokkaido; • Niseko Hirafu, Higashiyama & Annupuri • Rusutsu • Furano • Kiroro • Tomamu • Sahoro. City hotel stay plans avail in Sapporo, Otaru and Asarigawa. Reservation can be made at the following; • www.jaltours.co.jp (Japanese reservation only) • Most agencies.

JAL Ski & Snow Resorts 2008 Tohoku valid from 2007DEC-2008MAR Offering return flight with accommodation and breakfast plus optional ski essentials. Minimum 2 person. Covering the following ski regions in Tohoku; • Ajigasawa • Shizukuishi • Appi • Tazawako • Hakuba. Reservation can be made at the following; • www.jaltours.co.jp (Japanese reservation only) • Most agencies.

ANA Sky Holiday Ski & Snowboard Hokkaido (celebrating its 25th anniversary) valid from 2007DEC-2008MAR Offering return flight with accommodation, transfer and breakfast plus optional ski essentials. Including a VIP plan offering the use of ANA business class seat to higher grade rooms, fine dining and other premium services. Minimum 2 person. Covering the following ski regions in Hokkaido; • Niseko Hirafu, Higashiyama & Annupuri • Rusutsu • Furano • Kiroro • Yubari • Tomamu • Sahoro. City hotel stay plans avail in Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru and Asahikawa. Onsen stay plans are also available (Toya, Asarigawa, Jozankei, Niseko). Reservation can be made at the following; • www.ana.co.jp/asw (Japanese reservation only) • Most agencies.

SKYPAK TOURS Ski & Snowboard Hokkaido valid from 2007DEC-2008MAR Offering return flight with accommodation and breakfast. Perks include free ski or snowboard rental and free lift pass for 1 day use. Plan for single pax departure is also available. Covering the following ski regions in Hokkaido; • Niseko Hirafu, Higashiyama & Annupuri • Rusutsu • Kiroro City hotel stay plans avail in Sapporo. Ticket can still be purchased 5 days before departure. Reservation can be made at the following; • www.skypaktours.co.jp (Japanese reservation only) • Certain agencies only.