Where to ski: Canada or Japan!
We get asked a lot, so we’ve decided to give the people what they want; a side-by-side comparison of popular Canadian ski resorts with popular Japanese ski resorts. Despite clear differences, we have done our best to choose the most similar options for you to compare. If you love a particular ski resort and want to try the closest equivalent, we hope this is helpful!
Whistler, Canada or Niseko, Japan:
To start, we must compare the big ‘brand’ names and Whistler in Canada and Niseko in Japan are arguably the most well-known resorts. Both offer a wide range of terrain, dining and activities, and Niseko is one of the more ‘lively’ resorts for apres-ski and nightlife.
Whistler Image: Tourism Whistler & Mitch Winton
| Whistler, Canada | Niseko, Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | It’s popular for a reason, with so much terrain and so many winter activities, it’s is an excellent all-round winter destination. Whistler is especially great for families, Adventure Camp is one of the best options for young ones, coupled with easy access, amazing food, and plenty of hotels and apartments. | Possibly Japan’s most well-known ski resort, Niseko has excellent facilities, lots of amazing dining and legendary snow conditions, averaging 15m each year. Accommodation is predominantly apartment style, which is great for families, and there plenty of luxury options with all the facilities. Grand Hirafu is the more vibrant area for nightlife, or can stay in Niseko Village for a more chill holiday. |
| Key Selling Points |
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| Activities |
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| Nightlife | Abundant | Limited |
| Terrain Breakdown | Beginner 20% Intermediate 55% Advanced 25% |
Beginner 45% Intermediate 26% Advanced 19% |
| Ski-in, Ski-out | Yes | Yes |
| Ski Pass | Epic Pass |
|
| Best time to visit | Whistler's Ski season is November – May. To avoid the crowds, head to Whistler mid-February into March for spring skiing. | Niseko's Ski season is December – April. The best conditions are in January- February. |
| Best time to book | For Whistler, early bookings are essential for peak periods, like Christmas and New Years, for the best bargains and up to 45% off hotels, book in Feb – May of the year prior is optimal, but you can still get some amazing deals into early September if you’re not set on a particular hotel or peak travel dates. | Niseko rates usually start dropping in March or April for the next season, for peak dates, book early. Due to the number of people heading to Niseko, availability can start to become challenging as early as 6 months prior. |
Banff & Lake Louise, Canada or Hakuba, Japan:
Banff and Lake Louise have two main places to stay, including Banff Town, with access to 3 ski resorts connected via a free shuttle service – very similar to Hakuba which also has a few areas to stay, including Wadano Forest, Happo & Echoland, with access to 10 mountains in Hakuba Valley via free shuttle service. Both Banff and Hakuba are excellent for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders.
Banff Image: Paul Zizka
| Banff & Lake Louise, Canada | Hakuba, Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Banff is one of Canada’s most picturesque ski destinations, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, abundant wildlife and access to world-class ski resorts. Stay in the heart of Banff township with its lively restaurants and shops, or opt for a magical lakeside escape at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for something truly special. | Hakuba offers a wide range of accommodation, from traditional Japanese lodges to modern Western-style hotels, apartments and self-contained houses to suit all budgets. With access to 10 ski resorts on one lift pass, plus a vibrant dining scene, après options and winter activities, Hakuba is a dynamic base for a snow holiday in Japan. |
| Key Selling Points |
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| Activities |
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| Nightlife | Abundant | Sufficient |
| Terrain Breakdown | Beginner 25% Intermediate 50% Advanced 25% |
Beginner 30% Intermediate 50% Advanced 20% |
| Ski-in, Ski-out | No | Limited |
| Ski Pass |
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| Best time to visit | Banff's Ski season is November – May, with consistently solid conditions all season, March-April is an excellent time to go to avoid the coldest part of winter and crowds. | Hakuba's Ski season is December – April, with prime time being January and February, lots of operations in Hakuba do close promptly, so this is the best time for the ‘full experience’ – but if you want to avoid the crowds, consider March. |
| Best time to book | Some of Banff's key hotels release rates 12 months in advance. For Christmas at one of the Fairmont hotels, you want to get in early. Banff has some amazing deals to encourage early booking, with up to 45% off, kids ski free and earlybird lift pass sales. | Hakuba Hotels normally drop rates around April for the next season, popular hotels like the Mominoki or The Happo, and well-known apartments and houses do sell out early, so it’s always a good idea to join our waitlist if you want something specific. |
Sun Peaks, Canada or Shiga Kogen, Japan:
Shiga Kogen in Japan and Sun Peaks in Canada share several similarities. Sun Peaks is Canada’s second largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest ski resort – they both also offer minimal lift lines, great tree-skiing, and plenty of space to explore.
| Sun Peaks, Canada | Shiga Kogen, Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | A stunning European style ski-through village with copious amounts of terrain, no line-ups and extensive non-ski activities, and Kids Ski Free all season - Sun Peaks is an ideal destination for families. As Canada’s second-largest ski resort, there is no shortage of runs to keep visitors coming back year-after-year. | Shiga Kogen gives you access to 18 inter-linked ski areas, due to it’s elevation the snow is consistent, and the ski season is long (by Japan standards). Shiga Kogen is a much quieter ski resort, with very minimal nightlife, but it’s perfect for powder hounds who want to shred all day, and then get up and do it all over again! |
| Key Selling Points |
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| Activities |
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| Nightlife | Abundant | Limited |
| Terrain Breakdown | Beginner 25% Intermediate 58% Advanced 32% |
Beginner 50% Intermediate 35% Advanced 15% |
| Ski-in, Ski-out | Yes | Yes |
| Ski Pass |
|
Shiga Kogen Lift Pass |
| Best time to visit | Sun Peak's Ski Season is December to April – spring skiing in Sun Peaks is second to none, but because Sun Peaks boasts the most bluebird days per year in BC – there isn’t a bad time to visit! | Hakuba's Ski season is December – April, by the end of March it’s getting a bit quiet, so most people tend to travel January to March. |
| Best time to book | Sun Peaks has a strong number of return visitors, we always recommend clients jump on the waitlist. Some rooms can’t be booked until April – but many people waitlist their preferred dates and rooms ahead of time. Kids Ski Free and Early Bird offers save visitors up to 40% for booking early. | Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel normally drops rates around April for the next winter, they offer great stay, pay deals, free ski days and breakfast. |
Panorama, Canada or Naeba, Japan:
Panorama in Canada, and Naeba in Japan are both incredible value options for families looking to take a more relaxed ski holiday, while there are some activities after-dark, the focus is more on skiing and snowplay. Both resorts offer incredible discounts, including kids ski free offers.
| Panorama, Canada | Naeba, Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Panorama is an excellent ski-in, ski-out resort with giant hot pools over-looking the slopes, it's very walkable, family friendly resort with plenty of activities for all ages. | Naeba is a great option for families, offering access to neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort via Japan longest gondola the “Dragondola”, Naeba has plenty of runs, an English-speaking private lessons, and plenty of dining and snow-play. |
| Key Selling Points |
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| Activities |
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| Nightlife | Limited | Limited |
| Terrain Breakdown | Beginner 15% Intermediate 35% Advanced 50% |
Beginner 30% Intermediate 40% Advanced 30% |
| Ski-in, Ski-out | Yes | Yes |
| Ski Pass |
|
Naeba Lift Pass |
| Best time to visit | Panorama's ski season is December – April, there isn’t a bad time to be in Panorama, because its 4 hours from Calgary, Pano doesn’t have the weekend traffic that ski resorts like Whistler get. | Naeba's ski season Mid-December to early April is the ski season, with January and February offering the best powder conditions. |
| Best time to book | Panorama released rates in around March the year prior, early bird offers 40% off Lift and Lodging, plus they have a Kids Ski Free offer. Booking early gives you so much value. | Naeba Prince Hotel starts taking bookings in March or April the year prior, early bird offers free nights and free ski days, plus breakfast. |
SilverStar, Canada or Tomamu, Japan:
Tomamu in Japan and SilverStar in Canada share several similarities. Both are purpose-built ski resorts, so facilities are well thought out and “make sense” – they both also offer minimal lift lines, and very family-friendly winter activities.
| SilverStar, Canada | Tomamu, Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | SilverStar is a true winter wonderland, where colourful village buildings stand out against the snowy landscape. Known for its light, dry powder and relaxed vibe, this family-friendly resort offers a wide range of winter activities for all ages. | Tomamu is very well set up to accommodate families, with lots of family-friendly activities and a great beginner’s ski area. Experience the annual Ice Village installation complete with ice rice, ice hotel and nightly fireworks display. Enjoy Japan’s largest wave pool at Mina Mina Beach, or explore all the delightful dining. |
| Key Selling Points |
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| Activities |
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| Nightlife | Limited | Limited |
| Terrain Breakdown | Beginner 15% Intermediate 40% Advanced 35% |
Beginner 30% Intermediate 40% Advanced 30% |
| Ski-in, Ski-out | Yes | Yes |
| Ski Pass | SilverStar Lift Pass | Tomamu Lift Pass |
| Best time to visit | SilverStar's ski season in SilverStar is December – March. Historically, December gets a lot of snowfall, and January is the most popular time to go, March (spring skiing) is perfect to avoid the crowds. | Tomamu's ski season is December – April, with prime time being January and February. |
| Best time to book | SilverStar is usually able to be booked at then end of the previous season, the resort does offer early bird deals. | Tomamu start releasing rates about 10 months in advance, Mysnow Holidays get access to exclusive early rates and allotment, which includes transfers, breakfast, lift passes and some activities (like Mina Mina Beach and Ice Village). Larger room types to do sell out due to so many families wanting to visit, so it’s always good to book early. |
TL;DR: Where to Ski - Canada or Japan
• If you like Niseko, try Whistler
• If you like Hakuba, try Banff Lake Louise
• If you like Tomamu, try SilverStar
• If you like Naeba, try Panorama
• If you like Shiga Kogen, try Sun Peaks
If you STILL can't decide between Canada or Japan, call us on 1300 697 669 and tell your ski specialist what you want and they will give you a personalised recommendation! If you want a quote for one of the resorts mentioned above, click here.
Blog Written by Lauren Robinson.
Posted: July 2025
