Hokkaido is the second-largest and most northerly of Japan's four main islands. It is separated from Aomori Prefecture on the Honshu mainland by the Tsugaru Strait (and connected by the Seikan Tunnel railway).

Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in Japan, forming its own 'region'. Unlike most other prefectures, it is usually referred to simply as 'Hokkaido', rather than 'Hokkaido Prefecture'. Sapporo City is the capital of Hokkaido and is famous for, among other things, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival held in February.

With a colder climate than most of Japan, Hokkaido enjoys some of the most consistent snowfall and conditions in the country. There are more ski areas in Hokkaido than in any other prefecture in Japan, and they are scattered throughout the mountains of the large island.

Hokkaido is home to some of Japan's most famous ski areas. The ski areas in Niseko and Kutchan in the west, and Furano in the central region, have long been popular with Japanese skiers. In recent years, those ski resorts, along with several others, have gained a worldwide reputation and now attract a significant number of overseas visitors.

In striking contrast to the international feel and increasing exclusivity of such resorts, most of the ski areas in Hokkaido are very small. The majority have only one or two ski lifts (often single-person or surface-rope tow lifts), and some are even free to use. Many of these small ski areas are owned and operated by the local village or town and very much cater to locals.