Hokkaido is renowned globally for its incredible powder snow, making it a top destination for Australian skiers and snowboarders. Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to chase the best snow conditions across resorts like Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. However, winter driving in Hokkaido requires preparation, especially if you are not used to driving in heavy snow.

Choose the Right Vehicle

When booking your rental car with Relax-RentACar for a Hokkaido winter trip, always opt for a 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle. These vehicles provide significantly better traction on icy roads. Additionally, ensure that your rental car comes equipped with winter tires (snow tires). At Relax-RentACar, winter tires are standard for Hokkaido rentals during the snowy season.

Adjust Your Driving Style

The golden rule of winter driving is to do everything slowly and gently. Accelerate slowly, brake early and gently, and take corners at a reduced speed. Keep a much larger following distance between you and the car in front—at least three times the normal distance. Sudden braking or sharp steering can easily cause the vehicle to skid on black ice.

Watch Out for Whiteouts

Hokkaido frequently experiences heavy snowstorms that can cause "whiteout" conditions, where visibility drops to near zero. If you find yourself in a whiteout, turn on your hazard lights, slow down to a crawl, and look for the red and white arrows suspended above the road. These arrows point to the edge of the road, helping you stay in your lane when the road markings are covered by snow.

Parking in the Snow

When parking overnight, lift your windshield wipers so they don't freeze to the glass. Do not engage the parking brake (handbrake), as the cable can freeze and lock the wheels. Instead, leave the car in 'Park' (for automatics) or in gear (for manuals).