Hokkaido Skiing

I have 3 questions

1. Which in your opinions are the best ski resorts in Japan? I have skied a number of times so would prefer a large ski area.
2. What is the best way to get there from Tokyo? I gather taking a foreigners airpass to Sapporro is probably the quickest and cheapest way but what is the best way to get from sapporro to the resorts?
3. How far is niseko from sapporro by bus/train and how much?

thanks

2. What is the best way to get there from Tokyo? I gather taking a foreigners airpass to Sapporro is probably the quickest and cheapest way

Yes, I agree. Just note that there are some black out periods when the pass cannot be used:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html

Also worth considering is the Air Do Special, a one way flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido for just 10,000 Yen if you book at least 45 days in advance. This ticket, too, is not available during peak seasons, such as during the Sapporo Snow Festival.

but what is the best way to get from sapporro to the resorts?

Bus or train depending on the resort. If you visit just one resot, single tickets (or possibly a round trip ticket in case of bus travel), is likely the cheapest.

3. How far is niseko from sapporro by bus/train and how much?

3 hours, 2,100 Yen one way by direct bus.

2.5 hours, 2,100 Yen one way by direct train. During the winter, there are some express trains taking only 2 hours and costing about 4000 yen one way.

We were in Hokkaido for the season this year, and going back for a second round next year. I'd definitely recommend basing yourself in Niseko - its a big area, lots of varying and challenging terrain and you can easily to day trips to places like Rusutsu and La Ponte from Niseko. Niseko offers far more in terms of accommodation and dining options than Rusutsu. Definitely highly recommended.

If you don't care for the big crowds of Niseko, you might want to try a trip to Furano. It's further inland than Niseko, with slightly less snowfall, but drier and fluffier powder. I live in Sapporo but I make the trip a few times every winter, well worth it!

They also have a 100-man cable car. On weekends you can ski nonstop with no queueing.

One problem is that Furano is virtually unknown to travel agents overseas. Here's a few links where you can make hotel bookings.

http://www.snowjapan.com/e/hotel/index-hokkaido.html

http://www.prai.co.jp/prai/en/

It's not as crowded as Niseko, but if you want a long stay at the same lodge, or you want skifront with ensuite facilities, definitely book.

Most foreigners only know of Niseko in Hokkaido, because that is just about the only place that tours are run into.
Hakuba in central Japan is becoming better known.

However, in spite of the worst season in about 9 years in Japan, many resorts in central Japan get more snow than Niseko.
In Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba has 7-8 mountains, and boasts more steep terrain than Niseko. Shiga Kogen is huge, with more than 120 lits spread over 22 resorts.
In Niigata Prefecture, Naeba/Kagura/Tashiro/Mitsumata is big.
Japan has more than 650 resorts (big and small), so there can be a lot to choose from.

What is the peak season in Hokkaido?

In order to enjoy the AIr DO special with 10,000 yen one way ticket from Tokyo to Sapporo, isit ok to book the ticket on 7 Dec to Sapporo and 14 Dec to Tokyo?

thanks.

It is too late to qualify for the Air Do Special now! You have to book at least 45 days in advance. The cheapest fare you can get if you book now is the "Do Value 28". It costs between 10,000 and 18,000 yen, depending on the flight. Only the early-morning flight is available for 10,000 yen:
http://www.airdo.jp/ap/index.html

May i know which airport in Tokyo does AirDO fly to Sapporo New Chitose airport?

Thanks.

All Air Do flights use Tokyo's Haneda Airport:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html