The Hokkaido branch of JR is offering cheap one-day trips for skiing, snowboarding and hot springs in Japan's northern winter wonderland. For about $75 you can get an inclusive trip of train pass, one-day lift pass, and ski/board rental for some of the world's best snow.
Or for as little as $85 you can get a day at an outdoor hot springs, in the snow, with a buffet lunch.
Some trips also involve a bus trip to the particular destination, but that's also included in the price.
Your options include:
Skiing
Niseko Hirafu with view of Mt. Yotei: 6,200 yen
(special note: we just covered Niseko!)
Sahoro with view of Tokachi plain: 10,300 yen
Tomamu with 16 courses: 9,100 yen
Furano with courses for all levels: 5,750 yen
Teine, just 40 minutes from Sapporo: 5,850 yen
Hot Springs
Toya Kohan-tei with local seafood lunch: 7,100 yen
Lake Toya Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace with buffet: 6,500 yen
Noboribetsu Grand Hotel with two-tiered lunch box: 6,600 yen
Noboribetsu Manseikaku with full meal including sashimi and baked potato: 7,100 yen
All the prices here are for adults. Children's prices (under 12 years) are heavily discounted, some by as much as 50%.
These offers are good through March 31, 2012. Get your tickets in person at any JR station in Hokkaido.
via JR Hokkaido [PDF]