Best ski resorts in Hokkaido

1. Rusutsu Resort (ルスツリゾートスキー場)

Address

13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Website

https://rusutsu.com/

Phone number

0136-46-3331 | 0136-46-3111

Rusutsu Resort prides itself in being the number 1 quality location in Hokkaido. It is a large-scale ski resort that stands out in terms of snowfall. The place is also famous for having a variety of other activities that visitors can participate in. 

Rusutsu Resort becomes all the more beautiful with the scenery of the Ezo-Fuji mountain in the background. The ski slope here has a long distance with 37 attractive slides that can definitely meet the needs of all of its visitors, even young children and beginners. 

According to one customer: “Rusutsu ski area is the most beautiful during spring. During the two days when I visited this place, the sky was clear, making it the perfect opportunity to see Mount Yotei, Lake Toya, Funka Bay, and Mount Komagatake. As far as I know, there are very few resorts with ocean views and Rusutsu is the only place where you can see the pacific Ocean. “

2. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (札幌国際スキー場)

Address

937 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo

Website

https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/

Phone number

011-598-4511 | 011-598-4519

As it is easily accessible from Sapporo’s urban areas, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort attracts many visitors. It is also famous for its excellent snow quality. 

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort stands out for its steady snow fall that can last all the way until Golden Week. Its skating area has the longest distance of 3600m and wide slopes. The slopes are mostly for intermediate skiers, but there are also ones for beginner and advanced skiers available. 

“Sapporo Kokusai Ski is suitable for families and beginner skiers. Thanks to the high altitude in comparison to the surrounding slopes, the snow quality is good and feels pretty cold. The travel from Sapporo city is convenient, the parking lot is wide and the driving was safe,” - this is the review of a customer who has skied here.  

3. Furano Ski Resort (富良野スキー場)

Address

Nakagoryo, Furano-shi, Hokkaido

Website

https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter/

Phone number

0167-22-1111　

Furano Ski Resort is one of the largest skiing resorts in the Hokkaido region. It is of note that this is also chosen to be the main ski area of many international skiing competitions. 

The skating area has a long horizontal layout, divided into two areas lined up with one another - the Furano Zone at 1,209m height and the Kitanomine Zone at 940m height. When skiing here, you will get the chance to witness the majestic view with the Taisetsu mountain range (大雪山) in the background.

One review of Furano Ski said: “Furano Ski is the best ski resort I've been to. Excellent snow quality, and stable weather in inland areas. Large skating area and majestic scenery. There is also a town around the mountainside where you can enjoy the local culture and climate.”

4. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area (ニセコアンヌプリ国際スキー場)

Address

485 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun

Website

https://annupuri.info/

Phone number

0136-58-2080

Niseko Annupuri Ski Field is a pretty popular ski spot among locals and tourists in Niseko. The travel route is convenient, with round-trip buses from Sapporo Station, Shin Chitose Airport, Otaru City, Yoichi Cho Town, and an economical bus package including an 8-hour ticket.

There are 13 extensive ski routes for visitors to easily and comfortably experience skiing at Niseko Annupuri. Skiers will be impressed by the route from the highest point of the cable car and the view of Mount Yotei.

はねばね - a customer shared: “The ski area is right next to the high and wide slope, making this the perfect skating location for families and beginners. Niseko has amazing snow quality and magnificent scenery. I would advise everyone to visit this place at least once.” 

5. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort (サッポロテイネスキー場)

Address

593 Teinehoncho, Teine-ku, Sapporo

Website

https://sapporo-teine.com/snow/

Phone number

011-685-7000

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is one of the major skating spots in the area, attracting a large number of skaters every year. Skaters can also access the location easily via a 40-minute trip by car from the center of Sapporo city.  

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is over 1000 km high with 5 skating tracks. The skating area is divided into 2: the Olympia Zone behind Teine mountain is for beginners and families, whereas the Highland Zone around Teine mountain has a very unique track. 

“The skating area has a rugged wall on the north that stretches for more than one kilometer across the giant Olympic field for women. The area is perfect for families and intermediate skaters who want to have a good view of the city. No matter how many times you visit this place, you will never get bored.” - A customer once shared. 

Winter is truly the perfect season for those who love skiing. So, what are you waiting for? Why not visit Hokkaido at least once during this cold period to not only ski but also participate in other super interesting activities while admiring the magnificent beauty of nature? 

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