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Here are 12 recommended ski resorts in Hokkaido that are within an hour and a half's drive from Japan's New Chitose Airport. We introduce the characteristics of ski resorts, information on slopes, and winter activities that can be enjoyed by beginners, advanced skiers, and families! You can also enj...
Since you've come all the way to Hokkaido, why not visit the many ski resorts that can only be enjoyed at this time of year?
We recommend renting a camper van because you can carry more luggage than in a regular car .
Skiing tends to require a lot of luggage, including a change of clothes. You could go in a regular car, but the cramped interior of the car can make you feel sick, which can be a little stressful before you go skiing... With a camper van , the interior is spacious and you can fit a lot of luggage , and you can also fit your own skis and snowboards with ease.
The rental location is Japan Road Trip's New Chitose Airport store, about a 7-minute bus ride from New Chitose Airport. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs from the airport every 10 minutes.
We also offer long-term and repeat discounts of up to 20% off , so why not enjoy winter skiing at a great price with your friends and family!
Here we introduce 12 recommended ski resorts that are within an hour and a half's drive from New Chitose Airport!
On January 17, 2022, the resort won the top award in the "Japan's Best Ski Resort 2021 " category at the World Ski Awards 2021, the most prestigious award in the global ski tourism industry. This is the fourth time the resort has won the award!
It is located in a perfect location, avoiding the harsh seasonal winds from the northwest, yet receiving plenty of dry powder carried by the wind. Furthermore, being close to the Pacific Ocean, the rate of sunny days in winter is high. Powder and sunny days, known as "THE DAY," are not uncommon here. You can experience the lightest snow you've ever experienced under the clear skies of the Pacific Ocean climate!
There are four gondolas and 14 lifts on three peaks. There are 37 courses laid out, ranging from wide, gentle slopes that anyone can ski on with confidence , to aggressive runs that will satisfy advanced skiers. You can enjoy full-scale winter sports here.
West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola. The fun of Rusutsu lies in the fact that there are three peaks within the resort ! Each mountain has its own unique topography, so there are many ways to enjoy it!
In winter, Rusutsu is filled with snowy fields and snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see. You can experience the winter wilderness unique to Hokkaido by walking on fluffy snowy fields or running while kicking up powdery snow . You can also enjoy playing in the snow in a slightly different way than on the slopes !
Address: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1711
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Tomamu is an extremely cold area with many days where the temperature drops below minus 10 degrees , so the snow is very light and you can ski on super dry powder snow at any time . It is a ski resort that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults, with courses for beginners to advanced skiers.
A mountain resort surrounded by magnificent nature. 29 courses for beginners to advanced skiers. (4 advanced courses, 14 intermediate courses, 10 beginner courses, 1 beginner course) Maximum slope: 35 degrees * Course name: No Gravity
The "Area open only to advanced skiers" is located beyond the managed slopes and offers the finest powder snow .
Time: 8:30-15:00 (last entry) *Please check out the app by 15:30
Address: Nakatomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2204
Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
The wide slopes are perfect for beginners to intermediate skiers and families. Even if you are new to skiing or snowboarding, you can enjoy skiing on safe courses. Dynasty is also proud of its powder snow.
First slope (beginner) : Maximum slope 10°, total length 400m. An introductory course for kids and beginners.
Second slope (intermediate) : Maximum slope 19° Total length 500m Main slope [Night skiing course]
Third slope (intermediate) : Maximum slope 19°, total length 500m, fresh snow is soft and fluffy.
Nishirinkan Course (Beginner) : Maximum slope 19°, total length 700m. Go through pine and birch forests!
Higashirinkan Course (Intermediate) : Maximum gradient 19°. 600m long with continuous turns, requiring good technique.
Besides skiing, you can also enjoy snow cruising !
Address: 82-4 Nibetsu, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido 061-1267
Approximately 36 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
From the summit you can see the whole of Sapporo , and if the weather is good you can enjoy the spectacular view from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan ! There are no steep mountain passes, even on snowy roads, so it's easier to get around than you might think. Access by car or bus is very convenient . The diverse course layouts are popular and can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced riders!
You can enjoy the ski resort's famous powder snow in a location surrounded by beautiful snowy scenery and nature.
Mount Racey Ski Area has slopes covering almost the entirety of Mt. Reisui. There are 18 courses in total , with the longest run of 3,500m . The slope boasts a maximum gradient of 45°, and has eight courses for advanced skiers, which are popular with professionals, semi-professionals, and high-level amateurs . There are also six courses for intermediate skiers and three courses for beginners , so the whole family can enjoy it, from children to the elderly!
Course composition: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 40%
For advanced skiers, here is a video about the appeal of the ski resort
The resort is family friendly, with schools and play areas for children.
Address: 2-4 Suehiro, Yubari City, Hokkaido 068-0411
Approximately 56 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
The appeal of Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort is the unobstructed views . The view of the ocean merging with the sky from the lifts and the mountaintops is a sight you can only see here .
You can enjoy the sea during the day, the sea turning orange at dusk, and the ever-changing winter views.
Yellow A/B Course (for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers): Elevation difference: 175m, Skiing distance: 500m, Slope: Maximum 19°, Average 15°, Course width: Minimum 60m
The family course has been expanded so that even beginners can ski with confidence. The newly built Yellow Lift has an intermediate station to support those making their debut on the slopes. At the base of the mountain, a snow play area called "Asari Fun Park" has also been created.
Green B Course (for beginners and intermediate skiers): Elevation difference: 120m, Skiing distance: 800m, Slope: Maximum 16°, Average 14°, Course width: Minimum 30m
A flat detour course. Once you turn a large curve, you will come to a viewpoint where the Sea of Japan is right in front of you.
Red A course (for intermediate and advanced skiers): Elevation difference: 200m, Skiing distance: 800m, Slope: Maximum 23°, Average 17°, Course width: 70m
A long, well-maintained slope. Recommended for those who want to improve their skills.
Blue course (for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers): Elevation difference: 100m, Skiing distance: 1,500m, Slope: Maximum 29°, Average 17°, Course width: 50m
A course with great variety where the views suddenly widen from the forest course.
Purple Course (for intermediate and advanced skiers): Elevation difference: 230m, Skiing distance: 1,100m, Slope: Maximum 24°, Average 15°, Course width: Minimum 60m
The summit is 660m above sea level and is one of the viewpoints overlooking the Sea of Japan. From here, you can descend the Yellow Course for a long run of 3,000m. You can also enjoy powder snow.
Orange Course: Steep slope, ungroomed area. Enjoy deep snow on a wide run. Maximum slope is 35°.
Green A Course : A difficult course with steep slopes and deep snow with many moguls. Many skiers are trying to master this course.
Red B Course: Enjoy powder snow in its natural state.
Children can also enjoy the area, which is safe and separated by netting. They can create fun memories sledding and playing in the snow!
Address: 1-394 Asarigawa Onsen, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0154
Approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Sapporo Teine is located in a vast mountain forest and is divided into two zones: the Olympia Zone, which is relatively close to the foot of the mountain, and the Highland Zone, which is centered around the summit of Mt. Teine.
The Highland Zone was the venue for four technical alpine ski events, including men's and women's giant slalom and men's and women's slalom, while the Olympia Zone was a ski resort that housed the Olympic cauldron and was used as the venue for five sledding events, including bobsleigh and luge.
There are 15 courses to satisfy everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. With 9 lifts and gondolas, it is the largest in the Sapporo area .
Elevation difference on the slope: 683m Highest point: 1023m (near the summit) Lowest point: 340m (Olympic Cauldron lift station)
Maximum gradient: 38 degrees Olympia Zone Olympic Cauldron Ocean Dive Top
Longest run: Approximately 6km. From the summit to the Shirakaba slope is a long course of approximately 6km (Natural Course + Rainbow Course).
Grade composition: beginner to advanced
The Terrain Park offers a panoramic view of Sapporo city . Anyone from beginners to experts can enjoy kickers, rails, boxes, and more. There are various items set up in the park, so you can enjoy riding at a comfortable pace with items that suit your level!
Address: 593-3 Teine Honmachi, Teine Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-0029
Approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
There are 10 courses in total, with a wide variety of options for families to enjoy, from night skiing to night views. Night skiing, where you can ski down the clear skies while looking at the night view of Sapporo city, is also popular! *Please note that snowboarding is prohibited on all courses.
We also recommend the "Snow and Rainbow Festival" in February , where fireworks are launched , a rare sight in winter!
A total of 10 courses with a variety of layouts for beginners to advanced skiers
Address: 1991 Moiwashita, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0040
Approximately 1 hour by car from New Chitose Airport
We recommend taking a tube sled down the sledding slope, the longest in Japan at 200m (6 lanes in total)!
The gentle slopes are perfect for beginner skiers and small children!
The Family Slope is 250m long and has an average gradient of 7 degrees, making it perfect for beginners and small children.
Fluffy, fluffy... All you need to walk on fresh snow is a curiosity about nature and snowshoes ! Once you put them on and start walking, you can walk around comfortably on the fluffy snow . You will be able to see the scenery that you can only see in a snowy country, such as snow-covered trees and the footprints of small animals. Use all your five senses to experience nature.
In winter, you can enter areas that are closed to you in summer due to the bamboo thickets. Feel free to wander around the vast waterfall and leave your own footprints !
Dipper Course (Mountain Stream Zone): This is a course to see Ashiribetsu Falls, which was selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan . Around mid-January, you can see the phenomenon of "frozen waterfalls" caused by the cold. You can easily see frozen waterfalls! The waterfalls change into fantastic frozen waterfalls in the cold of winter. When the sun shines on the waterfall, it looks mystical and white, transparent, and light blue! It's a flat path, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can feel at ease!
Takino Forest Zone: A place filled with nature where you can become one with the forest. This is a place where you can feel particularly close to nature even within the vast Takino Park, so you can enjoy the winter forest by searching for animal footprints, observing birds, and even lying down on the snow!
Akagera Course (Central Zone): This course starts from the Country House and heads towards the Suzuran Hill Observatory in the middle of Takino Park. Once you pass through the moderately inclined road, the snowy fields that spread out before you are spectacular!
Address: 247 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862
Approximately 46 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
There are a variety of courses available, from the "EZ6" course that even beginners can practice on, to courses for advanced skiers and snowboarders. On the beginners' course, you can ski while enjoying the spectacular view of the Sea of Japan !
Even beginners can enjoy the gentle easy lines from the summit, and if you choose a gentle course you can enjoy skiing while taking in the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan !
For advanced skiers, there are a variety of courses and steep, uneven runs to enjoy!
Course composition: Beginners 45% Intermediate 35% Advanced 20%
Address: 357 Harukacho, Kotaru City, 047-0265
Approximately 1 hour by car from New Chitose Airport
The dynamic and vast courses and areas spread across the two mountains of Asari and Nagamine can be enjoyed by skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers!
"Kirogo Dora" is 3,300m long! 23 courses with the longest distance of 4,050m, powder ride + 5 areas
You can also have a thrilling experience on the snowy corners of the off-road tire buggy! There are plenty of other activities besides skiing, such as snow banana boat, snow rafting, mountain trips, and cross-country skiing!
There are four courses on a slope about 500m long.
Address: 12-1 Higashi 6-sen Kita, Naganuma-cho, Yubari-gun, Hokkaido 069-1317
Approximately 39 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Total length: Approximately 500m to 700m , 7 courses in total
Children's sledding course : Sledding only
For beginners and intermediates : C, D, E courses
For intermediate and advanced skiers: Course A, Course B Giant Course
For advanced riders: Dynamic course
Address: 452 Kamishimon-cho, Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido 068-0836
Approximately 55 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Hokkaido has many attractive ski resorts! You can get to all of these ski resorts within 1 hour and 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport, so be sure to come and enjoy the unique charms of winter!
We also offer long-term and repeat discounts , so why not rent a car and enjoy winter skiing with your friends and family at a great price !
Toyota campervans available for rental at New Chitose Airport
The place where you can rent this camper is Japan Road Trip's "New Chitose Airport Store", about a 7-minute bus ride from New Chitose Airport.
There is a free shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport to the rental location, which departs approximately every 10 minutes!
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Japan Road Trip is one of the largest camper rental companies in Japan, with rental locations all over the country, from Hokkaido to Kyushu. It is ideal for trips with pets or small children, leisure trips with lots of luggage, and girls' trips. Rentals are accepted between 10:00 and 19:00, 365 days a year. Even beginners who have no experience driving a camper can rent one with peace of mind, as we provide free training. It can seat up to 9 people and sleep up to 8 people, and you can choose from American, natural, resort style, etc. depending on your purpose/preference. Rent a camper with a stylish interior that is one of a kind in the world and have a memorable trip!
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