Use the city as your base and tour the snowy mountains within a 50km radius. The mountain you'll head to tomorrow can be decided based on the morning weather and signs of snow. Sapporo, with its convenience of hot springs, restaurants, shops, and everything else you need, and the superb snowy mountains all within easy reach, makes it the perfect travel environment for skiers. Here we introduce ski resorts you can visit using Sapporo, Hokkaido as your base
The best! Stay in Sapporo and explore world-class snowy mountains every day
Sapporo, the central city of Hokkaido, is a "snow metropolis" surrounded by the expanse of the Ishikari Plain and the mountain ranges that stand behind it. Despite being a large city, high-quality snow fields are densely packed within a 50km radius. From Sapporo Teine to Sapporo International and even to BC fields, "city life" and "superb snow mountains" are connected in a single line. If you drive further, you can reach BC fields in the Shakotan and Niseko areas. Commuting to world-class snow mountains on different days is the appeal of being based in Sapporo, making such luxury a reality. The peace of mind of knowing you have a place to return to "the city" allows you to flexibly choose mountains depending on the weather
Sapporo as a city offers excellent accessibility and a comfortable stay. Located about 40 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport, if you base yourself in the city, you can efficiently travel within a 1-2 hour radius to nearby slopes such as Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, and Bankei, as well as world-class ski areas such as Kiroro, Onzu, and even Niseko and Rusutsu. Another advantage of being based in Sapporo is that it's easy to plan a ski trip that combines large resorts with locally beloved local ski areas
Humid seasonal winds from the Sea of Japan create snow clouds around Ishikari Bay, which cool as they move inland, creating the light, dry powder snow that is unique to Hokkaido. Another major attraction is that stable snowfall and low temperatures mean good conditions are maintained for long periods of time
The city itself is full of charm, with gourmet cuisine that lets you taste the bounty of the land and sea, as well as local specialties such as Sapporo ramen, soup curry, and seafood, all adding a touch of color to your trip. You can also enjoy city sightseeing, strolls around Odori Park and Maruyama, and soothing fatigue at the nearby Jozankei Onsen. Sapporo, where comfortable urban facilities and superb snow coexist, is the ideal base for skiers who want to "travel while skiing" across Hokkaido. Skiing around the snowy mountains in the city, the most sophisticated form of this can be found in Sapporo
The benefits of being based in this city
- Despite being a major city, the world's best snow quality is within easy reach
- Easy daily tours to Sapporo International, Teine, Bankei, etc
- Access to base camps in the Niseko and Yoichi areas is also possible
- Highly satisfying sightseeing and dining experience at Susukino, Otaru Canal, etc
- Even on days when there's no snow, you can enjoy your stay in the city with peace of mind
Ski resorts that can be toured around Sapporo
Sapporo International Ski Resort
Even though it's so close to Sapporo, the satisfaction level is beyond imagination
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is not only conveniently located, but also guaranteed for the quantity and quality of its snow. It opens earlier than anywhere else in Japan, accumulates nearly 3 meters of snow during the peak season, and is an incredibly tough ski resort that allows you to ski for over six months from November to May. The highlight is the downhill course with a maximum slope of 30 degrees. A single gondola can be used around this course, making it an efficient way to ski more. The downhill course is ungroomed, so the steep slope stretches for about 2.2 km from the top to the bottom, making for an incredibly challenging experience
Another feature of the course is that all the runs are long. After snowfall, you can enjoy long powder runs, and when it doesn't snow, you can enjoy high-speed carving rides on the beautiful groomed runs. The slopes are well-formed and easy to navigate, making it a reliable destination for those days when you want to hit the snow
Access: Approximately 40km from central Sapporo | Approximately 40 minutes by car | Bus service available
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/sapporo-kokusai/
Sapporo Teine
I want to tackle one of the steepest slopes in the country
Its accessibility is outstanding. At an elevation of over 1,000m, you can look forward to powder runs with views of Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay. Sapporo Teine's sparsely forested nature zone is also an attraction. The "North Wall Course," which has nurtured many famous skiers such as Daisuke Sasaki and Tsuyoshi Kodama, is an ungroomed slope with a maximum gradient of 36 degrees, and is a tree run with varying terrain
Advanced skiers will also be interested in the vast backcountry that unfolds beyond the gate at the summit. The quality of the snow and the fascinating terrain are incredible. Easy lift access allows you to ski down the powder-filled faces, and finally return to the ski resort parking lot. Despite being close to the city, this mountain offers a high level of "mountain satisfaction."
Access: Approximately 20km from central Sapporo | Approximately 40 minutes by car | JR + bus available
STEEP guide page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/sapporo-teine/
Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort
A "night game paradise" that fills the gaps in your travels
Just a 20-minute drive from Sapporo, Sapporo Bankei is famous for being "a mountain right next to the city where you can ski until late at night" and for its beautiful night views. Despite its surprising proximity to the city, it boasts 17 courses ranging from gentle slopes for families to FIS-certified mogul courses, a wide variety of slopes for everyone to enjoy, and a night skiing environment that is open until 9 pm every night
If you're planning a trip to Sapporo without renting a car, the "Taxi Pack" is a convenient option. It will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. It's a great way to warm up on the first day of your trip, or to ski at night on the day of your arrival, or to enjoy sightseeing during the day and then ski at night. It's a convenient option that will turn any free time in your itinerary into time for skiing
Access: Approximately 8km from central Sapporo | Approximately 20 minutes by car | Subway and bus available
Official website: https://www.bankei.co.jp/ski/
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
Glide while admiring the breathtaking scenery created by the sky and sea
Asarigawa Onsen is located close to Otaru, a short journey from Sapporo. Its greatest attraction is the unobstructed panoramic ocean view. The sea blends with the sky during the day, and the sea at dusk bathed in the orange light of the setting sun. The breathtaking scenery of the sky and sea interwoven together will be an unforgettable memory of your trip
Located in a position where snow enters from the sea side, this mountain has a strong local flavor and offers plenty of snow and a unique atmosphere depending on the conditions
Whether you want to enjoy it as a set with the hot springs or take a little further to see Otaru, this is a ski resort where you can be satisfied with a "good run" and use your time effectively
Access: Approximately 35km from central Sapporo | Approximately 50 minutes by car
Official website: https://asari-ski.com/
snow cruise ons
Spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and night games until 11pm
Snow Cruise Ons, a local favorite known only to those in the know, boasts a scenic location where you can ski with the ocean as a backdrop. The famous night skiing is open until 11pm. The illuminated slopes and distant city lights create a northern atmosphere
Apart from locals who come here after work to ski, this is not a ski resort for hardcore skiers who want to spend the day skiing, but rather a place for people who want to relax and enjoy a cruise while admiring the night view. It is accessible from Sapporo by taking the JR Hakodate Main Line in 40 minutes and using the free shuttle bus, so there is no need to rent a car. It is a good place to spend your arrival day or final day
Access: Approximately 25km from central Sapporo | Approximately 40 minutes by car
Official website: https://onze.jp/
Kiroro Resort
A day trip to the finest powder and tree runs
Even if you're staying in Sapporo, a day trip is easily possible. The consistent amount of snowfall and quality, as well as the expansive terrain, are unmatched in Hokkaido. Monthly snowfall during the peak season can exceed 4 meters, with snow falling almost every night, resetting the course conditions. The consistently low temperatures mean high-quality powder snow is maintained from the start of the season, and there are endless reasons for its popularity.
Kiroro offers five vast tree run areas, accessible via entrances set within the ski resort's management area. The variety is truly diverse, with beautiful broadleaf forests, varied natural terrain, deep powder spots, and courses that offer a sense of exploration. Many courses can be efficiently navigated using the lifts, making it a delight for powder and tree riding enthusiasts.
Access: Approximately 60km from central Sapporo | Approximately 70-80 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/
Niseko United
An unshakable presence: "Niseko is the BEST"
Niseko United is a collection of five ski resorts, including Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Village, Annupuri, and Moiwa, which are connected at the top. This large scale is the strongest in Japan. With its abundant natural terrain, high reset rate, and large elevation changes, Niseko's position is unshakable
Niseko is the origin of the wonder of JAPOW, a place that has the world bowing down to it. Niseko. Looking around Hokkaido, there are few places where you can ski relatively easily on superb powder that is renewed every day. Add to that the views of Mt. Yotei, the vast scale, the variety of lines, the easy-to-access backcountry, and the atmospheric hot springs - everything here is a story. If you try hard enough, it's even possible to make a day trip from your base in Sapporo, and it's definitely worth considering as a special option as "another world within reach."
Access: Approximately 100km from central Sapporo | Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car
STEEP Guide Page:
Niseko HANAZONO Resort https://steep.jp/skiarea/hanazono/
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu https://steep.jp/skiarea/niseko-tokyu_grand-hirafu/
Niseko Village Ski Resort https://steep.jp/skiarea/niseko-village/
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort https://steep.jp/skiarea/niseko-annupuri/
Niseko Moiwa https://steep.jp/skiarea/niseko-moiwa/
Nakayama Pass Ski Resort
Open from April - Mountain for spring trips
Located at Nakayama Pass, a key transportation hub connecting Sapporo and the southern Hokkaido region, this mountain is full of local flavor. With an elevation of over 800m even at its base and a north-facing slope, it is famous for its early snowfall, long snowfall, and lingering snow. However, it is closed during the harsh winter months, making it a rare ski resort that opens in the spring from early April. The park is also full of activities in the spring. You can also stop by when heading towards Niseko
Access: Approximately 50km from central Sapporo | Approximately 60 minutes by car
Official website: https://nakayama-ski.com/