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
INDEX
The best! Stay in Sapporo and explore world-class snowy mountains every day
SAPPORO TEINE
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
