Introduction

All companies, organizations, and individuals conducting lessons, guiding, or any other commercial activities within the Rusutsu Resort ski area must obtain prior approval from Rusutsu Resort. Any individual found engaging in commercial activity without approval will be removed immediately from the resort. Lift tickets shall not be refunded, and the party responsible may be prohibited from Rusutsu Resort.

The objective of the Rusutsu commercial pass is to establish a structured and transparent framework for commercial activities within the resort. This initiative aims to ensure the highest standards of safety, service, and professionalism are upheld, enhancing the overall guest experience. It also seeks to foster a collaborative environment between Rusutsu Resort and its commercial partners, promoting mutual growth and success.

The Rusutsu Resort commercial pass permits official partners to operate at Rusutsu Resort providing all rules and followed and partners agree to the terms listed in the commercial pass partnership agreement. Any individual, group or company attempting commercial activities at Rusutsu Resort without prior permission will be considered to be trespassing.

Commercial Activities

Individuals or companies conducting lessons, guiding, guided photography or hosting events for monetary and non-monetary financial rewards on Rusutsu Resort property are considered as commercial activities. Commercial activities are only permitted when the external company has pre-registered and has been granted permission by the Resort after successfully completing the commercial pass application and following the pre-agreed procedure.
The only situations where a commercial pass may not be required are:

1. When an official SAJ/JSBA/SIA associated organization obtains permission in advance from the company to conduct courses, training and exams.
2. Non-commercial guiding, training or instruction from volunteers from educational institutions such as local schools, race clubs etc. Permission must be obtained from the company in advance at all times.
3. When the company provides special permission in advance for unique circumstance.

Requirements for Commercial Partners

To be eligible for a commercial partnership all external companies or individuals must meet the following conditions. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the rejection of the commercial partnership and the immediate suspension of lift tickets without refund.

Regulatory/ Commercial Requirements

1. Cooperate with Rusutsu management and follow instructions of staff at all times.
2. Follow the Rusutsu Resort rules and abide by Japanese law at all times.
3. Under no circumstances engage in commercial activities with guests staying at Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention and The Westin Rusutsu Resort.
4. Maintain third-party public liability insurance coverage (minimum of JPY 200,000,000 per single accident).
5. Understand commercial registration fees, associated costs, and purchased commercial passes will not be exchanged or refunded under any circumstances.
6. Ensure that all instructors/guides possess one of the following valid licenses:
　(a) International Instructor License, ISIA certified, Level 1 or higher (https://isia.ski/members)
　(b) SAJ or JSBA, Level 1 or higher
　(c) SIA Stage 1 or higher
　(d) International Guide Qualification (Non-recreational)
7. Verify that all staff have an appropriate visa permitting legal employment in Japan.
8. Ensure that all instructors/guides consistently wear their registered uniform and carry identification and/or a valid Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
9. All instructors and guides must always wear and prominently display official partner badges issued by Rusutsu Resort.
10. All individuals conducting commercial activities at Rusutsu Resort must purchase the correct designated commercial lift pass.
11. From the 2026–27 season onwards, all new and returning commercial partners must appoint a Lead Instructor or Head Guide directly employed by the company. This person is responsible for safety oversight, lesson standards, staff supervision, and training.
　　Minimum requirements:
　　Ski Schools:
　　・ISIA Level 3 (Ski or Snowboard)
　　Guiding Companies:
　　・Avalanche Operations Level 2 (or equivalent professional-level qualification)

Commercial Partner Registration Costs

Commercial partners must register with Rusutsu Resort prior to commencing any commercial operations on Rusutsu Resort property. Registration costs will be used to cover the administrative and operational costs of the 2026-27 commercial pass program.

Required information for Commercial Registration

Please download the application form, complete all required information, and submit it by email after 01/10/2026(Thu.).

Required Information:
・Company name
・Corporate registration number
・Company address
・Representative’s name
・Contact Person’s Name
・Email address
・Official website
・Primary slopes/areas of activity
・Number of instructors / guides
・A complete list of all staff who may conduct lessons or guiding at Rusutsu Resort (name, age, qualifications) — Attach as a separate sheet
・Agreement to the terms and conditions (check box)
・Number of commercial badges requested
・Photo of uniform
・Copy of insurance certificate

• Coming Soon

Screening will be conducted within 14 business days of application. After approval, you will receive a confirmation email. Upon receiving approval from the Commercial Pass Office, please visit the Rusutsu Resort Lift Ticket Counter (Center Ticket) to pay the commercial registration fee and badge fee and collect your badge.
If you wish to pay by bank transfer, please select “Bank Transfer” on the application form. Bank account details will be provided in the approval email.

Application forms should be sent to

Rusutsu Resort Commercial Pass Office
Email：commercial@rusutsu.co.jp

Commercial Pass Lift Ticket Options

Commercial Pass Reissue
If a Commercial Season Pass is lost or damaged, a reissuance fee of 5,000 JPY will apply. If a Commercial 50-Hour Pass, Top Up 25-Hour Ticket, 1-Day Ticket, 3-Day Ticket, or Commercial Guest Lift Ticket is damaged or lost, a reissuance fee of JPY 1,000 JPY will be charged.

Commercial Partner Resort Orientation and Training
At the start of the winter 2026-27, commercial partners who have successfully registered for the 2026-27 Commercial Partnership Agreement will be granted special permission to purchase standard Rusutsu Resort lift tickets for the purpose of staff orientation and training. Please be aware that prior approval is required. This will be permitted until 15/12/2026(Tue).

Prohibited Activities

If any of the following prohibited acts are identified, commercial registration may be revoked, lift tickets suspended, and future access to Rusutsu Resort may be denied:

1. Solicitation or promotional activities directed at resort guests (verbal offers, signage, flyer distribution, etc.).
2. Sales activities toward travel agencies or similar entities regarding lessons or guiding at the resort.
3. Parking in areas designated for K Winter Pass members only.
4. Meeting guests or starting lessons/guiding outside designated meeting areas specified by the Commercial Pass Office.
5. Conducting first-timer lessons (debut lessons) in the West Mt. beginner area (Magic Carpet / Snow Escalator).
6. Meeting guests in ski school meeting areas or areas designated for resort staff use.
7. Entering strictly prohibited areas as defined by local resort rules.
8. Entering roped-off areas.
9. Violating any rules stated herein or engaging in conduct that harms the interests or operations of the resort or registered commercial companies.
10. Engaging in conduct that endangers or negatively affects resort users.
11. Conducting commercial activities using any lift ticket other than the designated commercial lift ticket (except during orientation training periods).
12. Engaging in commercial activities with guests staying at the resort hotels without prior approval. 　 Special permission requests must be submitted by email to the Commercial Pass office at least 3 days prior to the lesson date. Late requests will not be accepted. Approval is not guaranteed.
13. Customer harassment toward resort staff.
　 Harassment or unacceptable behaviour toward Rusutsu Resort staff by commercial partners or their guests.
　 In Hokkaido, the following customer harassment behaviours are prohibited:
　 ・Excessive or unreasonable demands
　 ・Raised voices, aggressive behaviour, or abusive language
　 ・Unauthorized photography
　 Learn More
14. Any companies or individuals who have commercial partnership agreements terminated will not be able to join the commercial partnership for the following winter season.
15. External instructors/guides or individuals affiliated under this partnership agreement will not be entitled to access Rusutsu Resort Snowsport school lift priority lines under any circumstances.

Inspection of External Guides and Instructors

Rusutsu Resort may verify lift tickets to ensure compliance with the Commercial Lift Ticket System. Commercial patrol staff may conduct inspections using digital hand scanners.

Individuals found conducting lessons, guiding, or guest services may be required to:

1. Promptly present their Rusutsu Resort commercial lift ticket and badge.
2. Clearly demonstrate that they are not in violation of the system’s regulations.The resort reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to suspend or revoke lift tickets if conduct is deemed harmful to the resort, its guests, staff, or registered commercial partners, even if not explicitly stated in these rules.
3. Rusutsu Resort reserves the right to suspend or revoke lift and commercial passes at its sole discretion for any actions or behaviours not explicitly outlined in this agreement, but deemed by Rusutsu Resort to be harmful, disruptive, or contrary to the best interests of the resort, its guests, staff, or commercial partners. This includes, but is not limited to, actions that may compromise the safety, enjoyment, or operations of the resort. Any such decision made by Rusutsu Resort will be final and not subject to appeal.
4. Rusutsu Resort reserves the right to amend or change the commercial pass partnership agreement at any time without prior notice.