14/10/2022
Experience the ultimate winter holiday at Rusutsu Resort - Japan’s muti-award-winning resort
The ski area boasts 37 unique trails spread over 3-interconnected mountains with an average annual snowfall of over 14 meters. Rusutsu Resort is the ultimate winter sports destination with a wide variety of terrain catering to all levels, from novices and families to expert thrill-seekers. Access is quick and easy from both central Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, with a wide selection of accommodation options to ensure a restful stay. Why not visit Rusutsu Resort for your next winter vacation?
Mountains – Experience Japan’s deepest powder.
In winter, Rusutsu Resort receives an almost unbelievable amount of light, dry snow from December until March, withf fresh snowfall reported almost daily. On certain days, it’s not uncommon for snowfall to exceed 40-50 cm in 24 hours. Light, dry, consistent snowfall is a rarity in the world, and Rusutsu Resort features some of the world’s best snow, making Rusutsu a world-renowned powder paradise.
Japan’s Best Ski Resort at World Ski Awards
Rusutsu Resort has been voted Japan’s Best Ski Resort 4 times in the past 5 years at the prestigious World Ski Awards. The expansive ski area features an efficient design that seamlessly interconnects courses on West Mt, East Mt, and Mt Isola. A large ski area, set over three unique mountains offers a vast array of trails suited for all ability levels. Courses are meticulously maintained every morning by dedicated staff to ensure perfect grooming, while numerous courses are extra wide to provide a sense of space. An efficient lift system featuring primarily gondolas and covered chairlifts provides warm, sheltered uplift and ensures you rarely need to queue.
Rusutsu’s powder zones and natural tree areas famously feature deep snow and some of Japan’s best lift-accessed terrain. Enjoy deep fresh tracks which seem to re-set on a daily basis. Make sure you get up early to get fresh tracks in this powder mecca.
Read our previous blog, “Rusutsu Resort on the course!”
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25 Hours Tickets
This winter we will be introducing a new type of lift ticket to provide greater flexibility to our users. The 25-hour lift ticket will allow guests to enjoy greater freedom when accessing the ski area. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in convenient 1-hour increments to take advantage of snow conditions or to enjoy skiing in shorter sessions around work or other commitments. We recommend this type of lift ticket for medium/long-term guests.
Heli Skiing
Heli-skiing is the ultimate option for skiers and snowboarders with a high level of skills looking for the best possible powder experience. Travel straight to the summit of Mt Shiribetsu the 1,107 m mountain located adjected to Rusutsu’s West Mt. Experience some of Japan’s deepest snow and steepest terrain on this extinct volcano. The perfect experience for experts looking for an unforgettable powder experience.
Ski & Snowboard School – improve your skill with fun memorable lessons.
Rusutsu’s fun and friendly team of experienced instructors will ensure you make the most of your time on snow. Friendly native English-speaking instructors will help you achieve your goals while exploring the mountain having fun. From first time lessons right up to power tips and side country exploration. Why not book a lesson to maximise your time on the mountain.
For younger children learning to ski for the first time, we recommend the Crayon Shin Chan Kids School. Suitable for ages 3-12 this unique school features an indoor ski slope where kids can learn the basics while staying warm and dry. Once the basics are mastered its time to move to the snow. This school uses special teaching materials to help promote learning via fun games.
Access – Direct buses available between Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, Niseko and Lake Toya. A great base for sightseeing.
Rusutsu Resort is only 90 minutes by car from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. There is also a direct bus service from the airport for added convenience. Leave Tokyo early morning, and be on the slopes by early afternoon. Niseko is only a 40-minute drive to away with Lake Toya only 30 mins away. Experience the local area with so many excellent ski resorts, hot springs and restaurants conveniently located in close proximity to Rusutsu Resort. During the winter season, when you have a lot of luggage, it is recommended to stay in one place and enjoy the surrounding area. Rusutsu is the perfect base for your trip.
Experience – Hokkaido’s Fun and Rewarding Lifestyle
When visiting Hokkaido, make sure to enjoy the delicious, local produce. The resort features a wide variety of restaurants from traditional Japanese dining to Western-style, buffets and craft beer/ grill restaurants. Guests are well catered for with a wide selection. Enjoy a relaxed informal setting perfect for children or try a traditional Japanese restaurant where the multiple courses create a sense of culinary discovery. The resort features something for everyone.
For après ski, warm your body in the tranquil open air hot springs and sauna. Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating experience at one of the resorts three hot spring facilities. Or try the exhilarating wave pool and water slide. All facilities are free of charge for hotel guests. Recommended is the Kotobuki-no-Yu, hot spring newly completed in 2019, this facility features a spacious outdoor bath, Jacuzzi and tranquil cave bath to relieve the fatigue from your journey.
Try our unique Snow tent sauna & Kamakura (snow house) outdoor bath experience. This rejuvenating and unusual snow and sauna combination is only available in selected snowy areas and not to be missed. Start off in the woodfired tent sauna to warm up and become sweaty, before cooling down by jumping into the soft powder snow. The hot sauna and powder snow is an amazing combination.
Snow Tent Sauna & Kamakura outdoor snow dive
Accommodations – 3 unique hotels to suit your style
Rusutsu Resort features three different hotels all located in close proximity. Select the hotel and room which best suits your budget and style
Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention is located at the base of Mt. West Mt., offering excellent convenience for ski-in/ski-out mountain access, a wide range of restaurants, shops and attractions.
Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention
For a comfortable and luxurious stay the Marriott-branded The Westin Rusutsu Resort is highly recommended. All rooms are bi-level, maisonette-style with large windows offering expansive views of Rusutsu and the Hokkaido landscape. The Westin Rusutsu Resort also features ski-in/ski-out convenience and is linked to the main resort complex, by a short and convenient monorail ride.
“The Vale Rusutsu” is a modern, luxurious condominium style hotel, which recently opened in 2020. This hotel offers larger apartments and is ideal for longer stays. Conveniently located with easy ski-in/ski-out access to the mountain and direct access to hot springs facilities and amenities. Shops and restaurants in the main hotel complex are just a short indoor walk away. Guest will enjoy spacious apartment style rooms with fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy the freedom of an apartment with the convenience of a hotel surrounded by facilities and attractions.
Accommodation reservations now open for Winter 2022-23
Book now and visit Rusutsu Resort in winter 2022-23. Experience the ultimate winter vacation here at Rusutsu Resort!