What people look for in a ski resort is ultimately "snow quality" and "course layout."
But I'm sure there are many people who would say, "No, the scenery is important too!"

Hokkaido offers many places where you can enjoy the scenery as well, such as snow-covered trees and seas of clouds stretching out below.
But what if it were drift ice...?

So, this time I'd like to introduce two rare ski resorts where you can ski while watching drift ice.
I think this is something you can only experience in Hokkaido, so how about considering it for your ski trip plans?

<Table of Contents>
1. A review of drift ice
2. We'll introduce ski resorts where you can see drift ice!
2-1. Mombetsu City-operated Oyama Ski Resort
2-2. Unabetsu Ski Resort, Shari Town
Final thoughts

Many of you may already be familiar with drift ice, but I'd like to take this opportunity to briefly review what we know about it.

Incidentally, "drift ice" refers to fragments of ice that have been broken by waves.
One of the places where drift ice can be seen in Hokkaido is the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

It is said that drift ice comes from the Amur River, located near the Shantal Islands, which are Russian territory in the western part of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

Seawater is difficult to freeze because it contains salt, but it seems that the water from the Amur River flows into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, freezes, and then travels across the sea to reach the area.

So, as you can see, the seawater in Hokkaido didn't freeze because of the cold; it was flowing in!
When you think about how they come all the way from such a distant place, you really get a sense of the power of nature.

The sight of the sea completely covered in ice is breathtaking, and sometimes cute visitors like seals even come riding on the ice floes!
You should definitely try to see it up close at least once!

So, with that said, let's get back to the main topic.
Now, let me tell you about some ski resorts where you can ski while watching the drift ice!

Monbetsu City and Shiretoko Shari Town are located on the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.
These are very unusual ski resorts, each located right by the sea!

2-1. Mombetsu City-operated Oyama Ski Resort

Monbetsu City-run Oyama Ski Resort is located in Monbetsu City, the same city from which the Garinko II icebreaker departs.
With only one pair lift and one single lift, the resort is very compact, yet it offers all the necessary functions for skiing!

With active courses that allow you to ski through the woods, as well as courses for beginners, it's a versatile resort that everyone can enjoy.
Of course, snowboarding is also allowed!

All four courses are well-maintained, and the snow quality is excellent.
Its location right next to the national highway makes it easily accessible, so it's very convenient to use!

And while skiing while watching the drift ice is fantastic, night skiing is also hard to resist!
Located in the city center, you can enjoy skiing while admiring the glittering night view, making it a ski resort that offers multiple benefits in one visit.

<Mombetsu City-run Oyama Ski Resort>
Address: 7-chome, Minamigaoka-cho, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0158-24-7016
Usage period: Late December to late March
Lift ticket prices: Adults: 2,700 yen, Children: 1,700 yen (per day)
Hours:
Romance Lift No. 1 (Monday to Saturday 9:30-20:40 / Sunday and public holidays 9:00-17:00)
Lift No. 2 (Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to sunset / Sunday and public holidays 9:00 AM to sunset)

2-2. Unabetsu Ski Resort, Shari Town

Unabetsu Ski Resort is located in Shari Town, at the entrance to the Shiretoko mountain range.
The location, with the ocean right in front of you, completely overturns the image of ski resorts being in the mountains! It seems like it would offer a truly unique experience.

Also, even though it's on the coast, it snows a lot, so the snow quality is excellent!
Snowboarding is permitted on all courses, so snowboarders are welcome!
After skiing, you can warm up your chilled body at Unabetsu Onsen, located right in front of the slopes, before heading home.

The slopes are thoroughly groomed in the morning, making them very easy to ski on and resulting in excellent conditions!

The lower part of the course is wide and the slope is gentle, so even children can enjoy skiing!
And the good news is, this ski resort also offers night skiing!
You can also choose the luxury of sightseeing during the day and skiing at night!

You can also enjoy views of drift ice from partway through the course, so even a short break will undoubtedly become a special moment!

You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido's unique conditions, so why not give it a try?

<Shari Town Unabetsu Ski Resort>
Address: 114 Minehama, Shari-cho, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-28-2225
Lift ticket price: Adults 2,900 yen, Children 1,700 yen (per day)
営業時間：平日9:30～16:00（ナイター18:00～21:00）、土休日9:30～16:00

Final thoughts

There are several ways to enjoy viewing drift ice.
As mentioned earlier, there are many other options, such as ice floe cruises, viewing from observation decks, and heading out to sea directly when the ice floes are closest.

Among them, the ski resorts where you can see drift ice that I introduced this time are truly exceptional!
It's a prime viewing spot, and because of its high altitude, you can see even more distant scenery.

I hope you enjoy skiing! But you might also want to experience the special atmosphere that's only available at this time of year.

~Check these out too~
・For those who want to fully enjoy Hokkaido's drift ice! A summary of drift ice information and how to enjoy it!
Monbetsu, the town of drift ice | We'll teach you about the Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival and how to enjoy yourself in a snowy region.
- Drift Ice Walk [Experience Report] A special experience of freely walking on drift ice!
I actually rode it! The Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora | Aurora

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