Convenient access is a plus! 5 easy-to-access ski resorts in Sapporo. Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

Convenient access is a plus! 5 easy-to-access ski resorts around Sapporo

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: Last updated: September 5, 2018

Table of contents

1: Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

2: Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

3: Moiwayama Ski Resort

4: Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort

5: Dynasty Ski Resort

Summary

Sapporo ski resort

When you think of winter in Hokkaido, your attention naturally turns to winter sports.

However, all the ski resorts seem so serious that it looks like we'd have to stay overnight.
Moreover, everyone around you is probably skilled, which can be intimidating. It's easy to hesitate and end up putting it off.

So, this time, we'll introduce five spots where you can easily enjoy skiing within 3 hours to half a day from Sapporo city.

It's not intimidating at all. There are plenty of courses for beginners, so why not give it a try and have some fun?

<Contents>
1: Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
2: Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
3: Moiwayama Ski Resort
4: Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort
5: Dynasty Ski Resort

1: Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Sapporo ski resort Photo by Flickr: SAPPORO KOKUSAI ski area. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is located a 90-minute drive from downtown Sapporo, on the way from Jozankei to Otaru.
Located within Sapporo city limits, it boasts an area of 65 hectares, offering enjoyment for a wide range of skill levels, from beginners and families to advanced players.

Even if there's a wide range of skiing skill levels within the group, that's okay. The flexibility to find a course that suits everyone is a major attraction.

What's particularly noteworthy is the snow quality, which is said to be the best in the city. The mountainous location and altitude of 1,100 meters produce aspirin-like snow. This also means that spring skiing is possible.

With excellent access from Otaru and Sapporo, it's probably the number one spot in the city for attracting repeat visitors from outside Hokkaido.

Sapporo ski resort Photo by Flickr: SAPPORO KOKUSAI ski area. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

There are a total of seven courses, many of which are through the woods, and the challenging downhill sections are also very appealing.

This is not a ski resort with accommodation facilities. You may not find après-ski activities, but if you choose Jozankei as your accommodation, you can enjoy a variety of activities that you wouldn't find at an average ski resort.

It could be described as a traditional ski resort for those who simply want to enjoy skiing.

Sapporo ski resort Photo by Flickr: SAPPORO KOKUSAI ski area. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

This ski resort offers a highly satisfying experience in terms of feeling at one with nature.
That being said, as it is a ski resort that attracts many skiers, it also has plenty of restaurants, and if you are visiting in a group, there are rental rooms available.

Only your two ski tracks will follow you through the freshly fallen snow. This is a recommended spot for skiers who want to feel like they are one with the wind.

Sapporo ski resort Photo by Flickr:Fox. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Basic Information
Address:937 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo City
Phone: 011-598-4511
Official site:http://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/
access:
【public transport】
From JR Sapporo Station, take either the Daiichi Kanko Bus or the Jotetsu Bus from bus stop #16 at Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (bound for Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort). The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, and you will arrive immediately after getting off at the final stop, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.
【car】
Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station.
Transportation (fee/booking method): None
*For details on rentals, lift/gondola fees, etc., please see the official website.

2: Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

Sapporo ski resort
Located on the way from downtown Sapporo to Otaru is Mount Teine, which stands at an altitude of 1,023 meters, and the Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, which utilizes its slopes.

The two ski resorts, Highland and Olympia, were originally merged into one, and Kamori Kanko, famous for Rusutsu Resort, is involved in its operation.

This ski resort boasts a history as the venue for the alpine slalom competition at the Sapporo Olympics, and features a remarkable 15 courses and a vast total area of 76 hectares.

With a free shuttle bus service available, this ski resort is easily accessible from Sapporo and is very popular. It also boasts a well-equipped snow park designed for families, where children can safely enjoy tubing and sledding.

Sapporo ski resort

Furthermore, there are dedicated parks for freestyle and snowboarding, where you can see people pulling off spectacular aerial maneuvers.

Furthermore, the view of Ishikari Bay from the Olympia House at the top is well worth seeing. This ski resort is perfect for skiers who want to enjoy a variety of activities.

Sapporo ski resort With one of Hokkaido's longest courses at 6,000 meters and challenging forest trails, this ski resort is one you'll never get tired of, no matter how many times you visit.

This ski resort is highly appealing to those who want to try various disciplines in addition to simply enjoying skiing, as well as to skiers and families who are not satisfied with the traditional way of enjoying skiing.

Experience the spirit of the Olympics from 40 years ago at Teineyama.

Sapporo ski resort Photo by Flickr: 2014.04.19 / Ryuichi Ikeda

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort Basic Information
Address:593 Teinehoncho, Teine-ku, Sapporo City
Phone: 011-682-6000
Official site:http://www.sapporo-teine.com/snow/
access:
【public transport】
From JR Sapporo Station, take the rapid train for about 10 minutes (or the local train for about 15 minutes) and get off at JR Teine Station. From there, take the JR Hokkaido Bus from platform 3 at the south exit of Teine Station (bound for Teine Highland) for about 16 minutes to Teine Olympia, or about 28 minutes to Teine Highland.
【car】
Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station, and approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Teine Station.
Transportation (fee/booking method): None
*For details on rentals, lift/gondola fees, etc., please see the official website.

3: Moiwayama Ski Resort

Sapporo ski resort
In Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa is the go-to ski resort for locals. Many elementary and junior high school students from the city visit this ski resort for physical education classes. In a way, it's probably the most familiar and beloved ski resort in the city.

Another major attraction here is its convenience. You can get there in just 20 minutes by taking public transportation.

However, don't underestimate this ski resort just because it's a local one at an altitude of about 540m; it boasts a generous 10 courses.
It includes challenging courses with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees. The longest slope is 3,300m, making it quite a serious resort.

Among local elementary school students, conquering a particular course has become a status symbol.

Since most courses offer night skiing, it's overwhelmingly popular with people who want to enjoy a quick run after work or with skiers looking for an affordable way to enjoy skiing.

Please note that this is the only ski-only ski resort in Hokkaido, so unfortunately...Snowboarders cannot ride.It is like that.

Sapporo ski resort

This historic ski resort is deeply rooted in the local community, has been loved for many years, and can truly be called a family-friendly ski resort where three generations of families have been skiing.

Moiwayama Ski Resort Basic Information
Address:1991 Moiwashita, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-581-0914 (Management Office, during season)
Official site:http://www.rinyu.co.jp/modules/pico02/
access:
【public transport】
Take the subway's Namboku Line to Makomanai Station, then take the Jotetsu Bus (temporary Moiwayama Ski Resort Line) for about 10 minutes from Makomanai Station and get off at "Daiichi Lift Shita" (Under the 1st Lift).
【car】
Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station.
Transportation (fee/booking method): None
*For details on rentals, lift/gondola fees, etc., please see the official website.

4: Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort

Sapporo ski resort

Bankei Ski Resort is located in the Chuo Ward of Sapporo. It might seem a little surprising to find a ski resort in the Chuo Ward, where buildings exceeding 100 meters in height line the streets, but the courses themselves are quite serious, with a maximum slope exceeding 30 degrees.

Sapporo ski resort Photo by Flickr:Ban.K ski area. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

This ski resort is popular for its night skiing facilities and the beautiful night views. It also boasts a well-equipped ski school and kids' park.

Even if you've never skied before, you can leave your children in our family or private lessons and go skiing as a couple.

Another attraction here is the food. The neighboring Bankei-en is famous for its charcoal-grilled dishes and a miniature steam locomotive.

While many ski resorts tend to offer pre-made meals that aren't particularly tasty, this ski resort manages to achieve a high level of both quality and taste.
This ski resort is highly recommended for those who are particular about both skiing and gourmet food and don't want to compromise on either.

Sapporo ski resort

Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort Basic Information
Address:410 Bankei, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-641-0071
Official site:http://www.bankei.co.jp/ski/
access:
[Using public transportation]
From Odori Station on the Tozai Subway Line, it's about a 5-minute ride to Maruyama Park Station. From there, take the Bankei Bus (Maruyama Line, bound for Bankei) for about 15 minutes and get off at Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort.
*Bankei buses also run daily from Hassamu-Minami Station on the Tozai Subway Line and Makomanai Station on the Namboku Subway Line.
【car】
Approximately 10 minutes by car from Maruyama Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
Transportation (fee/booking method): None
*For details on rentals, lift/gondola fees, etc., please see the official website.

5: Dynasty Ski Resort

Sapporo ski resort Image courtesy of Dynasty Ski Resort

One of Sapporo's newest and rapidly rising popular attractions is the Mitsui Outlet Park in Kitahiroshima.

The closest ski resort is Dynasty Ski Resort. On weekends, its vast parking lot fills up, making it difficult to find a parking space due to its immense popularity.

It's a charming ski resort with not many courses and only two lifts, but it's incredibly affordable.
The biggest worry for families at a ski resort is getting separated from their children.

With its simple configuration, you won't have to worry about that. At the same time, there are many courses suitable for beginners, and the school and rental facilities are also excellent.

Sapporo ski resort Image courtesy of Dynasty Ski Resort

If you're skiing in Hokkaido for the first time, this is a highly recommended ski resort.
There's a free shuttle bus between the ski resort and Mitsui Outlet Park, so you can head straight to the slopes whenever you feel like it.

I'd like to try skiing in Hokkaido, but I feel intimidated by places where only experienced skiers are. If that's the case, then this ski resort is for you.

You can fully experience the atmosphere of winter in Hokkaido together with lots of children.

One of its attractions might be that, compared to other ski resorts, it's not as cold because it's not at a high altitude.

Sapporo ski resort Image courtesy of Dynasty Ski Resort

Dynasty Ski Resort Basic Information
Address:152 Nibetsu, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-376-2611
Official site:http://www.dynasty-resort.jp/
access:
【public transport】
Get off at Kitahiroshima Station on the JR Chitose Line, then it's about a 30-minute drive.
【car】
About 45 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Transportation (fee/booking method): None
*For details on rentals, lift/gondola fees, etc., please see the official website.

Summary

Each ski resort in and around Sapporo has its own unique character. Your choice will depend on the type of skiing you're looking for. I hope this information is helpful.

The five ski resorts I've selected this time are ranked from lowest to highest number, with more challenging and advanced courses available. You should choose a ski resort that matches your skill level.

It's great to get to the top by gondola, but it's also common to encounter the tragedy of not knowing how to get down afterward.