Sapporo International Ski Resort Hokkaido Complete Guide｜Access・Courses・Rates・Latest Information
Sapporo International Ski Resort is located in Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, and is a ski resort renowned for some of the finest powder snow in the region and abundant snowfall. Characterized by excellent accessibility just 60 minutes by car from central Sapporo and a long operating season from mid-November to early May, it is beloved by skiers and snowboarders of all levels from beginners to advanced.
Basic Information About Sapporo International Ski Resort
Location and Phone Number
Location: 937 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 061-2301
Phone Number: 011-598-4511
Official Website: https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/
Sapporo International Ski Resort is located in a mountainous area about 20 minutes by car from the Jozankei hot spring district, surrounded by rich nature. The nearby Jozankei hot spring area allows for a relaxing après-ski experience after enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
Operating Period and Hours
Operating Period: Typically mid-November to early May (approximately 6 months)
Operating Hours: 9:00～17:00 (Night skiing is not available)
The greatest feature of Sapporo International Ski Resort is its particularly early opening among Hokkaido resorts and its long operating season. With a summit elevation of 1,100m, despite being natural snow, it is known to open earlier than anywhere else in Japan in mid-November. With nearly 4 meters of snow at peak season, high-quality snow can be enjoyed through Golden Week, making it ideal for those wanting to experience spring skiing.
For details on operational information and current running conditions, we recommend checking the latest information on the resort’s slope information page. Operating hours may change due to weather and snow conditions, so please be sure to confirm before your visit.
Slope and Course Data
Course Composition and Features
Sapporo International Ski Resort consists of 7 courses total, featuring well-balanced layouts enjoyable by all levels from beginners to advanced skiers.
Course Breakdown:
- Beginner Courses: 30%
- Intermediate Courses: 50%
- Advanced Courses: 20%
Longest Run: 3.6km (Forest Course～Fairytale Course)
Vertical Drop: 570m
Summit Elevation: 1,100m
Base Elevation: 530m
Main Course Introductions
Forest Course～Fairytale Course
A 3.6km long course where even beginners can ski straight down from summit to base. With gentle intermediate slopes continuing throughout and the exhilaration of skiing through Hokkaido’s characteristic white birch forests, the views of Otaru’s coast are spectacular.
Downhill Course
An advanced slope with steep runs exceeding 30 degrees maximum gradient. Popular with experienced skiers and snowboarders as an area to fully enjoy powder snow and challenging terrain.
Skyway Course
A wide intermediate course accessed immediately after getting off the gondola. With good visibility and plenty of space for smooth turns, this course is comfortable to ski.
Lift and Gondola Facilities
Number of Lifts: 5
- 8-person Gondola: 1
- High-speed Quad Lifts: 2
- Pair Lifts: 2
With the high-performance gondola and quad lifts as the main lifts, there is minimal wait time and efficient skiing can be enjoyed. The gondola offers panoramic views of Sapporo’s cityscape and Ishikari Bay, with the scenery during transit being another attraction.
Lift Ticket Rates
2024-2025 Season Lift Rates
Full Day Ticket (Regular Period):
- Adult: ¥5,500
- Child (Elementary School): ¥3,300
- Senior (60+): ¥4,400
Spring Skiing Rates (April 1～May 6):
- Adult: ¥5,500
- Child (Elementary School): ¥3,300
4-Hour Ticket:
- Adult: ¥4,400
- Child: ¥2,750
Afternoon Ticket (12:00～):
- Adult: ¥4,000
- Child: ¥2,500
※A ¥500 deposit is required separately for lift tickets (IC card). The deposit is refunded upon card return.
※Rates may change, so please confirm the latest information on the official website.
Discounted Season Passes and Ticket Books
Season passes offer early purchase discounts and are extremely economical for those visiting multiple times throughout the season. Ticket books and bundled plans with Jozankei hot springs are also available, allowing you to choose based on your usage style.
Access Methods
By Car
From Central Sapporo:
- Via National Route 230: Approximately 60 minutes
- From Asaori IC on Sapporo-Otaru Expressway: Approximately 40 minutes
From Otaru City:
- Approximately 40 minutes
From New Chitose Airport:
- Approximately 120 minutes
The parking lot is free with capacity for 2,500 vehicles. Early arrival is recommended as it gets congested on weekends, holidays, and during peak season.
By Public Transportation
Bus:
Direct buses operate from various points in Sapporo (Makomanai Subway Station, Odori Subway Station, etc.). Some buses require reservations, so please check operating information in advance.
The convenience of access by train and bus is another major attraction of Sapporo International Ski Resort. It’s convenient for those who don’t drive or want to enjoy alcohol.
Rental and Lesson Information
Rental Equipment
Sapporo International Ski Resort features comprehensive rental equipment.
Available Rentals:
- Ski Sets (skis, boots, poles)
- Snowboard Sets (board, boots)
- Outerwear (top and bottom)
- Goggles, Gloves
- Helmets
You can rent all necessary equipment even if you arrive empty-handed, providing peace of mind for beginners and tourists. Latest model equipment is also available, supporting comfortable skiing.
Schools and Lessons
SAJ-certified Ski School and Snowboard School are permanently stationed, offering lessons tailored to all levels from beginners to advanced.
- Private Lessons
- Group Lessons
- Junior Lessons
- Certification Exam Prep Lessons
Experienced instructors provide careful guidance, allowing even first-time skiers and snowboarders to improve with confidence.
Snow Park and Snow Play Area
Family-Friendly Snow Park
A “Snow Park” is set up for those not skiing or snowboarding. This sled and tube play area is hugely popular with families with small children.
Snow Play Area Facilities:
- Sled Play Area
- Tube Sliding Area
- Snowman-Building Space
- Rest Lodge
With safety-conscious area design separated from the ski slopes, even small children can play safely.
Restaurants and Gourmet Information
Slope Dining Specialty Menus
Sapporo International Ski Resort offers abundant slope dining options where you can enjoy full meals between runs.
Extreme Cold Gondola Ramen (Ramen Specialty Shop Owl)
A unique experience eating ramen inside a gondola set outdoors. Hot steaming ramen enjoyed in the cold is exceptionally delicious.
International Curry Ramen (Family Restaurant Rabbit)
A hearty popular menu item. The exquisite combination of curry and ramen soothes tired muscles perfectly.
Summit Café Exquisite Soft Serve
Soft serve ice cream served at the café in the summit area at 1,100m elevation is a specialty of Sapporo International Ski Resort. Rich soft serve savored while viewing snowy landscapes is superb.
Freshly Baked Pizza
Restaurants serve authentic pizza baked in stone ovens. Piping hot pizza is perfect for sharing with friends.
Restaurant List
- Family Restaurant Rabbit (Main Lodge)
- Ramen Specialty Shop Owl
- Summit Café
- Light Food Corner
All restaurants have abundant seating and run fairly smoothly even during congested times.
Resort Characteristics and Recommended Points
Premier Powder Snow in Hokkaido
The greatest attraction of Sapporo International Ski Resort is its exceptional powder snow. With quality sufficient to experience the prowess of JAPOW (Japanese Powder), it is highly rated by overseas skiers.
Snow falling from the 1,100m summit is characterized by low humidity and light texture. With nearly 4 meters of snow at peak season, there are many days to enjoy fresh powder. This abundant snowfall and excellent snow quality enable the long operating season.
Excellent Access and Convenience
The location just 60 minutes from central Sapporo and 40 minutes from Otaru stands out compared to other resorts. It’s close enough for day trips, allowing you to ski from morning to evening then enjoy après-ski in Sapporo’s Susukino or Jozankei hot springs.
Course Design for All Levels
The well-balanced composition of 7 courses allows everyone from beginners to advanced skiers to ski from summit to base in one run. Particularly the beginner-friendly Forest～Fairytale Course, while being a 3.6km long run, features gentle slopes throughout, allowing beginners to safely enjoy long-distance skiing.
Abundant intermediate-level wide runs are ideal for practicing carving turns. Advanced skiers have steep slopes and tree-run areas to fully enjoy powder.
Spectacular Views from the Summit
From the 1,100m summit, views of Otaru’s coast and Ishikari Bay unfold. On clear days, Sapporo’s cityscape and the distant Japan Sea come into view, making scenery enjoyment alongside skiing another major resort attraction.
The summit area features a snow-covered shrine gate where you can draw fortune-telling papers. It’s popular as a photo spot with Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Surrounding Attractions and Après-Ski
Jozankei Hot Spring
Located about 20 minutes by car from the resort, Jozankei hot spring is known as Sapporo’s hidden gem hot spring area. Day bathing facilities are abundant, allowing you to heal tired bodies with hot spring water after skiing or snowboarding.
With numerous accommodations, combining the resort with hot springs in a 1-night 2-day plan is popular. Enjoy Hokkaido’s winter from snow-viewing open-air baths.
Sapporo City Sightseeing
With Sapporo accessible in about 60 minutes by car, post-skiing Sapporo sightseeing is possible. Gourmet dining in Susukino, strolling Odori Park, touring attractions like the Clock Tower and Red Brick Government Building—après-ski options are abundant.
During winter, the “Sapporo Snow Festival” takes place, allowing you to fully enjoy Hokkaido’s winter alongside skiing.
Comparisons with Other Hokkaido Ski Resorts
Kiroro Snow World
Located in Otaru, Kiroro Snow World is famous for powder snow like Sapporo International but features a larger slope area and more varied courses. However, Sapporo International excels in accessibility from the city and suitability for day trips.
Furano Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort is a major Hokkaido resort hosting World Cup events. However, at approximately 150km from Sapporo, accommodation-based use is typical. Sapporo International has advantages in access and ease of day-trip use.
Niseko Area
Internationally renowned Niseko overwhelms others in powder quality and quantity but is about 100km from Sapporo and pricier as an international resort destination. Sapporo International appeals through more reasonable pricing and convenience.
Latest Information and News
Sapporo International Ski Resort introduces new events and services each season.
Latest Snow Activities
New areas featuring latest snow activity gear have appeared, enriching snow play beyond skiing and snowboarding. You can try new winter sports like snow bikes and air boards.
Seasonal Events
- Opening Event (November)
- Christmas Event (December)
- Spring Festival (April～May)
Various events occur throughout the season. Latest event information is available in the news section of the official website.
Photo Gallery and Photography Spots
Sapporo International Ski Resort has numerous photogenic locations.
Recommended Photography Spots
- Summit Shrine Gate: The red gate standing in snow provides beautiful East-West contrast
- Gondola Views: Aerial photos with Ishikari Bay and Otaru cityscape backgrounds
- Forest Course: Skiing through white birch forests makes for quintessential Hokkaido shots
- Base Area: Blue sky and slope contrast on clear days
The official website’s photo gallery displays beautiful seasonal images helpful for pre-visit planning.
Usage Notes and Advice
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday use is recommended (weekends and holidays are crowded)
- Early arrival to secure parking
- Spring skiing period (April onward) is relatively uncrowded
Clothing and Equipment
Hokkaido winters are extremely cold, requiring adequate cold-weather preparation.
- Layerable outerwear
- Highly waterproof gloves
- Goggles (for blizzard protection)
- Neck warmers or face masks
Weather Checks
Summit and base weather can differ significantly. Check detailed forecasts via Weather News before departure and confirm current running conditions on the official website.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Sapporo International Ski Resort Experience
Sapporo International Ski Resort is an excellent ski resort with three winning features: Hokkaido’s premier powder snow, a long operating season, and good accessibility from Sapporo’s center. Diverse courses enjoyable by all levels, comprehensive rental and lesson facilities, delicious slope dining, and abundant après-ski options including Jozankei hot springs and Sapporo sightseeing are all attractions.
Whether day-tripping or staying overnight, whether family or group, Sapporo International Ski Resort allows you to fully enjoy Hokkaido’s winter in your preferred style. Throughout its long season from mid-November to early May, please visit multiple times to experience exceptional powder snow.
Latest operational information, lift ticket rates, and event details are continuously updated on the official website, so please check before visiting. Wonderful skiing and snowboarding experiences await you.
