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Unlock Sapporo’s Winter: Your Friendly Guide to the Best Ski Spots

English guide
5月 8th, 2025

Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo in winter!

It’s awesome that you found your way to this blog from overseas – seriously, thanks a bunch! As a Sapporo local of 40 years, I’m here to give you the real scoop on what makes skiing and snowboarding here so special. I’ll be sharing some insider tips you won’t find in guidebooks, straight from a local’s perspective. Stick around, because this info is sure to make your winter trip to Sapporo even more amazing!

So, Why Are Sapporo’s Ski Resorts Such a Hot Ticket for You International Travelers?

You might be thinking, “Shouldn’t I head to some famous deep-mountain resort for skiing or snowboarding?” And yeah, those places are great too, but Sapporo has its own incredibly cool advantages.

First off, the accessibility is off the charts. Sapporo is a major city with nearly 2 million people, and yet, there are several high-quality ski resorts right on its doorstep. Getting to the city from New Chitose Airport (CTS) is a breeze, and from there, you can easily reach the slopes by bus, train, or car. For travelers اللي wanting to make the most of their time, that’s a pretty huge plus, wouldn’t you say?

And then there’s the snow quality! We’re talking about that legendary “JAPOW” (Japanese powder). Many ski resorts around Sapporo are blessed with light, fluffy powder snow. Once you experience this snow, you might just find that nothing else compares!

A little secret from a local: You know, when I was a kid, we actually had ski lessons at our nearby ski resorts as part of regular school. That’s how much of an everyday thing it is for us locals. So, when you hit the slopes here, you’ll find not just tourists, but also local kids, students, and families, giving you a real taste of the local vibe – that’s one of the cool things about Sapporo’s ski scene.

Now, being popular does mean that it can get crowded, especially on weekends, during the New Year holidays, and around the Snow Festival period. You might encounter some lift lines. But, if you aim for first thing in the morning, ski on a weekday, or try out night skiing, you can usually enjoy the slopes pretty comfortably. Plus, Sapporo’s resorts have wide-open courses, so once you start skiing, the crowds often don’t feel like much of an issue.

My Honest Take on Sapporo’s Best Ski Resorts!

Alright, so where should you actually go? Let me break down a few distinctive ski resorts for you.

1. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

  • The Lowdown: It’s about a 60 to 90-minute drive from central Sapporo. This place is a dream for serious skiers and snowboarders, with tons of snowfall and incredible powder. It has a great variety of courses for everyone from beginners to experts, and the tree runs are especially fantastic. The view from the summit is also top-notch!
  • Getting There: Buses run from Sapporo Station and other points.
  • Best For: Powder hounds and intermediate to advanced riders.
  • Insider Tip: On a clear day, you can sometimes see the Sea of Japan from the summit. It’s breathtaking!
  • Heads-up on Prices/Hours: This info is from when I wrote this, so definitely check their official website yourself for the latest.

2. Sapporo Bankei Ski Area

  • The Lowdown: The biggest draw here is how incredibly easy it is to get to from central Sapporo – we’re talking less than 30 minutes by car! Buses also run from Maruyama Koen Subway Station. While it’s compact, it has great mogul courses and a snow park, and they offer night skiing every day, making it popular with locals finishing work or school.
  • Getting There: About a 15-minute bus ride from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
  • Best For: Those who want a quick and easy ski/snowboard fix, night skiers, or anyone looking to squeeze in some slope time between Sapporo sightseeing.
  • A Little Reality Check & The Bright Side: Compared to some of the larger resorts, the course variety might seem a bit limited. But, that also means it’s easy to get around, making it a great size for beginners and families. And honestly, you can’t beat that accessibility.
  • Heads-up on Prices/Hours: Things can change depending on the season and day of the week, so please be sure to check their official website for the most current information.

3. Sapporo Teine

  • The Lowdown: This historic resort actually hosted events for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics! It’s split into two zones: the “Highland Zone” at the summit of Mt. Teine, and the family-friendly “Olympia Zone.” There’s something for every skill level. The views from the Highland Zone, overlooking Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay, are truly spectacular. You have to see it on a clear day!
  • Getting There: About a 15-20 minute bus ride from JR Teine Station.
  • Best For: Olympic history buffs, view-seekers, and a wide range of skiers/snowboarders from beginner to expert.
  • Heads-up on Prices/Hours:

4. Fu’s Snow Area

  • The Lowdown: This is a cozy, welcoming little spot that’s especially great for families and first-time skiers or snowboarders. They have sledding and tube sliding, so even little kids can have a blast in the snow. It’s also relatively easy to get to from the city, making it perfect for a casual snow play day.
  • Getting There: Buses run from Makomanai Subway Station.
  • Best For: Families with young children, total beginners, or anyone looking for some easygoing snow fun.
  • Good to Know: Prices here are often quite reasonable, so it’s a bit easier on the wallet too.
  • Heads-up on Prices/Hours:

More Than Just Skiing and Snowboarding! Other Ways to Enjoy Sapporo in Winter

Of course, the fun doesn’t stop when you’re done with the slopes – Sapporo has plenty of après-ski delights! To warm up those chilled bones, an onsen (hot spring) is a must. Jozankei Onsen, for example, is fairly accessible from the ski areas and has many facilities offering day-use bathing.

And then there’s the food! Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), ramen, seafood rice bowls… Sapporo is packed with delicious eats, so make sure to enjoy some amazing post-ski meals.

Good-to-Know Info

  • Rentals: Most ski resorts offer ski/snowboard equipment and clothing rentals, so you can travel light. However, popular sizes and models can go quickly, so it’s a good idea to rent them early.
  • Schools: There are plenty of ski schools for beginners. Some offer lessons in English, so it’s wise to research and book in advance if you’re interested.
  • What to Wear: Hokkaido winters are seriously cold, so dress warmly! Your ears, hands, and feet are especially prone to a a cold, so a hat, gloves, and thick socks are essential. The basic layering system is a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell.
  • Avoiding Crowds: Weekdays are definitely your best bet. On weekends, try to go first thing in the morning or opt for night skiing. Be aware that it gets particularly crowded during major events like the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Lastly…

So, did I manage to convey some of the magic of Sapporo’s ski and snowboard scene? Being able to enjoy such high-quality snow right next to a major city is pretty rare, I think, anywhere in the world. As a local, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I really hope this article helps a bit with planning your Sapporo trip. And I truly hope you get to come here, experience that incredible powder snow, and enjoy interacting with us friendly locals. It’s bound to be an unforgettable experience!

If there’s anything else you’d like to know, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.

Alright then, I look forward to maybe seeing you in Sapporo!

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