Cover The best ski resorts in Sapporo, Japan (Photo: Facebook / Kiroro Resort)

Sapporo, with its gorgeous ski runs, restaurants and hot springs, makes the perfect getaway for the December holidays

It’s time to prepare our winter gear once again as the ski season has begun. If you’re looking to tackle the slopes in Japan this year, why not head to Sapporo? On top of its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and decadent dishes, Japan’s northernmost island also boasts world-class ski resorts and a winter wonderland. 

Visit the island from late January to February—when snowfall is the heaviest—and you’ll find plenty of powdery slopes to explore. What’s more, after a long day on the slopes, relax and warm up by the hot springs before heading for a hearty meal. 

Below, we share some of the best ski resorts to visit in Sapporo for your next winter holiday.

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1. Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park

If you’re looking to head to the slopes for the first time, Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park is the best place to visit. Here, find short and gentle runs with only a seven-degree incline, perfect for beginners. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, a variety of other winter activities are also available here, including tube sledding, snowshoeing and more. Equipment is available for rent here too.

2. Fu’s Snow Area Resort

Located in the Fujino district, the resort comprises six ski runs ranging from beginner to intermediate. Explore the various slopes before checking out the luge stadium which was built as a practice course for the 1972 Sapporo Olympics.  Visit in January or February to try the luge classes on offer too. After a day in the snow, warm up at the hot springs and bathhouses located nearby.

3. Kiroro Resort

Located an hour away from Sapporo, Kiroro Resort is home to two mountains, Asari and Nagamine. Here, find 23 courses ranging from beginner to advanced. On top of skiing and snowboarding, various snow activities are also available, including snow rafting, mini snowmobile and snow banana boating. If you’re looking to be on the slopes for multiple days, various accommodations are available including Club Med Kiroro Peak, Yu Kiroro and the newly opened Club Med Kiroro Grand.

4. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

With beginner, intermediate and advanced courses as well as a snowpark, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is the place to be if you are travelling with people of different levels of skiing experience. The slope has a maximum running distance of 3.6 km and seven courses. It also has a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer delicious meals and snacks such as burgers, stews and more.

5. Snow Cruise Onze

If you are here for the landscape and gorgeous views, Snow Cruise Onze is the place to go. The location faces the ocean as well as the city of Otaru, promising guests a stunning ride. It also offers languid night ski runs which are lit up by LED lights. This resort is located at an elevation of 100m and has snow-making machines that ensure that the resort is open for guests by November, perfect if you are looking to escape the crowds and get a headstart on your winter holidays. 

6. Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort

Located along the slopes of Mount Moiwa, Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort is a favourite of skiers for its easy access from the city of Sapporo. Guests can enjoy courses such as the sightseeing road, an almost two-and-a-half kilometre track which will give skiers a captivating view of the city of Sapporo. Other facilities include hot springs and sento bathhouses—definitely unmissable when in Japan. 

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7. Sapporo Bankei Ski Area

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. True enough, when travelling, it is prudent to move beyond what Google tells you to find out what is popular not just amongst tourists but also with the locals. Sapporo Bankei Ski Area is just that. A popular resort for locals, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Sapporo City and is accessible both by bus and train. The resort is great if you are travelling with young ones or beginners because the resort hosts ski lessons and programmes for newbies. The resort is also well known for its mini snow amusement park, gorgeous night skis and luxurious hot springs. 

8. Sapporo Teine

Better known as the location of the Winter Olympics in 1972, Sapporo Teine is a ski resort that has been divided into two areas. You have the Olympia Zone and Highland Zone which together ensure that you have ski runs available for all skill levels. Olympia Zone is a family-friendly area catered for beginners while the Highland Zone skews more towards intermediate skiers with its steep ski runs and the Olympics courses.

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