2024.9.30
Enjoy the finest powder snow that only Hokkaido can offer! 5 ski resorts in Otaru
Skiing is a must when it comes to sightseeing in Hokkaido in the winter!
Otaru is surrounded by sea and mountains, so there are ski resorts close to the city center, making it easy to get around. Enjoy skiing while looking out at the beautiful sea, a sight unique to Otaru.
■ Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort
Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort is the closest ski resort to downtown Otaru, and can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or 17 minutes by bus from JR Otaru Station.
★Recommended information
Night skiing allows you to enjoy skiing while taking in the panoramic night view from the top of Otaru Tenguyama, which was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japon. The night view is even more beautiful in the clear winter air, and the slopes are less crowded than during the day, so it is highly recommended. There are also courses with a maximum slope of 40 degrees, and there are plenty of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers.
A ropeway operates to Otaru Tenguyama, making it a popular tourist destination in Otaru that can be enjoyed in any season.
Ski resort opening times
Mid-December to mid-March
address
2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru, Hokkaido
Google Map
Website
https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/
■ Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort is a ski resort located about 20 minutes by car from JR Otaru Station. It is close to the sea, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding while looking out at the beautiful city of Otaru and the sea.
★Recommended information
The slopes have been equipped with escalators for easy access, and the family courses have been expanded to allow for safe use with small children, making it the perfect place for beginner skiers to make their debut. The slopes are diverse, ranging from gentle slopes that the whole family can enjoy, to rough runs for advanced skiers, and the 3,000-meter long run will delight skiers and snowboarders.
Ski resort opening times
Early December to early April
address
394 Asarigawa Onsen 1-chome, Otaru, Hokkaido
Google Map
Website
■ Snow Cruise ONZE
Snow Cruise ONZE is a ski resort located about 40 minutes by car from Otaru city. A free shuttle bus is available from JR Zenibako Station. The slopes, with the sea of Ishikari Bay stretching out before your eyes, are also popular with local skiers.
Another great thing about this place is that it’s open late, from 9:00 to 23:00, so you can enjoy it without worrying about time even after sightseeing.
★Recommended information
The slopes of Snow Cruise ONZE are paths frequented by many animals. If you’re lucky, you might encounter wild deer or owls on the Deer Course and Owl Course, which are also named after the courses.
Ski resort opening times
Mid-December to late March
address
357 Harukacho, Otaru, Hokkaido
Google Map
Website
■ Kiroro Snow World
The vast area surrounded by two mountains is covered in the finest powder snow, and there are over 20 different courses to satisfy beginners and advanced skiers alike. The resort is open until early May, and depending on the amount of snowfall that year, you can enjoy skiing until Golden Week. In addition, there are staff on-site who are fluent in foreign languages, making it a popular ski resort with overseas tourists.
★Recommended information
Other than skiing, there are many winter activities available, such as snow rafting and snow buggies, so you won’t get bored even if you spend the whole day here. Also, it is the only place in Hokkaido where you can enjoy snow Segways.
Ski resort opening times
Late November to early May
address
Kiroro Resort, 128-1 Tokiwa, Akaigawa-mura, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido
Google Map
Website
■ Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a ski resort located about 40 minutes by car from Otaru city. The gentle long course, which is about 3.6 km long, is a popular course that even beginners can enjoy. There are also cafes and restaurants on-site, making it the perfect facility for those who want to enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food. The resort is open until early May, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding right up until Golden Week.
★Recommended information
There are jumps such as table tops for snowboarding, so you can experience a full-scale course that even professional snowboarders visit. Another appealing point is that you can make rental reservations online, so it’s easy to go there empty-handed.
Ski resort opening times
Late November to early May
address
937 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Google Map