Sapporo Bankei Ski Area Sapporo
A convenient ski resort near Sapporo offering winter fun for beginners and families, with easy access and local dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak powder season
Sapporo Bankei Ski Area Sapporo
Best Time
Peak powder season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A convenient ski resort near Sapporo offering winter fun for beginners and families, with easy access and local dining.
"Not too big ski area but foreigner friendly. Good food options for lunch, beautiful view."
Book Lessons in Advance
Private lessons are highly sought after. Contact the resort well in advance to secure an instructor, especially if you need English-speaking staff. :admission_tickets:
Rentals Available
Full rental packages (jacket, pants, boots, goggles, helmet) are available. Remember to bring your own gloves or be prepared to buy them. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beginner-Friendly Slopes
Lower mountain
Ideal for first-time skiers and snowboarders, with gentle inclines and dedicated learning areas.
Miso Ramen Experience
On-site restaurants
Savor authentic Sapporo-style miso ramen, a local delicacy perfect for refueling after a day on the slopes.
Scenic Mountain Views
Upper mountain
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo and the surrounding Hokkaido landscape from higher elevations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Optimal Snow
Getting There: Taxi vs. Bus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Lessons in Advance
Private lessons are highly sought after. Contact the resort well in advance to secure an instructor, especially if you need English-speaking staff. :admission_tickets:
Rentals Available
Full rental packages (jacket, pants, boots, goggles, helmet) are available. Remember to bring your own gloves or be prepared to buy them. :athletic_shoe:
Taxi is Preferable
While buses run, taxis offer a more convenient route, especially for families. Book ahead if possible! :car:
Check Trail Status
Not all trails may be open, especially early or late in the season. Verify which courses are accessible before you go. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Lessons in Advance
Private lessons are highly sought after. Contact the resort well in advance to secure an instructor, especially if you need English-speaking staff. :admission_tickets:
Rentals Available
Full rental packages (jacket, pants, boots, goggles, helmet) are available. Remember to bring your own gloves or be prepared to buy them. :athletic_shoe:
Taxi is Preferable
While buses run, taxis offer a more convenient route, especially for families. Book ahead if possible! :car:
Check Trail Status
Not all trails may be open, especially early or late in the season. Verify which courses are accessible before you go. :information_desk:
Warm Up with Ramen
Enjoy a hearty bowl of Sapporo's famous miso ramen at the on-site restaurants to refuel. :ramen:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sapporo Bankei Ski Area is praised for its accessibility from the city and its suitability for beginners and families. Visitors appreciate the helpful staff, available rentals, and the option for ski lessons. However, some note that not all courses may be open, and early season conditions can be challenging.
"Ski area near from sapporo , about 30 mins from nakajima by taxi, and taxi is preferable if you are coming in a group of family good area . The ski area is not too crowded with ample vast ski space, lot of young kindergarten and primary schoolers are having ski lesson there. Good for beginners but at the time when we visit there only one lift was open with 3 different trails. We would like to try new upper trail "Orange contact course" with minimal slope from left to right along trees but it is closed."
Franky T
"It was an awesome experience. It was not too far from Sapporo city center and very accessible.
The snow was soft and flaky. We took a short ski lesson and the coach (Naru) was very accommodating and clear."
Adrian Sugandhi
"Not too big ski area but foreigner friendly. They can provide class for a fee, which you can book prior to the date. You can also rent the clothes (jacket, pants, boots, goggles, helmet). Do bring your own gloves or you might need to buy one
Can take bus from the subway station to the ski area."
Diyana Salleh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sapporo Bankei Ski Area is conveniently located on the outskirts of Sapporo. You can reach it by bus from various subway stations, or by taxi. Taxis are often recommended for groups or families, offering a more direct route and costing around 6,500 yen. Some Reddit users suggest booking taxis in advance due to potential scarcity during peak times. +1
Yes, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area is accessible by bus from Sapporo subway stations. This makes it a viable option for those relying on public transportation.
The travel time to Sapporo Bankei Ski Area from central Sapporo is approximately 30 minutes by taxi. Bus travel times may vary depending on traffic and the specific route.
While some larger resorts like Rusutsu offer shuttle buses from Sapporo Station, Bankei is more commonly accessed via local buses or taxis directly from the city.
While staff can call a taxi for you upon departure, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during busy periods, as availability can be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices can vary, but Reddit users have mentioned options like snow elevator-only tickets at other resorts for around 2,000 yen. It's best to check the official Sapporo Bankei website for current pricing on lift passes and any potential package deals.
Yes, full rental packages including jackets, pants, boots, goggles, and helmets are available. It's recommended to bring your own gloves, as they may need to be purchased separately.
Yes, Sapporo Bankei offers classes for skiing and snowboarding, which can be booked in advance through their website. English-speaking instructors are available, but it's crucial to book these lessons well ahead of your visit due to high demand. +1
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's essential to check the official Sapporo Bankei website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
While Bankei has beginner-friendly slopes, specific beginner-only lift tickets are not explicitly mentioned. However, the cost of rentals and lift passes can add up, so exploring options like snow elevator-only tickets at other resorts might be a consideration if available.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Sapporo Bankei is generally considered good for beginners, with dedicated learning areas and gentle slopes. However, some reviews suggest that even beginner slopes can be narrow and steep, so caution is advised.
Snow quality can vary. While some visitors have experienced soft, flaky snow, others have noted icy conditions, particularly earlier in the season. January and February typically offer the best powder.
Compared to some larger resorts, Sapporo Bankei is often described as not too crowded, especially on weekdays. You'll likely see many local schoolchildren taking lessons.
Yes, there are good food options available for lunch at the ski area. Many visitors enjoy the local Sapporo-style miso ramen.
The resort offers a range of trails, including beginner courses and some more challenging ones. The 'Orange Contact Course' is mentioned as a scenic option along trees, though it may be closed at times.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The ski area offers good food options for lunch. A popular choice is the authentic Sapporo-style miso ramen, known for its rich broth and thick noodles.
Specific vegetarian options are not detailed in the provided information. It's advisable to inquire directly with the on-site restaurants about their menu offerings.
Outside food policies are not specified. However, given the availability of on-site dining, it's generally expected that visitors will utilize the resort's food services.
While specific prices aren't listed, reviews suggest the food is 'nice.' It's reasonable to expect standard ski resort pricing for meals.
Sapporo-style ramen is characterized by its thick, chewy noodles served in a rich miso broth. It often includes toppings like sweet corn and a knob of butter, a unique local touch.
📸 📸 Photography
The upper mountain areas offer stunning panoramic views of Sapporo and the surrounding Hokkaido landscape, making them ideal for photography. The scenic trails along the trees also provide picturesque backdrops.
Yes, you can take photos while skiing, but always prioritize safety. Consider using a chest mount or a selfie stick for stable shots. Many TikTok videos showcase the snowy landscapes.
If you appreciate mountain scenery, the views from Sapporo Bankei can be quite rewarding, especially on a clear day. The accessibility from the city makes it an easy option for a scenic outing.
For snowy conditions, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive mountain vistas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing action shots on the slopes.
The combination of snow-covered trees, groomed slopes, and the city skyline in the distance creates unique photographic opportunities. Capturing the local schoolchildren learning to ski can also add a charming element to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While rentals are available for all necessary gear, remember to bring your own gloves. The on-site dining options, particularly the local miso ramen, provide a warm and satisfying meal for hungry youngsters. The relatively short travel time from Sapporo also minimizes the stress of long journeys with children.
🏂 Snowboarders & Skiers on a Budget
Consider checking if Bankei offers any package deals or if there are options for partial day passes. While not explicitly mentioned for Bankei, other resorts have offered 'snow elevator-only' tickets for a lower price, which might be a consideration if available.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Sapporo
Opting for a taxi will maximize your slope time, while buses offer a more economical choice. Pack light, as rentals are available on-site. Enjoy a few runs, savor some local ramen, and take in the winter scenery before heading back to the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Skiing and Snowboarding for All Levels
For those seeking more challenge, Bankei offers a variety of trails, including some that wind through trees, providing a more scenic and engaging experience. While some reviews mention that even beginner slopes can be narrow and steep, the overall consensus is that it's a good option for those looking to get started or enjoy casual runs. It's always wise to check the current trail status upon arrival, as not all courses may be open, especially outside of peak season.
When planning your visit, consider the time of year. January and February generally offer the best powder conditions for a true Hokkaido snow experience. While Bankei is known for its accessibility, it's worth noting that some users have experienced icy conditions, particularly earlier in the season.
Convenient Access from Sapporo
The taxi ride from central Sapporo typically takes around 30 minutes and can cost approximately 6,500 yen. Some travelers recommend booking taxis in advance, as they can be in high demand during peak ski seasons. This convenience allows you to maximize your time on the slopes rather than spending it in transit.
For those who prefer public transport, understanding the bus routes from Sapporo's subway network is key. While not as direct as a taxi, buses offer a more budget-friendly way to reach the resort. Always check the latest bus schedules and routes before your trip to ensure a smooth journey.
Local Flavors: The Ramen Experience
Sapporo-style ramen is distinguished by its rich miso broth, thick, chewy noodles, and often unique toppings like sweet corn and a knob of butter. This combination creates a deeply satisfying meal that has earned Sapporo its reputation as a ramen capital. Even if you're not a seasoned ramen enthusiast, trying a bowl here is highly recommended.
While the ski area provides good dining options, it's always a good idea to inquire about specific menu items if you have dietary preferences. However, the availability of such a quintessential local dish makes Bankei a well-rounded destination, offering both winter sports and culinary delights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit