Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Sapporo
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort offers affordable skiing with incredible powder snow and beginner-friendly slopes, just an hour from Sapporo.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longest ski season
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Sapporo
Best Time
Longest ski season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort offers affordable skiing with incredible powder snow and beginner-friendly slopes, just an hour from Sapporo.
"Amazing views and great value for money, perfect for a day trip from Sapporo!"
🎯 Book Bus Packages Early
Buses can sell out, especially on weekends. Book in advance for a stress-free trip .
💰 Affordable Skiing
Kokusai offers great value, with cheaper lift tickets and rentals compared to some other Japanese resorts .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Powder Snow Paradise
Throughout the resort
Experience some of the world's highest quality powder snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Beginner-Friendly Slopes
Lower and mid-mountain areas
Ideal for first-timers with easy-to-learn slopes and helpful staff for rentals and guidance.

Scenic Mountain Views
Top of the mountain
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Secure Your Spot
Getting There: Bus vs. Car
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Bus Packages Early
Buses can sell out, especially on weekends. Book in advance for a stress-free trip.
💰 Affordable Skiing
Kokusai offers great value, with cheaper lift tickets and rentals compared to some other Japanese resorts.
🗣️ English Support Available
Information centers and rental staff are helpful and have good English proficiency.
🚗 Rent Gear On-Site
Equipment rental is available at the resort, making it convenient for day-trippers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Bus Packages Early
Buses can sell out, especially on weekends. Book in advance for a stress-free trip.
💰 Affordable Skiing
Kokusai offers great value, with cheaper lift tickets and rentals compared to some other Japanese resorts.
🗣️ English Support Available
Information centers and rental staff are helpful and have good English proficiency.
🚗 Rent Gear On-Site
Equipment rental is available at the resort, making it convenient for day-trippers.
🍜 Enjoy Resort Dining
The resort offers modern dining spaces with tasty food, though choices may be limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is highly praised for its exceptional value, beginner-friendly slopes, and fantastic powder snow. Visitors appreciate the helpful staff and the stunning mountain views. While it's a great option for a day trip from Sapporo, some note that advanced skiers might find the terrain less challenging compared to larger resorts.
"For 1st timer experiences (no class) they are SUPER helpfull. The lady in the information centre have good english and willingly to suggest tracks for me and also help to get taxi for return. The guy in renting equipment was explaining the dos and dont and how to use the equipment. This is a good place for beginner. If ure an expert, the gondola will take you high to crazy top hill. I saw the track and its scary. Dont do it if ure 1st timer. Price is amazingly acceptable for indonesian."
Harry Girsang
"Absolutely breathtaking place and my favorite snowboarding experience so far!
We went on December 1st, on the 1st day they opened! We weren’t able to book a bus so we took a train from Sapporo to a stop along the route to Otaru and took a cab there which amounted to 8,000 yen 😭 but their ski pass was only 4800 yen and the equipment rental was 8000 yen which is way cheaper compared to snowboarding in America.
We only did a half day pass and the resort closed around 3. Amazing views of the mountains and sea! Also nearer to us in Sapporo compared to Niseko."
Annika Noelle Reyes
"Brand newly open place which currently, even during busy Sunday, wasn’t overcrowded at all.
Cool design with slightly higher prices than the Kokusai Ski Resort restaurant, however cool indoor space, with semi outdoor terrace m, overlooking part of the slope are really modern and cool looking.
Food was above average with limited choices, but very nice presentations and very tasty."
Artur Marynowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus from Sapporo Station or Keio Hotel. The journey takes about 1 hour. You can purchase bus packages that include round-trip tickets and lift passes, often available for purchase on board if not reserved in advance.
Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility.Yes, buses depart from Sapporo Station. It's advisable to book your bus package in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets on the bus, but it's recommended to have cash ready. Booking a package in advance is safer to guarantee your spot.
The bus ride typically takes around 1 hour from Sapporo. If you're driving, it's also about an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
While there isn't a direct train to the resort, you can take a train from Sapporo towards Otaru and then potentially take a taxi to the resort, though this can be more expensive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift passes at Sapporo Kokusai are considered very affordable, especially for the quality of snow and terrain offered. A day pass can be around 4800 yen, which is significantly cheaper than many other popular Japanese ski resorts.
The resort typically opens from mid-November and stays open until May, offering a long ski season. Specific operating hours for lifts and facilities can vary, so it's best to check their official website.
While you can often purchase lift tickets on-site or on the bus, booking a package in advance, especially for bus and lift pass combinations, is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better deals.
Yes, Sapporo Kokusai is highly recommended for beginners. The slopes are gentle, and the staff are very helpful with equipment rental and basic guidance.
Yes, bus packages that include round-trip transportation and a day lift pass are commonly available and offer good value. You can often purchase these through tour operators or directly.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Sapporo Kokusai is renowned for its high-quality powder snow, often described as 'champagne powder.' This makes it a fantastic destination for both skiers and snowboarders seeking excellent conditions.
Yes, the resort has restaurants. While the selection might be limited, the food is generally considered tasty and well-presented, with some modern dining spaces offering great views.
Absolutely. Equipment rental is readily available at Sapporo Kokusai, making it convenient for visitors who don't want to bring their own gear.
While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, some visitors have enjoyed snow play and sledding opportunities, especially when the resort first opens.
The resort also offers beautiful scenic views from the top.The views from the summit are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and the sea, especially on clear days.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains and the sea, perfect for landscape shots.
The snowy landscapes throughout the resort, especially with fresh powder, are also incredibly photogenic.Yes, the snow itself creates beautiful photographic opportunities. Consider bringing a waterproof camera or protecting your gear from moisture. The contrast of the white snow against the blue sky or dark trees is striking.
The resort's location near cliffs like Kamishirakabe offers unique backcountry photography potential for experienced adventurers.
The sheer amount of powder snow also provides a dramatic backdrop.Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour hues. Clear days are essential for capturing the expansive views.
Many visitors capture action shots. Consider a GoPro or a smartphone with a secure grip. Be mindful of your surroundings and safety while trying to get the perfect shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏂 Snowboarders & Skiers Seeking Powder
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Sapporo Kokusai's Snow
The resort's location and topography contribute to this renowned snow. It's known for having some of the highest quality powder snow in the world. This makes it a prime destination for those seeking the quintessential Japanese powder experience, often referred to as 'Japow.' Even during busy periods, the vastness of the slopes and the quality of the snow can make for an unforgettable day on the mountain.
Navigating Sapporo Kokusai: From Beginner to Backcountry
For more experienced riders, Kokusai also offers opportunities for more challenging runs and even backcountry access. Areas like Kamishirakabe offer backcountry adventures for those with the right skills and equipment. The resort's layout allows for exploration, and some Reddit users mention great side-country terrain between the runs, suggesting that even seasoned skiers can find rewarding challenges.
Budget-Friendly Winter Fun
Visitors can often find attractive package deals that combine round-trip bus transportation from Sapporo with a day lift pass. These packages provide a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy the resort. Even without a package, the individual costs for lift passes and rentals are remarkably reasonable, allowing for a full day of winter sports enjoyment at a fraction of the price one might expect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit