Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Sapporo - When Mount Zaō (蔵王連峰) Range receives snowfall, it transforms into a winter wonderland, painting the landscape in pristine white beauty.
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Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Sapporo

4.3
·3k reviews·Sapporo, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-November to May

Longest ski season

CrowdMedium
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Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Sapporo - When Mount Zaō (蔵王連峰) Range receives snowfall, it transforms into a winter wonderland, painting the landscape in pristine white beauty.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Sapporo

Best Time

Mid-November to May

Longest ski season

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Amazing views and great value for money, perfect for a day trip from Sapporo!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Powder Snow Paradise

Powder Snow Paradise

Throughout the resort

Experience some of the world's highest quality powder snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Beginner-Friendly Slopes

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

Scenic Mountain Views

Top of the mountain

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Secure Your Spot

Kokusai Ski Resort is a popular choice, especially for beginners. To avoid disappointment, especially if you're aiming for specific activities like snow tubing, check the official opening dates for all facilities. Booking bus packages in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out, particularly on weekends.Reddit

Getting There: Bus vs. Car

While renting a car offers flexibility, the bus is a reliable and often more affordable option from Sapporo. Buses depart from the main train station and Keio Hotel. Ensure you have cash for on-board ticket purchases if you haven't booked a package.Reddit

Best Times

When
Mid-November to May
Why
Longest ski season
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the rush for buses
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I was shocked by how affordable this was! It’s also more affordable to ski in parts of Europe! Would you want to ski in Japan? #japan #skitrip #skiing #niseko #hakuba #hokkaido #snowboarding
@raimeetravel
61.4K likes • 766.1K views

🎯 Book Bus Packages Early

Buses can sell out, especially on weekends. Book in advance for a stress-free trip.Reddit

💰 Affordable Skiing

Kokusai offers great value, with cheaper lift tickets and rentals compared to some other Japanese resorts.Reddit

Have you been to Sapporo??🇯🇵#japantravel #traveltips #traveltiktok #budgettravel #sapporotravel
@isaac.travels_
9.9K likes • 404.5K views
❄️ Our Kokusai Snow Resort Adventure ❄️ We made a total noob mistake by kicking off our trip with Hokkaido as the first stop. Turns out, most ski resorts in Sapporo aren’t fully operational until mid-December! The fun stuff like snow tubing? Not available yet. Thankfully, we found Kokusai Ski Resort, which offered free snow play and sledding opportunities. The BoAys were absolutely thrilled for ...
boaysontheloose
52 likes • 2.8K views

🗣️ English Support Available

Information centers and rental staff are helpful and have good English proficiency.Reddit

🚗 Rent Gear On-Site

Equipment rental is available at the resort, making it convenient for day-trippers.Reddit

Welcome to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. This ski resort has some of the highest quality powder snow in the world! ❄️⛷️Here is some is some useful information to know before you come: -With constant snowfall throughout the season, Kokusai is opening from Mid November all the way to May - There are seven main courses aimed at different levels, so you can enjoy Kokusai just as much if you are a pro ...
visit.sapporo
379 likes • 20.2K views

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.Reddit

💰 Affordable Skiing

Kokusai offers great value, with cheaper lift tickets and rentals compared to some other Japanese resorts.Reddit

🗣️ English Support Available

Information centers and rental staff are helpful and have good English proficiency.Reddit

🚗 Rent Gear On-Site

Equipment rental is available at the resort, making it convenient for day-trippers.Reddit

🍜 Enjoy Resort Dining

The resort offers modern dining spaces with tasty food, though choices may be limited.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

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

Affordable lift tickets & rentals
Excellent powder snow
Beginner-friendly slopes

What People Dislike

Limited advanced terrain
Can be crowded on weekends

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.Reddit Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

The bus ride typically takes around 1 hour from Sapporo. If you're driving, it's also about an hour, depending on traffic conditions.Instagram

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

Yes, Sapporo Kokusai is highly recommended for beginners. The slopes are gentle, and the staff are very helpful with equipment rental and basic guidance.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 ⛷️ 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.Instagram+1

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.Reddit

Absolutely. Equipment rental is readily available at Sapporo Kokusai, making it convenient for visitors who don't want to bring their own gear.Reddit

While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, some visitors have enjoyed snow play and sledding opportunities, especially when the resort first opens.Instagram 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.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains and the sea, perfect for landscape shots.Reddit The snowy landscapes throughout the resort, especially with fresh powder, are also incredibly photogenic.Instagram

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.Instagram

The resort's location near cliffs like Kamishirakabe offers unique backcountry photography potential for experienced adventurers.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is an excellent choice for families. Its beginner-friendly slopes make it easy for children to learn and enjoy skiing or snowboarding. The resort staff are known for being very helpful and patient, which is a huge plus when traveling with kids.Reddit While specific snow tubing or play areas might be more prevalent at the start of the season, the general atmosphere is welcoming for families looking for a fun winter day out.Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For those watching their yen, Sapporo Kokusai is a fantastic option. It's consistently praised for its affordability, offering some of the cheapest lift tickets and equipment rentals in the region.TikTokReddit Opting for the bus package deals from Sapporo is a smart way to save money on both transport and your day pass. You can enjoy a full day of skiing or snowboarding without the hefty price tag often associated with ski resorts.Reddit

🏂 Snowboarders & Skiers Seeking Powder

If you're chasing that legendary Japanese powder, Sapporo Kokusai delivers. The resort is famous for its high-quality 'champagne powder' snow, offering incredible riding conditions.Instagram While it's beginner-friendly, experienced riders can also find enjoyable terrain and even access to side-country areas for more adventurous runs.InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Sapporo Kokusai's Snow

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is celebrated for its exceptional snow quality, often referred to as 'champagne powder.' This light, dry snow is a dream for skiers and snowboarders, providing soft landings and incredible flotation.Instagram The resort receives consistent snowfall throughout its long season, which runs from mid-November to May, ensuring excellent conditions for much of the year.

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.Instagram 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.Reddit

Navigating Sapporo Kokusai: From Beginner to Backcountry

Sapporo Kokusai is particularly welcoming to beginners. The resort offers a range of gentle slopes perfect for learning the basics of skiing and snowboarding. The staff are noted for their helpfulness, assisting with equipment rentals and providing guidance, making the learning process less intimidating.Reddit This beginner-friendly atmosphere is a significant draw for families and those new to winter sports.

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.Instagram 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.Reddit

Budget-Friendly Winter Fun

One of the most appealing aspects of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is its affordability. Compared to many other popular ski destinations in Japan, Kokusai offers significantly lower prices for lift tickets and equipment rentals.TikTokReddit This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers or those looking to maximize their ski days without breaking the bank.

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.Reddit

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