Otaru and Sapporo area is one of the best ski areas in Japan and ski/snowboard enthusiasts should check out.
Where is Otaru and Sapporo area?
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, has become a large city with a population of about 2 million.
In 1972, the first Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo, and it was the first venue to host the games outside of Western Europe and the United States. From this point on, Sapporo became the center of attention. The Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts many people from all over the world every February, also raised the city's profile.
And Otaru is a small port town located northwest of Sapporo, the state capital. Although it is not as well known overseas as Niseko and Sapporo, Otaru also has the best powder snow.
In Sapporo and Otaru, you can enjoy ramen, seafood, local cuisine, snow festivals, and nightlife. You can also get a glimpse of how this area of more than 2 million people lives its daily life under the heavy snow.
Sightseeing information about Sapporo : https://www.sapporo.travel/en/
Sightseeing information about Sapporo : https://otaru.gr.jp/
9 Skiing Resorts in Otaru and Sapporo area
Here are9 skiing resorts in Otaru and Sapporo area.
Kiroro Resort
Like other ski resorts in Hokkaido, the quality of the powder is excellent at Kiroro Resort.
The resort has upscale facilities and infrastructure, and is a good place to enjoy Hokkaido's powder with a luxurious resort stay.
There are a lot of unpressurized zones, so if you are staying at the resort, you will want to hit the ungroomed zones first thing in the morning.
More information : https://www.kiroro.co.jp/
Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort
Hotel towers with a unique appearance rises near the Tomamu Ski Resort.
Like Kiroro Resort, Tomamu is also a good place to stay for a resort stay with various activities and facilities that only Hoshino Resort can offer.
There are a variety of services that provide access to high quality snow, such as a powder open area that only those who have taken a course can enter, CAT ski tours, and a fast track service that allows skiers/snowboarders to ride the gondola before it opens.
More information : https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
The Sapporo Teine Ski Resort became known worldwide when it hosted the men's and women's Alpine ski slalom, giant slalom, bobsleigh, and luge events during the 1972 Sapporo Olympics.
In addition to the powder zone, there is also a designated backcountry area where you can explore a variety of terrain.
More information : https://sapporo-teine.com/snow/lang/en/
Backcountry Area Map : https://sapporo-teine.com/snow/wp-content/themes/teine-snow/files/course/gate_map.pdf
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
The ocean view that can be seen from the middle of the mountain is nice.
There is also an ungroomed area where skiers/snowboarders can access powder.
For after-skiing, Asarigawa Onsen nearby is available.
More information : https://asari-ski.com/index_en/
Sapporo International Ski Resort
Like other ski resorts in Hokkaido, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort has excellent powder quality.
There is a long run course called the "Downhill Course" that stretches about 2.2km from the top to the bottom of the mountain, and it is a great place to enjoy powder snow.
More information : https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/
Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort
Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort is a skier-only slope. It is a good place for families and beginners to ski.
More information : https://www.rinyu.co.jp/moiwa/
Dynasty Ski Resort
Dynasty Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido. It is also a good place for families and beginners to ski.
More information : http://www.dynasty-resort.jp/
Hoods Snow Area
Since it opened as an outdoor facility with an adjacent ski area and luge course. The luge training course is still there today.
More information : https://www.fujino-yagai-sports.jp/winter
Otaru Tenguyama Ski Area
This ski resort is accessed by a ropeway and features a spectacular view of Otaru City and the Sea of Japan from the top of the slope.
The ropeway is also in operation in the summer, and people visit the observatory and forest bathing course to enjoy the scenery.
More information : https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/ski/
