Top Ski Resorts In Sapporo, Japan
Last updated: February 2024
Sapporo is the entry point to many of the greatest ski resort in Hokkaido, however, did you know that the city itself has some incredible ski areas which are well worth a visit on your way through. Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido and is home to more than 2 million residents plus the city if one of the snowiest cities on the planet with an average 4.5m or 190 inches of snow each winter season. This means the ski resorts and ski areas in Sapporo all get blanketed with incredible snowfall too and because most of the international traffic is heading further into the mountains, those looking for a quick powder fix will find it at one of the top ski resorts in Sapporo.
A map showing the proximity of the best ski resorts in Sapporo to downtown Sapporo City.
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
The views from the summit of Teine ski resort are exceptional and you can see the city of Sapporo and Ishikari Bay. Credit: Sapporo Teine ski resort.
Sapporo Teine ski resort is the largest ski resort in close proximity to downtown Sapporo and can be found on Mt Teine which is to the west of the city. The resort opened 1965 and then shot to global fame as the host of the 1972 winter Olympics where Sapporo Teine hosted the alpine giant slalom and normal slalom, bobsleigh, and luge events. Since first opening and hosting the winter Olympics Sapporo Teine has grown and expanded to now include the Highlands zone along with the Olympia zone, with these two zones connected as one the resort is now home to a vertical drop of 683m or 2,241ft which is impressive for a ski resort located above a city of over 2 million residents.
Across both zones at Sapporo Teine ski resort, you will find a total of 15 marked trails which range from beginner all the way through to expert, and it’s as if the higher in the resort you climb the most intense the terrain becomes. Getting around the 15 marked trails is easy thanks to 10 lifts that include an 8-person gondola and a collection of chairlifts that include high speed quads, some triples, and some double lifts.
Best for: All riders of all ski levels and anyone looking for some deep snow
Lift Pass Fee: 6,600 Yen / 66 AUD / 45USD
Distance from Sapporo: 20km / 35 minute’s drive
Distance from Sapporo Airport (CTS): 71km / 1 hour’s drive
Sapporo Moiwa Ski Area
Deep snow with endless city views are always on offer at Sapporo Moiwa ski resort. Credit: Moiwa Ski Area
Moiwa ski area is the perfect place to learn how to ski when visiting Sapporo and is the closest ski area to the downtown district. The ski area opened to the public in 1960 and has been teaching children and new skiers how to ride ever since. Moiwa ski area is on the backside of Mt Moiwa which towers high above Sapporo and is best known for its scenic lookout however if you find yourself at the summit and look down to the south you can see riders enjoying the ski slopes. It’s worth noting that Moiwa ski area is a ski only area, sadly snowboarders will be turned away.
At Mt Moiwa ski area you will find 5 chairlifts which include two triples, two doubles and a super rare single chair. Whilst there are a few of these across some resorts in Japan its extremely rare to see a single chair anywhere else on the planet. The resort has 10 marked trails which are targeted towards beginner riders however there are several intermediate trails as well as 4 advanced trails higher in the resort.
Best for: Beginner skiers and those looking for night riding
Lift Pass Fee: 4,100 Yen / 41 AUD / 25 USD
Distance from Sapporo: 9km / 25 minute’s drive
Distance from Sapporo Airport (CTS): 53km / 1 hour’s drive
Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
The triple lift at Bankei is the largest and longest ski lift at the resort. Credit: Bankei Ski Area
Sapporo Bankei ski area is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Sapporo and is tucked into the same mountain range as Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Moiwa ski area. The ski area often known as Ban.k is spread across the face of a mountain and has a west, central and east zone which each have their own parking and base facilities. Bankei ski area is the only ski area in Hokkaido which always opens a full size half pipe and the ski area has some other amazing terrain park features to go along with the half pipe.
At Sapporo Bankei ski area you will find 6 different chairlifts which are a collection of triple, double and single lifts. The ski area is home to a vertical drop of 283m and 17 different ski trails with one of them being 1200m long.
Best for: Beginner riders and riders who love terrain parks
Lift Pass Fee: 4,300 Yen / 43 AUD / 28 USD
Distance from Sapporo: 9km / 25 minute’s drive
Distance from Sapporo Airport (CTS): 58km / 1 hour’s drive
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Sapporo Kokusai gondola takes riders from the base of the resort directly to the summit. Credit: Sapporo Kokusai Resort
Sapporo Kokusai ski resort is in the mountains which rise to the western side of Sapporo city in Hokkaido Japan. Due to its location deep in these mountains Sapporo Kokusai ski resort is home to some of the largest annual snowfalls not only in the region but all of Japan. These snowfalls equate to around 18m or 720 inches of snowfall, and that’s the average.
Sapporo Kokusai ski resort is nowhere near the largest resort in Hokkaido or even Sapporo, here you will find 4 lifts which does include a gondola, two quad lifts and a single double chair. The resort only has 161 skiable acres and there are only 7 marked trails however the deep snow and tree skiing can make it an exceptionally fun resort, we would suggest that you visit on a weekday as the proximity to downtown Sapporo can make it really busy on the weekend. Whilst the word “Kokusai” directly translates to “International” however, there is a lack of international visitors and most of the riders here are locals to Sapporo and Japan. Everyone else who is visiting from overseas is down at Niseko or Rusutsu.
Best for: Anyone chasing powder snow however it’s best to have your own vehicle to access the resort.
Lift Pass Fee: 5,000 Yen / 50 AUD / 35 USD
Distance from Sapporo: 46km / 1 hour 15 minute’s drive
Distance from Sapporo Airport (CTS): 90km / 1 hour 45 minute’s drive
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