Rusutsu-mura

Abuta-gun

Hokkaido

Japan

Minshuku Ikeda

Traveler Accommodation Hobo

Shiribetsu

Pension Clydesdale

Pension Yamada

Villa Rusutsu

The Vale Rusutsu

Pension Morinoie

Ohisama House

Rusutsu Lodges - Pension Lilla Huset

The Westin Rusutsu Resort

Rusutsu Resort

Mountain Memories

Hotel Romulus

Chise House

Pension Sky Be

L&R RUSUTSU

Resort House Rusutsu Hiro

Jurakuso

CLOUD9

Youtei

WaPura Rusutsu

Japavista Rusutsu

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Rusutsu

Located in southwestern Hokkaido, Rusutsu Resort offers expansive terrain and consistent powder conditions that make it one of Japan&rsquo;s most popular ski destinations. Just under two hours from Sapporo, the resort spans 794 acres with 49 trails across three interconnected mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Isola. With a vertical drop of 714 meters, the terrain is serviced by 22 lifts&mdash;including gondolas, trams, and high-speed chairs&mdash;and caters to a wide range of skier abilities. Difficulty levels include 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 20% expert.
Families will find the resort exceptionally easy to navigate, thanks to designated kids&rsquo; areas, bilingual ski schools, and indoor activity zones. Four dedicated tubing lanes, snow parks, and on-mountain dining with panoramic views help create a family-friendly atmosphere that&rsquo;s fun both on and off the slopes. Wide open groomers and gentle pitches make West Mountain ideal for newcomers, while access to varied terrain allows more experienced skiers to venture further without straying from base comfort.
Rusutsu stands out with its well-designed layout, modern infrastructure, and fresh take on resort accessibility. Ski-in/ski-out lodging, a winter amusement park, and picturesque tree-lined runs combine for a seamless mountain experience. Whether you're traveling with kids, chasing powder, or carving on groomers, Rusutsu offers reliable snow, sweeping views, and an easygoing resort vibe that keeps visitors coming back.

The closest airport to Rusutsu is New Chitose Airport (CTS), located approximately 90 km away and easily connected to the resort via direct shuttle bus. These coaches run multiple times daily during winter, syncing with flight arrivals and offering seat reservations. You can also reach Rusutsu from Sapporo by car via Route 230, with scenic mountain roads and well-maintained snow routes that take just under two hours. Rail travelers can head to Kutchan Station and transfer to local buses, although direct shuttle options are usually faster.
Once you&rsquo;re at the resort, everything is within reach. Complimentary shuttle services connect lodging areas with the ski lifts, and most accommodations are steps from slopes or base buildings. Ample parking is available near lift terminals, and ski-in/ski-out lodging eliminates the need for local transport altogether. Rusutsu&rsquo;s gondola system provides smooth mountain access, while the layout ensures minimal walking even during busy hours.

Accommodations around Rusutsu Resort include full-service hotels with slope-facing rooms, cozy lodges, chalets, and self-catering apartments&mdash;all within walking distance or offering direct lift access. Families can book spacious multi-room units with kitchen facilities, and couples can opt for private retreats with hot spring access and mountain views. Group travelers will find chalets with shared lounges and ample space for gear and prep. Luxury options provide wellness services, ski valet amenities, and easy access to base zones, while budget-friendly picks maintain comfort and proximity to lifts.

Rusutsu Resort&rsquo;s terrain spans three areas&mdash;West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Isola&mdash;connected via lifts and gondolas and accessible with a single pass. The combined layout covers 50 km of skiable terrain with elevation rising from 280 m at the base to 994 m at the summit. Each mountain offers a different feel, giving skiers room to explore without needing to navigate complex trail systems.
West Mountain caters to beginners and families with wide, gentle runs and quick access to ski schools and tubing lanes. Trails here allow for relaxed cruising, learning, or warming up before tackling bigger vertical. The area is closest to resort accommodations and restaurants, making it ideal for short sessions and mixed-ability groups.
East Mountain blends intermediate and advanced terrain, with groomers, tree-lined routes, and powder sections that get refreshed regularly. High-speed lifts serve the mountain efficiently, and runs like &ldquo;White Rabbit&rdquo; and &ldquo;East Ridge&rdquo; offer generous carving zones with long fall lines and scenic views. Snow tends to stay consistent here throughout the day.
Mount Isola draws more experienced skiers with its steeper slopes, off-piste entries, and long descents. The &ldquo;Steamboat&rdquo; series of runs includes A, B, and C routes&mdash;each offering unique pitches and snow texture depending on weather. &ldquo;Heavenly View&rdquo; is a standout for panoramic moments and smooth contour riding. The summit area often sees fresh snow lingering longer than on the lower mountains.
Families and freestyle skiers will appreciate the three terrain parks distributed across the resort, offering jumps, rails, and entry-level features ideal for practice or showing off. There are also two halfpipes and ten dedicated park rails, maintained weekly. The park on East Mountain is especially popular due to its accessibility and forgiving terrain.
Tubing lanes, groomed snow play areas, and scenic ridgelines round out Rusutsu&rsquo;s terrain offerings. With good trail markings, minimal congestion, and well-maintained grooming, even larger groups can explore confidently. Whether you want powder, technical chutes, or mellow forest runs, the terrain caters to all skill levels and keeps the experience fluid.

If you&rsquo;re planning around snow quality, the best powder window for Rusutsu runs from mid-January to mid-February. Early mornings tend to be cold and dry&mdash;ideal for soft snowpack and untracked bowls. For the freshest powder laps, head straight to &ldquo;Steamboat B&rdquo; on Mount Isola within 30 minutes of rope drop. Its tucked-in position shields it from wind and sun, so the surface holds longer.
Looking for a low-traffic zone around midday? Try &ldquo;Bambi 2&rdquo; on West Mountain. Most skiers overlook it due to its location, but the run is rhythmical and framed by elegant tree lines that break wind and add visual contrast&mdash;ideal for relaxed carving with wide turns.
For a scenic break during the day, stop at the mid-mountain lookout near &ldquo;White Rabbit&rdquo;. It's accessible with just a short slide from the gondola exit and offers unobstructed views across all three mountain zones. It&rsquo;s quiet around 10:30 a.m.&mdash;a great spot to regroup or capture photos without rush.
Apr&egrave;s-ski with a laid-back vibe? Visit &ldquo;Kota&rsquo;s Lounge&rdquo; at the base complex. It serves hot meals with Western-style drinks and plays vinyl records in the evenings. Comfortable seating, warm lighting, and affordable drinks make it a go-to for instructors and repeat guests.
Tubing works best just after sunset. The resort&rsquo;s four-lane tubing slope beside the base hotel lights up around 4:30 p.m., and the snow tends to be faster once the sun goes down. There&rsquo;s no line most nights, and you can make multiple laps with zero waiting.
Dinner choices are surprisingly varied for a remote resort. For a crowd-pleaser, try &ldquo;Yotei Kitchen&rdquo; near East Mountain base&mdash;locals love it for the wood-fired ramen and hearty portions. It&rsquo;s warm, casual, and great after a full day of riding.
If non-skiers want something immersive, the snowmobile circuit runs hourly near the forest edge past West Mountain. Guides lead you through a loop with stops along the ridgeline, and some offer evening rides with headlamps for a stargazing twist.
Looking to level up your skiing without the pressure? Book a two-hour park session at the East Mountain terrain park around 2:00 p.m. That&rsquo;s when it&rsquo;s best-lit and least crowded. The features are built for progression, and the mellow setup makes it easier to try something new.
On warmer days, take a short snowshoe detour on the designated track near &ldquo;Heavenly View C&rdquo;. It leads to a quiet overlook rarely visited by skiers and reveals the entire resort bowl framed by pine and powder. Bring a thermos&mdash;you&rsquo;ll want to linger.
Close your day on &ldquo;Isola Grand&rdquo;, timed for 3:45 p.m. Most skiers have started heading down, and the snow begins to firm for perfect glide. It&rsquo;s a long, smooth descent that lets you reflect on the terrain you&rsquo;ve covered&mdash;and the powder you&rsquo;ll chase tomorrow.

Rusutsu Trail Map

HOKKAIDO / RUSUTSU

Rusutsu Trail Map

Terrain

Plan Your Trip