Rusutsu

Rusutsu’s snow is the reason people keep coming back. Sitting inland from the Sea of Japan, the storms roll in cold and consistent, laying down ultra-light powder that stays soft for days. The terrain is mostly north-facing, which means the snow keeps its quality well into the afternoon — even after sunny breaks.

West Mountain is your warm-up zone. It’s right next to the main hotels and has a mix of beginner and intermediate runs with a few sneaky tree shots if you know where to look. Perfect for easing in on day one or grabbing a few quick runs before breakfast.

East Mountain ups the ante with steeper pitches, open groomers for high-speed carving, and some playful side hits along the edges. Runs like “East Tignes” and “East Vivaldi” often hide powder pockets days after a storm. This mountain also acts as the gateway to Mt Isola — and that’s where the real magic happens.

Mt Isola is the crown jewel. Long fall-lines, perfectly spaced birch glades, and sneaky bowls make it the advanced rider’s playground. The “Steamboat” runs (A, B, and C) are famous for good reason — gentle enough to ride fast, steep enough to keep you honest, and sheltered enough to hold fresh snow. Drop in off the Isola No.1 or No.2 gondola early and you’ll be rewarded with face shots and silence.

On storm days, Isola is unbeatable. The trees keep visibility high, and you can work the gondolas in rotation for near-constant freshies. If the wind kicks up, East Mountain’s lower lifts and more sheltered runs will keep you moving.

Backcountry and sidecountry are possible, but you need to know what you’re doing — patrols are active, and the snowpack can still be tricky. For most riders, the in-bounds trees and ungroomed runs offer more than enough challenge without stepping beyond the ropes.

Advanced skiers and snowboarders will feel right at home here. Between Mt Isola’s glades, East Mountain’s steeps, and the resort’s generous off-piste policy, there’s enough to keep a powder hunter happy for a week or more.

Intermediates will love the wide groomers and the chance to dip into mellow trees without committing to gnarlier lines. East Mountain in particular offers that “just challenging enough” sweet spot for riders looking to progress.

Beginners are well catered for on West Mountain’s forgiving slopes, though you may run out of new runs quickly. Families will find Rusutsu a strong choice — plenty of easy terrain, good ski schools, and kid-friendly facilities, with enough high-end skiing for the parents.

If you’re looking for high-energy nightlife or a party scene, this isn’t the place. The vibe is more quiet drinks and early nights before another big powder day.

The base area is split between two main zones, each with its own personality.

Rusutsu Resort Hotel (North & South Wing) is the heart of the action. Ski-in ski-out convenience, indoor amusement park, wave pool, endless buffets — it’s a sensory overload in the best way. Rooms range from standard twins to multi-room family suites. Perfect for groups with mixed interests and kids who need entertainment after skiing.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort is across the road (linked by a monorail) and offers a calmer, more luxurious experience. Big duplex rooms, modern design, and an excellent breakfast spread make it ideal for those who want comfort without chaos.

The Vale Rusutsu is the newest and most upscale option — private condo-style suites with kitchens, big windows overlooking the slopes, and a beautiful onsen. Great for couples or small groups who value privacy and want to self-cater.

For budget travellers, there are a handful of pensions, guesthouses, and lodges within a short drive. They’re cosy, often family-run, and a good way to experience Japanese hospitality on a smaller scale — but you’ll likely need a car or shuttle to reach the lifts.

Inside the main hotel complex, dining options range from buffet halls to casual noodle spots. The buffets are huge — sushi, tempura, hot pot, and Hokkaido specialties like miso butter corn and jingisukan (lamb barbecue).

A few standouts worth hunting down: the steaming bowls of miso ramen at the small shop near the North Wing, perfectly crisp katsu curry in the food court, and fresh seafood donburi if you’re craving something lighter.

Après is low-key. There are a couple of bars in the resort hotels where you can grab a whisky highball or Sapporo Classic, plus the odd karaoke room if you’re feeling bold. For more atmosphere, some of the smaller pensions have cosy lounge bars where you can swap stories with fellow travellers.

The easiest gateway is New Chitose Airport, about 90 minutes by car or shuttle. Buses run regularly from the airport and from Sapporo city, making it straightforward without renting a vehicle.

If you do rent a car, you’ll have more flexibility — both for side trips (Lake Toya, Niseko, or even day trips to Sapporo) and for getting to smaller nearby ski hills. Roads are generally well-cleared, but after a heavy dump, you’ll want winter tyres or chains.

Rusutsu is also just 30–40 minutes from Niseko, making it easy to combine the two in one trip. Many riders actually prefer starting in Rusutsu for the more relaxed vibe before heading into the busier Niseko scene.

• Lift hours: Typically 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, with night skiing mainly on West Mountain.
• Best season: Late December through mid-February for peak snowfall. March offers more sun but still plenty of snow.
• Gear: The snow is cold and dry — bring something with good float, and goggles with low-light lenses for storm days.
• Side trips: Lake Toya’s onsens and viewpoints make a great half-day escape.
• Language: English is fine in resort facilities, but a few Japanese phrases earn smiles.
• Vibe: Family-friendly by day, relaxed by night. This is a place for riding, not raging.