Moiwayama

Moiwayama is compact, ski-only, and way more fun than it looks on a trail map. The fall-line shots under the No. 2 Triple carry honest pitch, forming playful bumps and holding soft wind-buff after northwest flows. Short treed ribs dump into gullies that stay chalky on cold days. The long “Kankō Dōro” road-run is a scenic cruiser for recovery laps, and the front-side bowls turn into a glowing playground under the lights. The snow comes often — it’s Hokkaido — but the hill is low and aspects skew south to southeast, so plan to pounce early on storm mornings and pivot to night sessions when shade and temps preserve quality. There’s no gate system here and ducking ropes is a bad idea; ski it clean, dance with the terrain, and lap the stashes like a local.

Strong intermediates and advanced skiers who appreciate rhythm, quick shots, and night-ski novelty will have a blast. Bump fans and technique geeks will feel right at home — it’s a great place to sharpen timing and edgework in real snow, not boilerplate. Tree hunters can find fun pockets, but they’re tight, short, and unofficial. If your must-have list includes big vertical, high-speed lifts, or backcountry gates, this won’t scratch the same itch as Teine, Kokusai, or Niseko. Families and newcomers, though, get an easy layout, friendly vibes, and a city night view that makes every green run feel like a movie set.

Here’s the beauty of a city hill — you sleep in Sapporo and treat Moiwayama like your home mountain. If you want slick convenience, aim near Susukino or Nakajima-Koen for quick tram and bus access; business hotels in this zone are warm, compact, and priced kindly, with plenty of late-night food options after a session. Think tidy rooms, good showers, coin-op laundry, and a Lawson downstairs for pocket-pies.

Stepping up the comfort, downtown properties near Odori or the JR Sapporo Station area offer bigger rooms, nicer breakfasts, and often a public bath to thaw legs after night turns. You’ll pay more than a business hotel but still far less than resort-town rates. The city’s hotel scene swings seasonally — book early around the Snow Festival — yet winter often yields excellent deals midweek.

If you prefer something quieter, look along the South Ward for small pensions and guesthouses tucked into residential pockets; you’ll trade nightlife for calm streets and faster access to the South Base. Onsen fans can break things up with a night in Jōzankei Onsen — it’s not next door, but a soak in a steamy rotenburo after a Moiwayama night session is a core memory waiting to happen.

Sapporo is your cafeteria. Pre-ski, grab coffee and a melon-pan on the way to the hill; post-ski, run the greatest hits: soup curry (rich, spicy, warming), classic Sapporo miso ramen, and grilled Genghis Khan lamb. Craft beer bars around Susukino pour local brews, and if you keep it mellow you can still make last lifts for night riding. On-hill dining is simple and satisfying — curry rice, katsu, noodles — with prices that won’t make your wallet cry. Apres here is less boot-stomp party, more “warm bowl, city lights, and one more hour on snow.”

Closest airport: New Chitose (CTS). From the terminal, the JR Rapid to Sapporo Station is the standard hop. From downtown, Moiwayama is about 20–30 minutes by car depending on base and traffic. Winter roads in Sapporo are well managed, but they’re still icy — snow tires are mandatory, and chains can be handy during dumps.

Public transit: Sapporo’s tram to Ropeway-Iriguichi plus a short bus/taxi works smoothly, especially for North Base. Buses also connect from Makomanai Metro Station. If you’re chasing a night session, taxis are efficient and not outrageous split between friends. Parking is free at both bases; rentals are at North Base.

• Lift hours: Typically 09:00–21:00 with extensive night operations (most runs lit).
• Ski-only: Snowboards are not permitted — consider it a rare throwback and enjoy the serenity. Boarder pals, we still love you; this one’s just a two-stick zone.
• Safety & boundaries: No gate system, and ducking ropes is a fast way to meet patrol. Trees are tight with creek gullies in places — keep it smart.
• Snow & weather: Frequent refreshes, but low elevation and sunny aspects mean the best quality is mornings after storms or under the lights when temps drop.
• Language: Staff handle the basics; in the city you’ll find plenty of English menus.
• Nearby options: Sapporo Teine (steeper terrain, ocean views), Sapporo Kokusai (storm-day snow magnet), Bankei and Fu’s (other city hills), all within easy striking distance.