Rusutsu Resort Guide (2025-2026): Three Peaks and Epic Powder Skiers & Snowboarders Will Love
- Written by: Hide
Dreaming of deep powder? Look no further than Rusutsu Resort, one of Hokkaido's largest and most famous destinations. Located in Rusutsu Village, this year-round haven is renowned globally for its exceptional, high-quality snow, making it a must-visit for serious skiers and snowboarders. Beyond the slopes, Rusutsu offers a huge variety of winter experiences. Here’s your guide to an unforgettable winter getaway!
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About Rusutsu Resort

Rusutsu Resort's ski slopes descend over three mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain and Mount Isola.
West Mountain is located on the east side of Route 230 and East Mountain and Mount Isola are located on its west side. You can travel from one mountain to another via gondola.
Rusutsu Resort tends to be mostly sunny, also in winter, and it's not uncommon to enjoy both sun and snow. The best snow is usually between early January and late February.
- Operating Period: November 29, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Regular Season: December 20, 2025 – March 15, 2026
- Early Ski Season 1: November 29 – December 12, 2025 (planned)
- Early Ski Season 2: December 13–19, 2025
- Spring Ski Season: March 16 – March 31, 2026
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (may vary by season; please check the official website)
- Closed Days: None during the operating period
- Official Website: https://rusutsu.com/
Who Is Rusutsu Resort Best For?
Rusutsu Resort offers a wide variety of courses that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, making it a ski resort where people of all skill levels can enjoy themselves. In addition, with the Samurai Kids Park for snow play, indoor activities, and a variety of outdoor experiences, the resort is also ideal for families with young children.
Courses and Lifts

One of the main attractions of Rusutsu Resort is the large number of slopes spread across three mountains. The resort is too big to be thoroughly enjoyed in a day.
There are 37 tracks in total, connected by 18 lifts and gondolas, and covering a whopping 42 kilometers. Of course, there are tracks for all levels so that beginners and experienced skiers alike can get the best out of their experience.
- Elevation:
- Summit 994 m / Base 400 m
- Course Difficulty:
- Beginner 30% | Intermediate 40% | Advanced 30%
- Grooming:
- Groomed 60% | Non-groomed 40%
- Courses:
- 37 total | Max slope 40° | Longest run 3,500 m
- Lifts (18 total):
- Double Chair × 7 | Quad × 7 | Gondola × 4

Following are recommended courses for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers.
Recommended for beginners

The Easy Trail Course is the gentlest track in Rusutsu Resort. The path is wide and perfect for learning snowboarding and skiing. The White Rubber Course, on Mount West, has a maximum slope angle of 12 degrees and it, too, makes for a perfect practice track. Both tracks start right where the lift arrives, so you won't risk stumbling upon different courses by mistake.
For intermediate Users

The East Vivaldi Course, is a long track that continues for more than 2,000 meters from East Mountain's east summit. The slope is a little steep by the summit, but it's wide, and it gives a great overlook on Rusutsu Resort. The Isola Grand Course is a long course that stretches for 3,500 meters (the longest distance among the tracks in the resort) and slides from the summit of Isola Mountain. This is a broad course and it veers into the forest, after its mid-point.

For advanced skiers

The Super East Course is the steepest, non-compact-snow track at Rusutsu Resort, with a maximum slope of 40 degrees. It's a course with bumps and jumps, and it's recommended to experts only. The Heavenly Canyon Course is a non-compact-snow track that starts at the summit of Mount Isola. The course's length is 1,850 meters, and it's a famous spot among enthusiasts because of the quality of the snow.


Rusutsu Resort Tickets, Rentals & Lessons
Lift Tickets

Rusustsu Resort has adopted a non-contact gate system with IC lifts tickets, and those with the card can board directly without stopping at the ticket counter.
The IC lift ticket used at Rusutsu Resort can be used for all four ski resorts operated by the Kamori Kanko Group. If you have this IC ticket, you can charge it online and use it not only at Rusutsu Resort, but also at Sapporo Teine, Sahoro Resort, and Nakayamatoge Ski Resort.
Lift ticket price (example)
- Adults (19-64 y/o): 16,200 yen; seniors (60 y/o and over): 12,100 yen; students (13-18 y/o): 12,100; children (4-12 y/o): 8,000 yen
- Pricing details: https://rusutsu.com/winter-lift-tickets/

If you are a first-time user, purchase the ticket at the local counter, and receive an IC lift ticket. Cashless payment is also possible at the Rusutsu Resort ticket counter.
How to Save Money When Buying Tickets
Discount Plan
Rusutsu Resort offers an advance-sale lift pass called the “25-Hour Pass +5.” This special ticket adds 5 bonus hours to a standard 25-hour pass, allowing for a total of 30 hours of lift access. Each time you pass through the gate, one hour is automatically deducted, and you can ride the lifts as many times as you like within that hour. Since you can use the total 30 hours freely, this is a great option for those who want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding without worrying about specific dates or time limits.
- Sales Period: November 1 – December 10, 2025
- Prices (Online Prices): Adults: 34,700 yen (33,100 yen); Seniors / Youth: 28,900 yen (27,700 yen); Children: 17,400 yen (16,600 yen)
- How to Purchase: Through the official online shop (credit card only) or at the Resort Center counter
- How to Redeem: Via automatic ticket machines or ticket counters
- Details: https://rusutsu.com/advance-lift-tickets/
Package Plans
Rusutsu Resort also offers package deals that combine lift passes with accommodation or flight tickets, available via the official website and various travel agencies. Prices vary depending on factors such as early-booking discounts, travel period (peak or off-peak), meal options, room type, and cancellation policies. While it’s difficult to define a fixed discount rate, these packages are generally more economical than booking each component separately. Choosing a plan that matches your purpose and budget is key.
Rental Information (Rates, Quality, Locations)

The rental shop Salomon & Atomic Station at Rusutsu Resort, has the latest items to meet various needs for anyone from beginners to experts. Expert skis are high-performance models for advanced skiers.
They guarantee a comfortable slide in any snow quality. The standard model is designed to make it easier to turn and control speed in any slope condition. The shop also offers CTS skis, which are softer and lighter than the ordinary models, and are perfect for beginners.
- Ski set (skis, boots, poles)
- ・Expert skis: 1 day: adult 17,000 yen
・Standard skis: 1 day: adult 10,400yen, child 7,700 yen
- Full set (skis, boots, poles, clothing, hats, gloves, goggles)
- ・Standard skis: 1 day: adult 21,400 yen, child 16,600 yen

Gloves and hats are not rented separately. You will be given hats and gloves that you can take home, if you rent a full set. Rental reservations are only accepted online. See details at https://rusutsu.com/rentals-station/.
Lesson Guide (Ski & Snowboard Schools)

Experienced instructors offer a variety of skiing, snowboarding, and lessons for children at Rusutsu Resort. Reservations in advance are required for each lesson.
Rusutsu Resort Skiing School

Lessons are divided into 5 classes, accordingly to the level of the participants (beginners to advanced) (lessons are in Japanese only).
There are also private ski lessons available, as well as family lessons (up to 5 people), private group lessons (up to 8 people), and samurai kids lessons for ages 7-14 (English available).
For detailed information, see https://rusutsu.com/ski-lessons/.
Rusutsu Resort Snowboarding School

Classes are divided into 4 courses of different levels, and each class focuses on small groups of students (up to 4) (in Japanese only). There are also private group lessons available (up to 5 people) (English available).
Click here for more details: https://rusutsu.com/snowboard-lessons/.
Konayuki Tendo Snow School

These courses fully support Chinese language. In fact, all the instructors of this course are Chinese! They are qualified international instructors in Japan and New Zealand. With ease of communication, you will easily be able to hone your skiing skills.
Family-Friendly Information
At Rusutsu Resort, a wide variety of services are available for families to enjoy together.
Debut Park
This is a dedicated area designed for beginners aged 13 and older, where staff provide attentive instruction - from how to ride the lift to the basics of skiing and snowboarding. Skiers can safely practice wedge turns, while snowboarders can learn how to attach bindings and master skating techniques. With handrails available for added safety, it’s the perfect place for a first skiing or snowboarding experience. If the parents are beginners as well, the whole family can enjoy learning together.
Family Lessons
Private lessons are also available for parents and children to join together, allowing the whole family to learn skiing while having fun. Experienced instructors provide guidance tailored to each participant’s skill level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience for everyone.
Kids’ Facilities & Childcare Services
Rusutsu Resort has its own daycare facility, Rusutsu Resort Nursery. This convenient service allows parents to leave their children in safe hands on an hourly basis while they enjoy skiing or other activities. In a bright, spacious room surrounded by large windows, experienced childcare staff take excellent care of each child.
- Location: Highland Lodge 2F
- Operating Period: November 29, 2025 – March 30, 2026; closed every Tuesday
- Suitable Age / Capacity: 1-year-olds to preschoolers; up to 19 children
- Childcare Hours / Fee: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM; 2,000 yen per hour
- Meals / Snacks: Lunch 1,300 yen per child; Snack 250 yen per child
- Cancellation Policy: 100% charge on the day of reservation; no charge if canceled by 6 PM on the previous day
Family Snow Fun
Tubing, Sledding & Snow Play Areas
At Rusutsu Resort, there is a kids’ area where young children can enjoy snow play and sledding - perfect for families looking for fun beyond snow sports.
Samurai Kids Park
Samurai Kids Park is an activity area designed for families to fully enjoy playing in the snow. In the slope area, you’ll find exciting attractions such as tubing and mini bobsleigh runs, offering thrilling rides for both adults and children. The flat area features play equipment for younger kids, including baby cruisers, snow racers, and the ever-popular Strider bikes. Children can also try Burton’s kids’ snowboards with retractable leashes, make snowballs, and experience many other fun winter activities.
・Fees (tax included): 1-Day Pass: 2,400 yen / 2-Day Pass: 3,900 yen / 3-Day Pass: 5,200 yen
・Before the snow escalator is installed, the 1-Day Pass is available for 1,400 yen.
・Children aged 2 and under are free.
Indoor Activities
Even on days with poor weather, there are plenty of indoor facilities to enjoy. The resort features a two-story merry-go-round, a game arcade, and a heated pool. Guests can also take part in hands-on programs such as cooking classes using local Hokkaido ingredients or craft workshops using natural materials - perfect for spending a fulfilling and relaxing day indoors.
Unique Activities

At Rusutsu Ski Resort, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in winter. Snow rafting (3,300 yen, children 2,500 yen) is recommended for families. It is also possible to have the speed adjusted by the snowmobile pulling a raft, so even small children can enjoy it.

There are also activities where you can interact with animals. Among them, dog sledding and horseback riding are activities you will definitely want to enjoy while visiting Rusutsu Resort.
A sled pulled by dogs rides around a course of about 400 meters (5,830 yen per person). Experience the exhilarating speed.

Horseback riding Toya course (Winter lake course: 11,500 yen per person) is an experience that you can enjoy at Raikutoya Ranch near Lake Toya. If you have never tried horseback riding, fear not, as you will be taught how to ride.
You can't miss other activities, like nature tours with local guides through forests, and ice fishing in a pond for some rainbow trout catch and release. All activities require reservations in advance.
Tap here for details: https://rusutsu.com/winter-activities/.
Hot Springs, Dining & Nightlife
Relaxing in the Hot Springs
Rusutsu Resort is home to Rusutsu Onsen-Kotobuki no Yu, a hot spring renowned for its panoramic mountain views and star-filled night skies. Opened in July 2019, this bright and spacious bathhouse offers a rejuvenating experience. The spring water is classified as a sodium bicarbonate spring (neutral, hypotonic, high-temperature), known as a “beautifying hot spring” that leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky after bathing.
Bath Types
In addition to the 20m wide open-air bath, there is also a large indoor bath, sauna, and cave bath.
Resort Tattoo Policy
Entry is not permitted for individuals with tattoos.
Ski Resort Restaurants

Rusutsu Resort's restaurants are at each of the three foothills. Horn is by West Mountain. Its menu is very diverse and the food is prepared with local ingredients. We recommend trying the ginger-grilled set meal using Rusutsu Kogen Pork. This is an easy-access restaurant with many rental shops and a skiing school nearby.

Cafeteria Lone Pine in East Center Station, at the foot of East Mountain, is easy to access from all mountains, and it's a convenient place to meet friends. Dishes like stewed hamburger steak and spa cutlets (combining pasta and cutlets) are popular.


ISOLA 2000 is at the foot of the homonymous mountain, just past the Isola Grand Course, the longest of the resort, and the Fricozawa Course for beginners. Here, you can enjoy authentic sushi unique to Hokkaido. Also, there are various other dishes, like pork bowl made with Rusutsu Kogen pork and soup curry, with plenty of vegetables.


The cafeteria Steamboat is a shop located just off the Steamboard A/B Course of Mount Isola. Steamboat's melty egg omelet rice is the most popular dish of the slopes at Rusutsu Resort. Enjoy the spacious and sunny store.

Area Restaurants
Around Rusutsu Resort, you can enjoy delicious food with your family. The following are recommended restaurants.
Japanese Cuisine – Fuka
A highly recommended restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese dishes made with locally sourced vegetables, seafood, and Wagyu beef. It offers a wide range of meals, from traditional Japanese breakfasts to teppanyaki and kaiseki courses. With its calm and relaxed atmosphere, it is also very family-friendly.
Rusutsu Izakaya – Tanpopo Shokudo
This casual izakaya-style restaurant is popular among locals. Guests can enjoy dishes such as jingisukan (grilled lamb), pork rice bowls, and set meals in a cozy, homey atmosphere - perfect for a relaxed stop after skiing or snow play.
Nabedokoro – Yo-chan
A warm and welcoming hot-pot restaurant that is easy for families to enter. Popular dishes include hot pots featuring Hokkaido lamb and pork, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely dinner.
Popular Bars & Izakaya Spots
Here are some bars and izakayas near Rusutsu Resort.
Izakaya Kakashi
A Japanese-style izakaya where you can enjoy dishes featuring Hokkaido seafood and mountain delicacies, along with local sake. The restaurant offers horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu) seating and partitioned tables, making it easy for groups to dine comfortably. Located inside the hotel, it is easily accessible and convenient even on snowy days.
Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention / Main Bar Oblist
This bar lounge inside the resort hotel offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy cocktails and whiskey made with Hokkaido ingredients. It’s an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a quiet evening.
Access & Nearby Attractions
How to Get to Rusutsu Resort

By car, it takes about 90 minutes from either Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. If you're not accustomed to driving on winter roads, we recommend traveling by bus.
- Big Lands (Exclusive Paid Shuttle Bus for Rusutsu Resort Guests): 120 minutes
- Operating Period: November 29, 2025 – March 30, 2026
- Fare: One-way 5,500 yen (adults/children); 5,000 yen for online reservations (Note: Reservations must be made online at least 7 days in advance)
- Official Website: https://rusutsu.com/en/access-shuttle-bus-new-chitose-airport/
- Rusutsu Free Bus: 120 minutes
- Operating Period: November 29, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (Note: Reservations must be made by 3 PM on the day before use)
- Resort Liner (Hokkaido Resort Liner)
- Operating Period: December 23, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Fares: Lake Toya ↔ Rusutsu: Adults 3,500 yen, Children 3,000 yen / Noboribetsu ↔ Rusutsu: Adults 4,000 yen, Children 3,500 yen
- Official Website: https://www.access-n.jp/winter2025/en/skibus/detail/special_ntrn2024.html
Delivery Services
For information regarding parcel delivery services, please contact the accommodation where you plan to stay.
At Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention, it appears that parcels for day-trip guests are also accepted, so you may use their service.
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Address
13, Aza Izumikawa, Rusutsu-Mura, Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido, Japan 048-1711, 048-1711
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hirafu Station (Hakodate Main Line)
- Phone Number 0136-46-3111
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Address
13, Aza Izumikawa, Rusutsu-Mura, Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido, Japan 048-1711, 048-1711
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
Rusutsu Furusato Park
This park features snow-covered open areas and playgrounds where families can enjoy sledding and building snowmen. It’s an ideal spot for light snow play beyond skiing.
Roadside Station (Michi-no-Eki) 230 Rusutsu
A winter-season facility where you can purchase local produce, souvenirs, and light meals. It is easily accessible even on snowy roads, making it convenient for a break or a meal between skiing or snow play.
Lake Toya Area
Located about a 30-minute drive from Rusutsu, Lake Toya offers scenic winter landscapes. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks surrounded by snow or view the frozen lake surface. The area is popular for photography and as a stop for visiting hot springs.
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Address
Toyako Town, Hokkaido Toyako Onsen Town, 049-5721
View Map -
Nearest Station
Usu Station (Muroran Main Line)
- Phone Number 0142-75-2446
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Address
Toyako Town, Hokkaido Toyako Onsen Town, 049-5721
Recommended Accommodations

Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention
Connected directly to West Mountain, this large resort feels like a small city with plenty of restaurants and shops. Room options range from junior suites and family rooms to cottages and log houses for up to 24 guests.
The Westin Rusutsu Resort
A three-time winner of Japan’s Best Ski Hotel at the World Ski Awards. All rooms are spacious two-floor maisonettes of at least 76 square meters, featuring high ceilings and large windows.
The Vale Rusutsu
A condo-style hotel opened in December 2020 with 182 rooms across 10 types. All units include a kitchen and full set of appliances, with functional, roomy interiors. The top-floor penthouse offers panoramic ski-area views.
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-
Address
13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1711
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hirafu Station (Hakodate Main Line)
Vacancy search, reservation
-
from 21,060JPY 1room, 2adults
Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.
-
Address
13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1711
-

-
Address
133 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1711
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hirafu Station (Hakodate Main Line)
-
Address
133 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1711
-

-
Address
Aza-Izumikawa27-6 , Rusutsu, Hokkaido, 048-1711
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hirafu Station (Hakodate Main Line)
Vacancy search, reservation
-
from 36,036JPY 1room, 2adults
Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.
-
Address
Aza-Izumikawa27-6 , Rusutsu, Hokkaido, 048-1711
A web writer and photographer with a passion for traveling by car. He has driven around Japan twice and visited the main tourist spots in all 47 prefectures. With six years of experience, he creates detailed itineraries and travel guides based on his personal journeys. Since he assumes the use of a car, he also introduces hidden spots that are otherwise difficult to access. He holds a TOEIC score of 860, ensuring high-quality content for bilingual audiences.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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