Skiing in Rusutsu offers you access to Rusutsu Resort, one of Japan's most famous and awarded ski areas. With three huge skiing areas across three mountains (West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola), they have 37 courses with a total running distance of 42km - without a doubt, the largest in Hokkaido!
Another unique feature about skiing in Rusutsu is the incredible powder snow - with 5% water content, it'll take your experience to another level. Plus, every night, skilled snow compaction professionals get to work to maintain the best ski slope conditions. Read on to see why skiing in Rusutsu is so exciting and unlike anywhere else you've experienced!
- Table of Contents
-
- 1. Mt. Isola’s Heavenly Spirit Course: Powder Snow over a Natural Gully Terrain
- 2. Mt. Isola’s Isola Grand Course: Long Skiing at Rusutsu’s Longest Course
- 3. Mt. Isola’s Isola B Course: Rusutsu’s Famous Challenging Mogul Course
- 4. Mt. Isola’s Steamboat A Course: Wide Long Course with Great Access from East Mt.
- 5. East Mt.’s Super East Course: Rusutsu’s Steepest Slope Awaits Advanced Challengers
- 6. East Mt.’s East Vivaldi Course: A Popular Course that Offers a Magnificent View of Mt. Yotei
- 7. East Mt.’s Easy Trail Course: Great Access and Wide Gentle Slope for Easy Skiing
- 8. West Mt.’s Side Country Park: Uncompressed Snow Area to Enjoy Powder Runs and Jumps
- 9. West Mt.’s Ever Course: A Straight Course for Speedy Skiing
- 10. West Mt.’s Family Course: Right In front of the Hotel! & Great For Kids
1. Mt. Isola’s Heavenly Spirit Course: Powder Snow over a Natural Gully Terrain
・Advanced
・Length: 550m
・Maximum incline: 22 degrees
“Heavenly Spirit” is a course that takes advantage of the natural gully terrain with its uncompressed snow.
After it snows, Rusutsu’s premium dry powder is truly incredible. The natural terrain allows for a half-pipe style skiing experience.
2. Mt. Isola’s Isola Grand Course: Long Skiing at Rusutsu’s Longest Course
・Intermediate
・Length: 3,500m
・Maximum incline: 20 degrees
The 3.5km long course with diverse slopes is Rusutsu’s longest course that is worth every moment.
You can go back and ski as many times as you want by using the Isola Gondola. It has five different junctions within the course so that you can have a different experience each time. Also, it has a terrace restaurant at the base, which is perfect for taking a break.
3. Mt. Isola’s Isola B Course: Rusutsu’s Famous Challenging Mogul Course
・Advanced
・Length: 800m
・Maximum incline: 25 degrees
One of Rusutsu’s famous courses with moguls. About mid-season, the 800m long course has a natural mogul line.
4. Mt. Isola’s Steamboat A Course: Wide Long Course with Great Access from East Mt.
・Intermediate
・Length: 2,200m
・Maximum incline: 26 degrees
It is a popular long course that is easy to access from East Mt. via the Isola Quad Lift No.2. The largest course width is 210m, and you can enjoy a strong refreshing experience. There is also a restaurant at the base, which is perfect for taking a break.
5. East Mt.’s Super East Course: Rusutsu’s Steepest Slope Awaits Advanced Challengers
・Advanced
・Length: 500m
・Maximum incline: 40 degrees
A course that starts from the peak of East Mt. and connects to Furikozawa Course. It is relatively short, but also has the steepest slope at Rusutsu with a maximum incline of 40 degrees. You might think it’s not too bad since it starts with a gentle slope but quickly becomes quite steep - definitely not for beginners.
6. East Mt.’s East Vivaldi Course: A Popular Course that Offers a Magnificent View of Mt. Yotei
・Intermediate
・Length: 2,300m
・Maximum incline: 24 degrees
It starts off a little steep, but it is a course that offers a magnificent view of Rusutsu Resort and Mt. Yotei. This course is wide and it doesn’t feel too scary and it offers a thrilling feeling as you ski. The latter half of the course has a gentle slope.
7. East Mt.’s Easy Trail Course: Great Access and Wide Gentle Slope for Easy Skiing
・Beginner
・Length: 750m
・Maximum incline: 8 degrees
The perfect course if you are skiing for the first time! It is the gentlest at Rusutsu Resort. A very convenient course with the East Center Station and a restaurant is located at the base where you can take a break. You can enjoy the course at your own pace.
8. West Mt.’s Side Country Park: Uncompressed Snow Area to Enjoy Powder Runs and Jumps
・Advanced
・Length 600m
・Maximum incline: 26 degrees
A natural powder part with uncompressed snow established on each side of the Elite Course. You can enjoy the quality powder snow as you casually ski and use the natural terrain and trees for jumps. The area next to the lift is for beginners and intermediate skiers, and the outer side of the course is for advanced skiers.
9. West Mt.’s Ever Course: A Straight Course for Speedy Skiing
・Intermediate
・Length: 650m
・Maximum incline: 21 degrees.
This is a course that you ski down towards Rusutsu Resort’s main base. There are two sections of the middle area that are great for carving. There is also a restaurant at the base, which is perfect for taking a break. Also, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, there is torch skiing and even a fireworks event!
10. West Mt.’s Family Course: Right In front of the Hotel! & Great For Kids
・Beginner
・Length: 650m
・Maximum incline: 12 degrees
A gentle slope with great access from Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention. “Crayon Shinchan Cross” is where they set up items so you can enjoy wave skiing and jumping, but they also have the “Kids Tree Run” where kids can go skiing through the forest for a feeling of adventure.
All the courses at Rusutsu Resort provide a great skiing experience. They have a great variety of courses for families, from beginners to advanced skiers, courses with a great view, attractions for kids, powder snow, and skiing on groomed snow.
It’s time to have a go on one (or all!) of the 37 courses which have charmed skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
Text: Akira Tsujino
-
-
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
-
Address
13, Aza Izumikawa, Rusutsu-Mura, Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido, Japan 048-1711, 048-1711
▼Early-bird lift tickets are recommended for winter skiing in Japan▼
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Appealing
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Shopping Malls
Hakodate
-
Appealing
Noboribetsu Onsen
Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Noboribetsu / Lake Toya
-
Appealing
Sapporo Ramen Yokocho
Ramen
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Farm Tomita
Other Nature
Furano / Biei / Sounkyo
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Appealing
Shiroi Koibito Park
Theme Parks
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Enjoy Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Flights in Niseko! Gorgeous View of Nature from the Sky
-
Step into History at the Ofune World Heritage Site: Explore Hokkaido's Jomon Culture
-
Beyond Hakodate and Matsumae: Enjoy the Hidden Gems of Hokkaido’s Donan Area
-
Exploring Asahidake: Summer Walking Tour Through Daisetsuzan’s Alpine Beauty
-
Scenic Road Trip from Hakodate to Matsumae: Stunning Views, Traditions, and Tasty Delights
by: Nobuka Kawashima
-
A Tour of Niseko Distillery: Exploring the World of Japanese Whiskey and Craft Gin
-
Kiroro Snow World Guide (2024-25): Enjoy Top-Class Powder in Hokkaido (Access/Rentals/Hotels)
-
10 Important Japanese Phrases to Know Before You Enter a Japanese Convenience Store!
by: Teni Wada
-
6 Surprisingly Cheap Things in Japan
-
Kamui Ski Links: Guide to Hokkaido's Awesome Budget Ski Resort (2023-24 Access/Tickets/Hotels)
-
Furano Ski Resort Guide (2024-25): This Snow Paradise is Hokkaido's Best-Kept Secret (Tickets + More)
-
Japan Lift Passes for Beginners: All About Getting Your Lift Ticket
- #best sushi hokkaido
- #things to do hokkaido
- #best ramen sapporo
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sweets otaru
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best nature furano
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best japanese soft drinks