Established in 1991, Kiroro Snow World is situated on two mountains, Asari and Nagamine. Snow at their summits can reach depths of 5 meters, and the quality has an international buzz, attracting skiers and snowboarders from overseas in search of the best powder.

Kiroro Snow World is a must-visit destination for skiing enthusiasts due to the wide variety and abundance of courses it offers. With an area of 152 hectares, it features a diverse range of trails suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. The longest course spans 4,050 meters, providing plenty of space for skiers to showcase their skills. The resort boasts 23 runs, among which include 14 uncompressed "Off Piste" tracks, and the "Powder Ride" where skiers can make the most of the powdery snow.

Snow begins accumulating in December, and it snows almost every day in January making January and February the best time for skiing. January’s average temperature is about -8℃, with a low of about -18℃, so be sure to wear a hat, gloves, and properly layered clothing.

The ski buses operated by the Hokkaido Access Network offer direct routes to Kiroro Resort with no transfers required. All buses require advance reservations.

・Kiroro Ski Bus: From Sapporo city hotels to Kiroro Resort (one-way: 2,200 yen for adults, 1,400 yen for children). Operational from December 14, 2024, to April 6, 2025, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Daily service from December 14 to March 2).

・Kiroro Liner: From Otaru city and Otaru Chikko Station to Kiroro Resort (one-way: 1,600 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for children). Operational daily from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with additional service available during other seasons. Please check the website for more details.

・From New Chitose Airport Station: Take the JR Rapid Airport from New Chitose Airport Station and get off at Otaruchikko Station, then get to the resort via taxi or rental car.

・From Sapporo: From Sapporo Station, take the JR Rapid Ishikari Liner or JR Rapid Airport and get off at Otaruchikko Station, then get to the resort via taxi or rental car.

・From New Chitose Airport: Chitose IC (Interchange) → Hokkaido Expressway → Sapporo JCT → Sasson Expressway → Asari IC → Route 1 → Shinko 5-chome Intersection → Route 956 → National Route 393 → Kiroro Resort

・From Sapporo: Sapporo Nishi IC → Sasson Expressway → Asari IC → Route 1 → Shinko 5-chome Intersection → Route 956 → National Route 393 → Kiroro Resort

Let’s take a look at some recommended courses separated by skill level!

For Beginners
Kiroro Ski Resort offers runs for all levels. The Family Course is great for first-timers with a 250m length and 6.2° average slope. Nagamine No. 1 Course is 1,900m with a gentle slope. Asari Panorama Course is a 2,500m run through a beautiful forest from Gondola Mountaintop Station.

For Intermediate Skiers
The Yoichi 1-A Course is 1,950 meters long and perfect for intermediate users. If you're looking for a longer cruise, check out Xebio's "Asari Dynamic Course" which stretches 4,050 meters from the summit of Mt. Asari.

For Advanced Skiers
For those who are searching for fresh snow, Powder Ride is the ideal place to go. If you're the first person to hit the slopes, you can enjoy the untouched, pristine snow. Nagamine No. 2-B Course provides skiers with the opportunity to experience the thrill of 1,100 meters of uncompressed snow. Asari 2-C course is ideal for advanced skiers and snowboarders, as it is steep and bumpy.

Lift ticket prices are categorized by age: Adult, Senior (65 and older), Youth (13–18 years), and Child (6–12 years). Seniors and youths may be asked to provide proof of age, such as a driver's license, passport, or student ID.

Lift tickets are issued on IC cards, with a 500 yen deposit required for first-time purchases. Children under 5 can ride the lift for free when accompanied by a guardian. However, an IC card is still required, and a 500 yen deposit for the lift card is necessary. The deposit will be refunded upon returning the lift card.

For periods of 1 to 7 days, there are individual prices for 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, and 7-day passes. For stays longer than 7 days, an additional daily fee applies.

For use beyond 7 days, the following charges will be added to the 7-day ticket rate:
・High Season (December 14, 2024 – April 6, 2025): Adult +8,000 yen per day, Senior +7,000 yen per day, Youth +7,000 yen per day, Child +4,400 yen per day
・Opening & Spring Season (November 30, 2024 – December 13, 2024, April 7, 2025 – May 6, 2025): Adult +5,000 yen per day, Senior +4,700 yen per day, Youth +4,700 yen per day, Child +3,300 yen per day

To purchase lift tickets, you can either visit the resort in person or buy them online. If you opt for online purchase, you will receive IC cards from the resort's automatic ticketing machines upon your arrival. This provides the advantage of going straight to the slopes without having to queue at the ticket counter.

Additionally, English service is available for added convenience. For more details regarding lift ticket purchases, please check the Kiroro Snow World website.

For those planning a long stay, the Premium Season Pass and Season Pass offer great value, allowing unlimited skiing throughout the season. The usage period is from November 30, 2024, to May 6, 2025 (subject to change). In addition to unlimited skiing, these passes come with numerous benefits, including discounts on activities, restaurants, and other resort facilities. For more details, please check the official website.

There are various types of rental equipment available, suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers or snowboarders. You can find sizes for adults and children, and even equipment for preschoolers and elementary school children that are safe and easy to use.

You can choose between two types of rental sets: ski wear and equipment sets, or equipment-only sets (ski or snowboard). The ski wear and equipment set includes a jacket, pants, and a set of ski or snowboard equipment.

Ski equipment sets consist of skis, boots, and poles. Meanwhile, snowboard equipment sets include a board and boots. You can also rent individual accessories such as helmets, goggles, and gloves.

Here are the rental fees for adults:
・1 day (9 AM - close)
- Skiwear & equipment set: 13,500 yen
- Equipment set: 8,500 yen

・2 days (9 AM - close)
- Skiwear & equipment set: 24,000 yen
- Equipment set: 15,200 yen

You can find rental shops at two locations: the "Mountain Center" at the foot of the slopes, and the shop in The Kiroro, Tribute Portfolio Hotel in the Kiroro Resort area. Both offer the same rentals, so you can choose the one that's most convenient for you. You can also reserve rental equipment online.

Various ski schools are available in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the region's powder snow while improving your skills.

The International Academy & Snowboard Academy offers private lessons in English or Chinese. Experienced instructors will guide beginners to enjoy long courses. Lesson fees are 70,000 yen for 4 hours (for 1–4 people). Shorter sessions, such as half-day lessons, are also available.

The Kiroro Ski & Snowboard Academy caters to beginners through advanced skiers. While lessons are conducted in Japanese, foreign participants are welcome. If you book a private lesson, you can also take it in English. The fee for a full-day beginner lesson (10 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM) is 10,000 yen, and the fee for a morning-only beginner lesson (10 AM – 12 PM) is 7,000 yen.

For children, the Kiroro Kids Academy offers ski and snowboard lessons for children ages 3 to 12. Lesson fees are 10,000 yen for a full-day course and 7,000 yen for a half-day course (morning or afternoon).

As each school has a limited number of spots, making a reservation in advance is recommended to ensure participation. However, walk-ins are also possible if space is available.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Kiroro Snow World offers a variety of winter activities. Enjoy attractions like the Snow Banana Boat and Snow Rafting, adding to the excitement of your winter adventure.

There are plenty of restaurants both in and near the resort. The "Lumiere" cafeteria, located in the Mountain Center, is a great place to grab a meal before you hit the slopes, or to take a break from skiing. They serve Japanese ski resort staples like curry and ramen, as well as a special dish called "Kirorope," which is a variation of Nemuro, Hokkaido's local escalope.

You can also enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beer, in addition to Sapporo Classic beer, which is exclusive to Hokkaido. Lumiere is an excellent choice if you're looking for a delicious meal in a convenient location.

"Gondola Mountaintop Station," the final stop on the Kiroro Gondola on Mt. Asari, has gained fame with its appearance in a blockbuster Thai movie.

The station's restaurant serves authentic ramen and soba noodle bowls.

At an altitude of 1,180 meters, lunch with a spectacular view of the glistening world outside is an unforgettable experience.

Directly connected to the slopes, Yu Kiroro is irresistible for skiers and snowboarders. The hotel has 108 sophisticated one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse units, as well as storage services for your skiing or snowboarding equipment, natural hot springs, open-air baths, and a fitness center.

(*The information in this article is accurate as of December 2024. Services and prices at the resort, hotels, and restaurants are subject to change without notice.)