KIRORO SKI RESORT
Overview
Kiroro Ski Resort lays claim to some of the best powder skiing in Japan. Thanks to its favourable climate and location in a mountain valley and heavy snowfall area, Kiroro receives an almost unbelievable 21 metres of snow a season. For anyone in search of fresh tracks, this is a resort that should be right at the top of the list.
Located 1 hour Northeast of Niseko, Kiroro has lived in the shadows of its larger and more popular neighbours for some time. But its phenomenal snowfalls are slowly drawing the attention of powder skiers around the world. A modern Japanese ski resort that opened in 1991, Kiroro enjoys all the benefits of well-thought-out planning and a top-notch lift system. It’s perfectly suited for destination skiers wanting to spend all day on the mountain, then ski right back into their hotel at the bottom of the slopes.
Kiroro Resort is spread over two mountain peaks, Asari and Nagamine, which together encompass 23 trails and are serviced by 9 modern high-speed lifts. There is a fairly even spread of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, and the base of the resort is particularly good for first-time skiers looking to build confidence. Intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the wide, open runs and the odd mogul line. Even though many of the trails are rated as black, advanced skiers and boarders may struggle to find in-bounds terrain that seriously challenges.
Venturing into the trees is where the fun really starts, and on a classic Kiroro powder day (and there are many), this is where the skiing can be as good as anywhere. Kiroro’s ski patrol has opened several off-piste areas with clear entry and exit point signage.
For advanced skiers with experience, the real beauty of Kiroro can be found in some of the side-country areas. Here, there is typically mountains of windblown powder that lands in the area to skiers’ right of the gondola. On very deep days, you need to ride terrain with some pitch. Unfortunately, while there are some steep-ish lines at the top of the main slackcountry areas, these are short lived before you get stuck in the gully run-out.
You have to register your intent to enter the sidecountry (Level 2 of the Mountain Centre), submit a climbing plan and get a paper ticket to show patrol at each of the backcountry gates. For this reason, we recommend going with a guide familiar with the area to ensure a fun and safe day for all.
New for the 19/20 season, the Kiroro Tribute Hotel will be connected with the ski resort. A new lift will head from the hotel up to the main base, and a new ski slope will head down to the hotel making it ski-in ski-out.
Facilities
Kiroro Town (don’t let the name fool you as it is just a small area that sits adjacent to the Mountain Centre) includes a handful of specialty and gift shops, as well as a ski and snowboard rental.
The ‘town’ is also home to You You Kan, an aquatic complex that features a caldera hot spring, 25 metre swimming pool, massage centre and fitness room. A kids activity centre called Granship offers arcade games, a climbing wall and a mystery pirate adventure.
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort itself is limited to the two main ski hotels at the foot of the mountain – the Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort and The Kiroro, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Both are 5-star ski-in ski-out hotels with a level of service and quality facilities that you’d expect from the Starwood brand.
Those travelling to Kiroro on a budget may wish to stay in Otaru, a small coastal town roughly 40 minutes away by car. If you do not have your own transportation, a taxi from Otaru to Kiroro will cost between roughly 6,000 and 8,000 yen, which will need to be factored into expenses. Or, book a day of guiding with us and let us drive you.
Dining & Night Life
Given that the dining options are limited to what’s on offer at the two hotels and on-slope facilities, the selection is surprisingly good. For a casual daytime pit-stop there is Café Crest, a picturesque wooden lodge at the top of Nagamine No.1 with stunning views over the slopes.
For an evening meal there are options at both hotels to suit most tastes, including large buffet restaurants, sushi & sashimi, Italian cuisine or Japanese-style barbecue. Guests heading to Kiroro will need to understand that it does not embrace the après-ski culture in the same way that many would be used to in North America or Europe. There is no real nightlife, just a couple of sedate hotel bars serving beer, wine and cocktails.
Off-Snow Activities
Besides the skiing and snowboarding, Kiroro has various winter activities on offer. Kiroro has both indoor and outdoor onsens, as well as a swimming pool and day spa to maximise on relaxation. Other activities include snowcat sightseeing tours, snow shoe tours, sledding, and snow tubing. Otherwise you can hang out in the games arcade, play billiards or get a fix of Japanese culture with some karaoke.
Getting There
The Kiroro ski resort is located in Akaigawa which is 43km west of Sapporo, and 28km from the seaside town of Otaru. From New Chitose Airport, the Kiroro bus trip takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively it’s a 70 minute express train ride to Otaru, followed by a 30-50 minute trip by taxi or bus to Kiroro.
Kiroro is only 60 minutes from Niseko, so it’s pretty easy to take a day trip to Kiroro if you have a car or on a day with a guide.
Resort info
AVG SNOWFALL
ELEVATION
Summit: 1,180m
Base: 570m
OPERATING DATES
Open Nov 30
Closes May 6
HOURS
9:00 - 16:00
16:00 - 19:30
Mountain Stats
LIFTS
8
1
2
PISTE
TOTAL TRAILS
LONGEST
STEEPEST
TRAIL DIFFICULTY
Lift Tickets
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