RUSUTSU RESORT

Rusutsu Resort stands alone in the semi-wilderness near the base of the stunning Mt. Yotei, surrounded by the spectacular Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With an average 13m of snowfall annually, Rusutsu satisfies powder-hungry skiers and riders. And for fall-line, deep powder tree skiing or beginner-friendly groomers, Rusutsu is one of Japan’s greatest. 

The reason why Rusutsu’s tree skiing is notable, particularly for snowboarders, is the continuous fall-line pitch and easy accessibility from the lifts. This reduces unpleasant traversing and allows you to get more turns in throughout the day. Nothing is too steep in the trees, so it’s also a great place for intermediate skiers and riders who want to try heading into the powder for the first time. Plus, the abundance of light snow means it is very forgiving. 

Rusutsu Resort is split across two main areas: West Mountain on the same side as the Rusutsu Hotel, and East Mountain/Mt Isola on the side of The Westin. East Mt. can be accessed via gondola from the main resort, or via chairlift from The Westin. 

West Mountain includes children’s areas, beginner terrain and a couple of intermediate and advanced runs. This is also where you will find the “Supernatural” side-country terrain park with a great variety of ‘natural features’. West Mt. also has night skiing for those keen to stay out past sunset, with lifts running until 20:00.

East Mountain and Mt. Isola is where the action is. There are plenty of groomed runs for all ability levels and if tree skiing in powder is what you are after, this is the area to head for. Rusutsu Resort has a progressive off-piste policy, and the entire area inside the resort boundary is fair game. 

No matter where you look there are great options for off-piste skiing with a wide range of terrain to suit all ability levels. If you want to experience all the resort has to offer, our guides can show you areas that even on the busiest days remain relatively untouched late into the afternoon.

Located 90 minutes from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, Rusutsu enjoys unbeatable proximity for ski travellers and cultural explorers alike. Rusutsu Resort is great for a day trip from Niseko to experience some Japow, but it’s even better if you book a multi-day stay at Rusutsu.

Additionally, Niseko is just a 30-minute drive from Rusutsu, so it’s very easy to experience Japan’s most renowned ski resort during your vacation. You can even hop in with us and take advantage of a guided mountain tour to take all the guesswork out of a day trip to Niseko.