SAPPORO KOKUSAI
Overview
Sapporo Kokusai is located on the outskirts of the city, roughly 45km from downtown Sapporo. Although somewhat small and uneventful at first glance, Sapporo Kokusai actually feels a lot bigger. The varied terrain stacks up quite well against a lot of ski areas in Japan in regards to vertical drop, trail length, and steepness. And most importantly: the resort receives massive snowfalls, rivalling even the amounts seen at Niseko.
With six of its seven courses rated green or blue, Sapporo Kokusai accommodates beginner and intermediate riders very well. There’s no getting lost at Kokusai either. Beginners go left from the gondola, intermediates stick to the middle trails and advanced skiers and snowboarders head to skiers’ right from the top. If you’re just out to leisurely cruise the trails, Sapporo Kokusai is an excellent on-piste option for you. Likewise, when the pistes are overflowing with waist deep blower, everybody at any skill level is going to have a good time from morning until last lift.
For the truly advanced, its single black run might not be as appealing for skiers and boarders in search of steep slopes. However, the resort does feature interesting off-piste and tree areas (many in-bounds) which offer great opportunities for enjoying deep powder snow in good conditions.
From the top, the treed area running along the right side of Downhill Trail delivers mellow-pitched, face-shot opportunities while the trees to the left of Downhill Trail provide short-but-sweet (and often very steep) powder enjoyment. Meanwhile, the most varied, challenging, and fun off-piste section lies more-or-less directly beneath and to the sides of the gondola in the designated “Deep Snow Zone”.
Beyond the resort boundaries are some amazing backcountry options. Much of the lift-accessed backcountry is easy to find, and minimal searching is required to find some great fall line skiing and boarding. The terrain that is a fraction further afield may require some route-finding knowledge, so you may want to book a day of guiding with experts at sniffing out the powder!
If you’re staying in Sapporo, Sapporo Kokusai ski resort is definitely worth visiting for a day trip. If you’re based in Niseko or Rusutsu and there’s been no new snow, it may make sense to head to Sapporo Kokusai for some fresh powder. Despite their proximity, the weather patterns can vary substantially.
Facilities
As a day resort, Sapporo Kokusai has all facilities one would expect. In the main lodge, there is a changing room with lockers, ski and snowboard rental, as well as a shop. The cafeteria serves delicious Japanese cuisine, and we highly recommended getting a spicy miso ramen at Owlr.
Thankfully for kids and those just starting out, the need to walk up the beginner slope has been eliminated. There is a new, and very nice, covered snow escalator in the beginner area now.
Accommodation
Sapporo Kokusai doesn’t have a village at the base. The nearest accommodation is in Jozankei where there are big resort hotels as well as Japanese style ryokans. Most of the hotels and inns have indoor and outdoor onsens.
If you have a car, another option is to stay in the beautiful and quaint town of Otaru (24km away). The Dormy Inn Premium is very nice and is located only one minute walk from the Otaru train station. The Grand Park Otaru is a beautiful 4-star hotel which is located right on the water with views of the coast and the mountains.
Off-Mountain Activities
At the base, Sapporo Kokusai has a snow town area where the kids can enjoy sledding, mini-snowmobile rides (10 minute rides), banana boating (4 loops), or tubing.
Something unique to Sapporo Kokusai, due to its location, is the lift ticket + onsen package. After a day of skiing, you can then head to nearby Hoheikyo onsen for a relaxing bath and a delicious meal at the Indian restaurant.
Getting There
If driving yourself, Sapporo Kokusai is about 45km (1 hour) from downtown Sapporo, and 19km (25-30 mins) from Jozankei. If taking public transit, there are buses from Sapporo Station to the resort, or buses from New Chitose Airport to Jozankei and Kokusai.
Sapporo Kokusai is about 24km southeast of the cute little seaside town of Otaru. You can catch a bus from Otaru Station directly to the resort.
Resort info
AVG SNOWFALL
ELEVATION
Summit: 1,100m
Base: 630m
OPERATING DATES
Open Nov 22
Closes May 12
HOURS
8:30 - 17:00
No night skiing
Mountain Stats
LIFTS
2
2
1
PISTE
TOTAL TRAILS
LONGEST
STEEPEST
TRAIL DIFFICULTY
Trail Map
Lift Tickets
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