SAPPORO TEINE

The distinctive peak of Mount Teine is easily visible from downtown Sapporo and, on a clear day, the summit of Sapporo Teine provides visitors with breathtaking views of the sprawling Sapporo metropolis and the crashing waves of Ishikari Bay. However, it is not only the fantastic view that makes this resort special. As one might expect, being located next to one of the snowiest cities in the world, Sapporo Teine receives huge quantities of snow every season – an average of 10 meters.

Sapporo Teine’s good selection of trails are spread out over two zones and connected by a gondola and a six kilometer long trail. Sapporo Teine Olympia was the site of the bobsled competition for the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Games and it still has various reminders of a bygone era; the most iconic of these being the old Olympic Torch that still stands. 

The lower Olympia Zone has wider, less steep trails suitable for beginners, as well as the ”Dinosaur Kids Park” where children can go sledding, tubing, or ride the magic carpet and enjoy some skiing.

Further up the mountain is Sapporo Teine Highland. At 1,000 metres above sea level, the ski area offers spectacular views of Sapporo and the ocean. The Highland Zone features some of the steepest in-bounds terrain in Japan, including courses used during the Sapporo Olympic Games for the male and female slalom courses, as well as the famously steep off-piste “North Face”. This area also includes the terrain park where newcomers and veterans alike will enjoy tackling the jumps and jibs..

Real excitement for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders can be found in the off-piste and side-country areas where one can revel in the awesome Hokkaido powder. The vertical drop is relatively short, but the ride is very sweet. 

A short 10 minute walk from the top of the Summit Express to the old cable car station brings you to Teine’s side-country (easily accessed backcountry). From here there are multiple routes down the steep face, with options both in the open and in the trees. If you stay alert for the tree markers that indicate its time to start traversing back to the lift, then there are many quick laps of powder paradise to be enjoyed.

Like most resorts in Japan, Sapporo Teine offers night skiing at Olympia with two trails open until 21:00 – the beginner trail Sun Shine and intermediate trail Sun Rise. Although not the most extensive night skiing area in Hokkaido, the experience of skiing above a beautifully illuminated city is unique to Teine. After night skiing you can descend the mountain and enjoy the Sapporo nightlife.