SAPPORO AND OTARU
SAPPORO
As Hokkaido’s largest city and the fourth largest in Japan, this snowy city offers everything a traveller wants, including easy and convenient access to some of the islands most amazing ski resorts. Sapporo is known for, as well as for its history as the first Asian city to host a Winter Olympic games, as well as its spectacular Snow Festival and attractions such as the Sapporo Brewery. For winter sport fanatics, the Okurayama Observatory at the top of the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium which was used during the 1972 Winter Olympics can be accessed via chairlift for some breathtaking views of the city. At the foot of the jump hill is the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum which has an abundance of both visual and interactive exhibits to check out. The main entertainment district of Susukino and the surrounding central city let you make the most of the night after any ski trip, which endless options of restaurants, bars and clubs.
OTARU
The port city of Otaru is a half an hour drive northwest of Sapporo, known for its historical buildings, excellent sushi and Kitaichi Glassware and crafts. Characterized by the canal that runs through the city as well as its quiet atmosphere, Otaru offers a fantastic alternative city stay to Sapporo, with surrounding ski areas just assessable.
SAPPORO TEINE
Sitting on the outskirts of Sapporo and reaching a height of 1023m, Teine Ski and Snowboard Resort feature both wide, groomed trails and advanced courses, included some ungroomed runs. The venue boasts an amazing sea view and abundant powder, and was host to events during the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Teine is split into two zones connected by gondola. The lower Olympia Zone accommodates mainly for beginner to intermediate skiers and features the Olympic cauldron which continues to stand proud. The upper Highland Zone offers all advanced skiers the opportunity to navigate abundant tree, off-piste and ungroomed runs and will keep you entertained all day.
SAPPORO KOKUSAI
Despite its seemingly small piste area, for the avid and experienced skier, Kokusai offers a vastly large off-piste landscape and a seemingly endless amount of tree runs.
BANKEI SKI AREA
Located a short 20 minutes away from central Sapporo, Bankei provides a convenient, primarily family and beginner friendly ski resort with 14 courses and full gear rental and amenity facilities.
MOIWAYAMA SKI AREA
One of several small mountains, southwest of Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa is extremely accessible taking only 20 minutes from the central city. The mountain is popular for its views overlooking the city, with the Moiwa Ski Resort sitting on the southeastern slope of the mountain, offering visitors 10 courses of skiing.
(http://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/find/sports/sapporo_moiwayama_ski_area/?lang=en)
Getting There
TEINE
Car: 40 min from Sapporo, 16 minutes from Teine station 1 hour from New Chitose,
Bus: From Sapporo Station to Gelande “Teine Express”
:From your hotel to resort “
Kokusai
Approx. 1 hour from Sapporo, 40min from Otaru, 100 minutes from New Chitose Airport
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