Rusutsu (ルスツ) is the largest ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan.
Understand
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The ski resort extends over three mountains; West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Isola. The total number of courses is 37, with 19 lifts including 4 gondolas and a total length of 42 kilometres (26 mi).
Tourist information
[edit]Get in
[edit]
The easiest way in is to fly to Sapporo's New Chitose Airport and take the direct bus to the resort (2 hours, ¥5500). There are up to 8 services per day in ski season and you can book online for a small discount.
During ski season only, there is also a single bus per day from Sapporo city (2 hours, free) and, for day trippers only, Niseko (45 min, ¥9000 round-trip).
The nearest town of any size is Kutchan, but there is no public transport and a taxi will cost you a steep ¥12,000 one way.
Get around
[edit]See and do
[edit]While Rusutsu positions itself as an all-year resort, odds are you're here for the skiing.
Lift pass prices here are likely the highest in all Japan, with a regular day pass clocking in at a whopping ¥16,200 (2026). Discounts available for 5-hour passes, night skiing, children, seniors, and advance bookings online.
In addition to the usual daily passes, there are two more unusual options. The "25-hour pass" is a steep ¥34,700, but gives you access to the lifts in 1-hour blocks, with one per hour deducted as you use them, meaning you can probably get several days' worth of use from one. You can also opt for a pay-as-you-go "point" model, with 1 to 4 points per lift at 800 yen per point.
Along with Hakuba, Rusutsu is one of only two ski resorts in Japan that accepts the Epic Pass.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 The Westin Rusutsu Resort. 23-storey high-rise hotel incongruously plunked down in the middle of the slopes. Ski-in/ski-out facilities, awarded best ski hotel in Japan in 2019.
- 2 Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention. The other large ski-in/out hotel, operated by the ski resort itself.
