Skiing holidays to Rusutsu
Rusutsu Resort, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is a true heaven for powder enthusiasts and a perfect place for those who want to experience the legendary Japanese powder snow. With an impressive annual snowfall and world-class skiing conditions, Rusutsu offers a unique blend of great off-piste skiing and modern amenities.
While high prices and potential crowds can be challenges, these are offset by the exceptional snow quality, well-developed facilities and unique Japanese experiences the resort offers. Whether you’re a seasoned off-piste enthusiast, a family looking for fun in the snow, or simply a ski enthusiast looking to experience some of the world’s best powder snow, Rusutsu has something to offer.
Rusutsu Resort overview
Rusutsu is a large, well-developed ski resort with a focus on quality and comfort. Here are some key figures:
- Skiable area: 820 hectares
- Vertical drop: 594 meters (from 994m to 400m)
- Number of slopes: 37 marked trails
- Lift system: 18 lifts, including 4 gondolas and 6 express chairlifts
- Annual snowfall: An impressive 13-14 meters
Ski area and terrain
Rusutsu offers varied terrain to suit most levels, with particular strength in off-piste and tree skiing.
- Beginners: Well groomed, wide slopes ideal for beginners
- Intermediate: Excellent groomed slopes for intermediate skiers
- Advanced: Great opportunities for tree skiing and off-piste adventures
- Powder areas: Easily accessible off-piste zones directly from the lifts
- Heli-skiing: Access to Japan’s only true heli-skiing on the adjacent Shiribetsu Mountains
Snow quality
Rusutsu is famous for its exceptional snow quality and quantity.
- Snow type: Incredibly dry and light powder snow
- Powder days: Frequent opportunities for deep powder runs
- Snow preservation: Favorable location and aspect for optimal snow quality
Lift infrastructure
Rusutsu has invested heavily in modern lift technology to ensure comfort and efficiency.
- 4 gondolas: Including a connecting lift between the two areas of the resort
- 6 express chairlifts: 5 with heating jacket for maximum comfort
- 8 standard chairlifts: Servicing different parts of the resort
Best places to stay in Rusutsu
Rusutsu primarily offers high quality accommodation centered around the resort base:
- Rusutsu Resort Hotel: Large ski-in/ski-out hotel with many facilities
- The Vale Rusutsu: Luxurious ski-in/ski-out suites and apartments
- The Westin Rusutsu Resort: Large, modern hotel with spacious rooms
- Pensions and private houses: Available for those seeking more intimate stays
Number of slopes in Rusutsu
30
40
30
Facilities and services
Rusutsu is known for its extensive facilities and services.
- Ski rental: Modern equipment available, but at high prices
- Ski school: Primarily private lessons available
- Children’s activities: Extensive offering, including snow park and indoor entertainment
- Wellness: Onsens and spa facilities in the main hotels
Unique Rusutsu experiences
- Tree skiing: Some of Japan’s best lift-accessible tree skiing
- Rusutsu Resort Hotel entertainment: Experience Japanese kitsch with singing trees and carousels
- Family activities: Wave pool, arcades and fast play areas
- View of Mt. Yotei: Breathtaking panoramic views of “Hokkaido’s Fuji”
Benefits and challenges
Benefits:
- Exceptional snow quality and quantity
- Excellent lift-accessible off-piste and tree skiing
- Modern elevator infrastructure
- Family friendly with many activities
Challenges:
- High prices for accommodation, meals and lift passes
- Can be crowded, especially after becoming part of the Epic Pass
- Limited nightlife and evening entertainment
- Lack of steep slopes for very experienced skiers
Gastronomy and nightlife
Rusutsu offers a mix of Japanese and international cuisine, primarily in the resort hotels:
- Hotel buffets: Great variety, but at high prices
- A la carte restaurants: More options in hotels
- Local restaurants: A few traditional Japanese eateries near the mountain base
- Nightlife: Limited, with only a few quiet bars
Activities beyond skiing
Rusutsu offers several activities for non-skiers and on rest days:
- Indoor activities: Wave pool, arcades, and shopping
- Outdoor snow park: Tubing, snow biking and other winter activities
- Onsen bathing: Enjoy the relaxing hot springs
- Summer activities: Amusement park with roller coaster and Ferris wheel (only open in summer)
Transportation and accessibility
- From Sapporo: 90 minutes drive
- From New Chitose Airport: 90-minute drive or shuttle bus
- From Niseko: 30-40 minutes drive, with connecting bus available
Japan has many ski resorts, including Kiroro, Moiwa, Niseko, Furano and Hakuba + many more.
To read more about Japan as a ski vacation destination, click here.
Prices in Rusutsu
Pris på Liftkort
1 day lift pass costs 6200 JPY for an adult. Which is 392 DKK
You can book lift passes at hokkaido-rusutsu.com.
Pris på skileje
Adult ski equipment rental for 1 day from 6200 JPY for an adult. Which is 392 DKK
Snowboard rental for 1 day from 6200 JPY for an adult. Which is 392 DKK
You can rent equipment in the city and check prices here hokkaido-rusutsu.com.
En god Restaurant
In the center of the city you can get great food, there’s both Rusutsu Sakaba and Rodeo Drive, as well as other great places to eat in the surrounding towns.
Piste map Rusutsu
Video from Rusutsu
FAQ - Questions for Rusutsu
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What is Rusutsu known for?
It's an area that's great for the whole family, it's the area where you can see the "Fuji" volcano from the slopes. However, it's also one of the more expensive areas in the same price range as Niseko.
When is the ski season in Rusutsu?
Rusutsu starts the ski season in late November or early December and runs until early April. The slopes are open from 09:00 and the last lifts close around 20:00. But not all of them are open that long.
