Sapporo is one of the rare major cities in the world where skiing is possible as a day trip. With a population of nearly two million, Japan’s fifth-largest city offers excellent food, hotels, and nightlife—yet a wide range of ski resorts can be accessed from the city without renting a car.
This guide introduces ski resorts that can be visited from Sapporo in one day, from local city-access slopes to world-class destination resorts reachable by direct buses and lift-ticket packages. Staying in Sapporo allows travelers to enjoy urban comfort while still experiencing Hokkaido’s legendary snow.
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
Sapporo Teine is a large-scale ski resort located close to the city. Despite its urban setting, the resort rises above 1,000 meters and offers long, dynamic courses once used for the Winter Olympics.
For visitors without a car, the BIGRUNS BUS PACK is the most convenient option, combining round-trip transportation from Sapporo with a lift and gondola ticket.
Access
- BIGRUNS BUS PACK: Round-trip bus + lift/gondola ticket
- Adult JPY 10,500
- Official access information
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is widely praised for combining easy access from the city with excellent snow quality. Among local skiers, it is often regarded as one of the best powder destinations near Sapporo, offering long runs and consistently good conditions.
Reviews frequently mention comments such as “You can enjoy Niseko-level powder,” “The snow quality is amazing—I want to come back,” and “Skiing while enjoying clear weather and beautiful scenery is a real highlight.” The presence of a gondola adds to the comfort and overall experience, making it especially appealing for full-day trips.
Thanks to its reliable snow and convenient transportation from Sapporo, Kokusai pairs well with sightseeing in the city and remains one of the most practical and rewarding ski choices for visitors.
Planned opening date for the 2025–26 season: November 21, 2025.
Access
- Direct bus service from Sapporo
- One-way fare: JPY 1,800
- Bus + lift ticket package from JPY 8,800
- Official access information
Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
出典：TIC-TAKUさん
Sapporo Bankei is a compact ski area very close to downtown Sapporo and is especially popular for night skiing, terrain parks, and its international-standard halfpipe.
Public transportation access is simple, with frequent local buses connecting the ski area to subway stations, making it easy to ski even for a few hours.
Access
- Local bus from subway stations on the Tozai Line
- Official access information
Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort
Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort is a true urban ski area, known for its excellent access from central Sapporo and its beautiful night skiing views over the city. The resort is especially popular for short sessions, making it easy to enjoy skiing after work or during free time.
User reviews often highlight its convenience and unique terrain features, with comments such as “It’s incredibly close to home” and “The natural banked forest runs are surprisingly fun.” Moiwa has long been a ski-only resort, but snowboarding is now fully permitted across all courses, expanding its appeal to a wider range of riders.
Planned opening date for the 2025–26 season: December 20, 2025.
Access
- Shuttle bus from Makomanai Subway Station
- One-way fare: JPY 1,000
- Official access information
Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu Resort is the largest ski resort in Hokkaido and a popular choice for international visitors. While many travelers stay overnight, Rusutsu can also be visited as a day trip from Sapporo thanks to direct bus services.
During the winter season, direct shuttle buses operate from both Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. For day trips, lift-ticket bus packages are strongly recommended as they simplify transportation and ticketing.
Access
- Direct shuttle bus from Sapporo (seasonal)
- Direct shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport
- Bus + lift ticket package: Adult JPY 16,800 / Child JPY 10,700
- Package details
Kiroro Snow World
Kiroro Snow World is highly regarded for its deep, consistent snowfall and spacious slopes, attracting powder-focused skiers from around the world.
Kiroro is accessible from Sapporo via direct seasonal buses, and lift-ticket packages provide a smooth, car-free way to enjoy the resort as a day trip.
Access
- Direct bus service from Sapporo
- Bus + lift ticket package: Adult JPY 9,500
- Package details
Conclusion
Sapporo works exceptionally well as a ski base in Hokkaido. From quick-access city slopes to full-day trips to major resorts like Rusutsu and Kiroro, travelers can choose the level of skiing that best fits their schedule and style—without changing hotels or renting a car.