Rusutsu

Powder & tree skiing heaven in Hokkaido

If you would like a quieter option than Niseko, Snowscene highly recommends staying further afield in beautiful Rusutsu (30-40 min drive from Hirafu).  Rusutsu ski resort stretches across 3 main mountains: West, East & Isola.  Rusutsu resort complex is at the base of West Mountain where the beginner areas, night skiing and some of the tree skiing can be found.  For longer runs and more advanced terrain head over to Isola and East Mountains.

Rusutsu’s 1,000 acres of lift accessed off-piste terrain, with powder and tree skiing easily ranks alongside the best in the world.  Snowscene also gives Rusutsu the tick of approval for its diverse terrain suitable for snowboarders and skiers of all abilities.  The well-developed lift infrastructure is also worthy of mention.  Rusutsu ski resort has 19 lifts (4 gondolas and 5 fast quad chairs with hoods which make it much easier to stay warm).

Rusutsu is a resort destination with most facilities, onsens, restaurants and bars located within two main hotels, Rusutsu Resort Hotel & The Westin Rusutsu Resort. These hotels are connected by monorail and shuttle bus which makes it easy to get between the two.  For a more traditional ski lodge or self-contained house ask your Snowscene consultant for advice.  Don’t forget to mention the Epic Pass offering 5 unrestricted consecutive days of skiing and snowboarding at Rusutsu Resort with no blackout dates.