Rusutsu

The Resort

Rusutsu is located in western Hokkaido, a 90 minute journey from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo city centre, providing easy travel access and is one of the larger Ski Resorts in Japan with direct access to 40km of downhill skiing. Rusutsu also has daily links to Niseko, allowing visitors to sample two fantastic ski areas in Japan during the one trip.

Whilst Rusutsu is one of the lower resorts in Japan and can have variable conditions through the season, it is still known for being a haven for powder lovers with over 14 meters of snow annually.   As well as having a great variety of pisted runs, Rusutsu is a haven for off-piste access, so even on the busiest of days you can still find fresh tracks to enjoy.

**Photo credit to Rusutsu Resort

Slopes

Rusutsu has 3 unique mountains all interconnected by gondolas to provide a variety of exciting trails to explore. Like most resorts in Japan Rusutsu is no exception to having diverse terrain to suit all abilities and an incredible off-piste powder skiing appeal. As well as having some fantastic long runs in and around beautiful glades there is an abundance of open powder fields perfect for those wishing to leave the groomed piste for that all important and famous Japow* (*Japan Powder).

Even once the daylight has faded, the skiing in Rusutsu does not end, but rather continues with hugely popular night skiing available around the mountain until almost 9pm at night for almost every night of the season!

ACTIVITIES

When not sampling the fantastic terrain available on the mountain, you will be pleased to know that Rusutsu still provides all that you need when not strapped to a pair of skis or snowboard. From resting up and enjoying some pampering and rejuvenation in a luxury spa to more adventurous snow mobiles and snow rafting trips and even hunting for your own dinner with incredible ice fishing experiencing. The latter is certainly not for those that get cold easily and wish for a quick meal, patience will be required in this activity.

NIGHTLIFE

One area where Rusutsu does differ from most resorts in Japan and complete contrast to Niseko is the nightlife. Rusutsu is not a big party place and although there are some local bars and watering holes for you to socialise at, you are most likely going to have to create your own entertainment.

There are a variety of bars on the strip where locals tend to head to for a relaxed social after work, but if that is too sedate then you could opt to head to the Rusutsu Resort Hotel where you can find a mixture of upscale and relaxed bars and restaurants to choose from. One of the most popular among tourists is the Cricket bar, the main drinking hold at the Rusutsu Hotel, where live sport, ski & snowboard movies as well as live music does provide a reasonable source of entertainment and atmosphere.

If you are after a wilder night then it is not far to travel to get to Niseko for an evenings entertainment where you certainly wont be spoilt for options from apres to late into the evening and early hours of the morning.