Rusutsu Ski Resort » Japan
Rusutsu is one of Japan's leading ski resorts offering some of the best tree skiing found anywhere in the world. Rusutsu is conveniently located 90 minutes by road from Sapporo's International Airport and one hour from Niseko. Rusutsu ski area is a medium sized resort spread over 3 peaks; East mountain (great for intermediate skiers), West mountain (ideal for beginners and terrain parks) and Mt Isola (perfect for tree runs) which receives some of the driest powder on earth with an annual snowfall of 13+ meters.
Rusutsu Ski Resort offers excellent groomed runs for beginners and is just as good for intermediates, best of all is the tree skiing that is easily accessed straight off the lifts. What it lacks in pitch, it makes up for in powder. It is relatively uncrowded, even on weekends, it is rare to see lift lines. It offers well developed lift infrastructure with gondolas and fast quads with hoods.
Whether it is day trip from Niseko, or an extended stay, add Rusutsu to you list of places to visit in Japan. For 2020-21, Rusutsu is Epic
RUSUTSU MOUNTAIN FACTS
Rusutsu Snow & Weather Forecast
Considering Rusutsu this ski season?Keep up to date with the latest weather and snow forecasts below to guarantee you never miss out on another pow dump or bluebird day.
Rusutsu Accommodation Map
Rusutsu Village Facts
Rusutsu is by far a cheaper option than Niseko. It is great for families particularly with its ski-in/ski-out accommodation options and is suitable to most skiing abilities, especially those chasing powder. It is very accommodating for English speak guests, with most staff able to communicate in English and signage in English. Rusutsu also has the advantage of being able to offer heliskiing, which is not common in Japan.
Rusutsu doesn’t offer an abundance of nightlife, similar to most Japanese ski resort. There are three large hotels, each offering a terrific selection of restaurants and facilities with easy access to the ski resort. There are some smaller traditional Japanese restaurants near the base of the mountain plus a few bars, but certainly nothing like what neighbouring Niseko offers.
Rusutsu Resort Hotel is the perfect place to entertain the family. With a Disneyland-like atmosphere, it has an antique merry-go-round, singing tree, dancing bears, a wave pool and games arcade.
Rusutsu offers an adequate selection of lodges and pensions within 1km of the ski area which are more budget friend than the bigger hotels.
