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Rusutsu

A large ski and summer resort in the Hokkaido highlands, about 90 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport.

Character
Rusutsu is a village inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, built around one big resort with three linked ski mountains. In winter it is known for dry powder snow and family-friendly slopes, with fewer crowds than Niseko. In summer it has an amusement park, golf and a gondola to a view terrace.
Why it stands out
Rusutsu usually has fewer crowds and shorter lift lines than Niseko. Staying on site is easiest, since local buses are limited.
Getting there
From Tokyo or Osaka, fly to New Chitose Airport. From there it is about 90 minutes by car, or about 2 hours on the paid BIGRUNS shuttle bus. The free Rusutsu-go bus runs once a day from Sapporo (about 2 hours; book ahead). No JR trains run nearby; the nearest stations are Toya and Kutchan, about 30 minutes away by bus or car.
Seasons
The ski season runs from about late November or early December to early April, with the deepest snow in January and February. Average snowfall is about 13–14 m a season. Summer brings the amusement park, golf and gondola rides. Many facilities close in April and November between seasons.
Watch-outs
Winter roads cross mountain passes, so drive only if you have winter driving experience and proper tyres. Shuttle buses are few and need booking, and travel times change with the weather. There is no train station in the village.
Neighbourhoods
West Mountain: Next to the main hotel complex, with gentle slopes, a terrain park and night skiing. The summer gondola starts here. / East Mountain: Longer, harder runs, with tree runs and off-piste terrain. / Mt. Isola: The steepest area and the highest point (1,150 m), with powder fields and views of Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei.
Nearby
Rusutsu Resort Amusement Park / Yotei Panorama Terrace / Rusutsu Resort Golf 72 / Lake Toya / Mt. Yotei / Kyogoku Fukidashi Park / Niseko

Rusutsu condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Rusutsu buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

Browse Rusutsu by budget

Sources