ABOUT RUSUTSU
Winner of ‘Japan’s Best Ski Resort‘ at the World Ski Awards for 6 out of the past 9 years, there are excellent reasons why Rusutsu Resort should be the destination of your Japan ski holiday. Rusutsu offers world-class powder conditions and immaculate pistes without the footfall of its more famous neighbouring resort. Its inland location offers shelter, meaning the snowstorms that all too often close Niseko’s upper lifts have less impact in Rusutsu. With the World Ski Award’s winner of the ‘Best New Ski Hotel 2021’, The Vale Rusutsu at its base, is it time you head to the Hokkaido ski resort everyone is talking about?
RUSUTSU RESORT
Rusutsu is located in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Being near the base of the picturesque Mt Yotei, Rusutsu is known for its deep, powdery snow, extensive ski runs, and stunning natural beauty. Given its proximity to Sapporo City (60 minutes by car) and New Chitose Airport (90 minutes by car), Rusutsu Resort has long been a favourite amongst Japanese skiers and snowboarders. With growing international flight routes into New Chitose Airport, Rusutsu has become an easily accessible Japanese skiing holiday destination for powder enthusiasts from all over the world.
Benefitting from the same Siberian arctic winds that bring immense snowfall to other ski resorts in northern and eastern Japan, Rusutsu receives over 13m of snowfall each winter. Snow storms are not uncommon in Hokkaido during peak season but owing to Rusutsu’s location, slightly inland of Niseko, it suffers less with wind and experiences fewer lift closures. Mt Isola in particular offers great shelter resulting in incredible pow and opportunities to take in the surrounding scenery.
Spanning across 3 mountains, West Mt, East Mt, and Mt Isola, Rusutsu’s attraction lies in its wide variety of runs to suit all abilities, from beginner to advanced. There are separate areas for beginners, intermediates, and experts, and there are excellent off-piste areas for experiencing the legendary Hokkaido’s deep powder. Ski runs are well-groomed and maintained, and with few crowds, they tend to stay in excellent conditions throughout the whole day. Tree skiing is incredible at Rusutsu, offering a vast array of choices including open ridgelines, powder-filled gulleys and natural half-pipes.
Amenities are provided at the base of the slopes at the large ski-in ski-out hotels that service its guests, rather than in a classic ski resort town. Rusutsu is a particularly family-friendly ski resort with dedicated areas for children, including a ski school, snow play area, and snow park. Childcare services and a kids’ club are also available, allowing parents to enjoy the slopes while their children are taken care of. There are increasingly new choices for accommodation in Rusutsu including ski-in ski-out hotels and chic modern villas.
Rusutsu Resort Info
Rusutsu, together with Niseko and Furano, makes up the ultimate powder triangle of Hokkaido. Rusutsu offers the best of both worlds – bottomless powder, and often milder weather than is experienced in Niseko. The best part is that with few crowds, you can enjoy all of Rusutsu’s greatness without having to share them with the masses!
| 2024-25 Season | November 23rd – March 30th* |
| Snowfall | 13+ metres |
| Elevation | 994 metres |
| Base | 400 metres |
| Vertical | 594 metres |
| Park | Yes – 3 kids parks and 1 terrain park |
| Lifts | 4 Gondola / 14 Lifts |
| Best for | Powder snow, premium on and off-piste terrain, ski in ski out |
| Terrain | 30% Beginner / 40% Intermediate / 30% Expert |
| Lift Pass | Rusutsu Resort Pass & Epic Pass |
* Season dates provided here are subject to change as resort opening and closing information may be updated.
Rusutsu Trail Map
Rusutsu Resort offers 18 lifts including 4 gondolas and 37 courses, covering 3 mountains – West Mt, East Mt, and Mt Isola.
West Mt is smaller with 2 ski-in ski-in hotels based at the mountain foot, and provides easy access Rusutsu’s official ski schools, and Rusutsu’s night skiing. Families will enjoy West Mt’s vast gentle slopes and designated kids areas as well as child care facilities available at Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention. East Mt is on the other side of the resort and skiers and snowboarders can hop on the circulating East No. 1 Gondola to travel between West Mt and East Mt. There is a great variety of runs for all levels with majestic view of Mt Yotei on East Mt. Mt Isola is adjacent to East Mt and being the largest ski area in Rusutsu Resort, there are terrains suitable for all riders. Mt Isola is also home of some of Rusutsu’s more challenging terrain for advanced riders.
Rusutsu’s well-maintained groomers present fantastic on-piste riding throughout the day, but the resort’s greatest offer is its off-piste terrains. Sheltered tree runs allow powder to accumulate and you will find yourself surfing through pillows after pillows of amazing powder in the easily accessible side-country on Mt Isola. Turning off halfway on any groomer will have you drop into one of the resort’s incredible gullies filled with pow and an unforgettable riding experience of a lifetime. Grab a pair of powder skis or powder-specific board so you can enjoy the pow to the fullest!
Going off-piste always poses a higher risk of accidents and should be reserved for advanced riders who are fully prepared, and stay strictly within resort regulations. We highly recommend hiring the services of a qualified local guide to make the most out of off-piste riding in Rusutsu.
Why choose Rusutsu?
If you are looking for an epic ski holiday destination that offers bottomless powder, spectacular vistas, and state-of-the-art facilities, look no further as Rusutsu could be the one for you! Rusutsu’s prime location creates ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions with incredible snow and plenty of bluebird days. Progressing riders will have a fantastic time on the resort’s wide gentle groomers while more advanced riders will absolutely love Rusutsu’s endless tree runs and diverse range of side-country terrains. With less visitation, it is not uncommon to find fresh tracks even in the middle of the day. There is also an excellent range of activities to enjoy on days off the slopes, from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to fly fishing and tent sauna. It’s not hard to see why Rusutsu is a multiple winner of Japan’s Best Ski Resort!
The recent addition of the premier The Vale Rusutsu (see ‘what’s new’ section below) has elevated Rusutsu’s portfolio as a world-class ski resort, and skiers and snowboarders visiting Rusutsu can now enjoy the highest standard of services and facilities throughout their stay. If you are interested in a Rusutsu ski holiday, our team of ski specialists are here to help you secure the best deals on Rusutsu’s most sought after accommodations. We also offer to book all essential Rusutsu resort services at no extra cost as part of your Rusutsu ski holiday package. Enquire now, and get ready to experience Japan’s powder mecca!
What’s New in Rusutsu
Over the last few years when Japan’s borders were closed, Rusutsu has gone through a significant growth spurt. Check out below for what you might have missed!
Rusutsu Restaurants
Lone Pine Restaurant Reopens with Full Renovation
The Lone Pine base restaurant at Rusutsu reopened in December 2025 after a full renovation at 1F of the lower East no.2 Gondola Station, with an expanded menu using local ingredients, added café and lounge spaces, and improved amenities to create a more comfortable and less crowded on-mountain hub.
The Vale Rusutsu
Rusutsu's Premium Ski-in Ski-out Condominium Hotel
Newly developed in 2020 and named the World’s Best New Ski Hotel at World Ski Awards 2021 and Japan’s Best Ski Hotel in 2024, The Vale Rusutsu offers luxurious ski-in ski-out accommodation with a range of suites, apartments and penthouses. Being interconnected with Rusutsu Resort Hotel, guests staying at The Vale Rusutsu will have easy access to sumptuous dining, indulgent indoor and outdoor onsen, and other excellent facilities Rusutsu has to offer.
The Vale Rusutsu is currently available with up to 10% early bird discount for the 2026-27 winter season (offer available for a limited time only – blackout dates apply). Enquire with our team to enjoy the best rates at Rusutsu’s most eminent accommodation.
Worldwide Recognition
World Ski Awards 2025 Winner
Rusutsu Resort’s award winning record continues after winning Japan’s Best Ski Resort for the sixth time in 2025. Villa Rusutsu has earned boutique hotel nominations from 2022 through 2025, while The Vale Rusutsu has been recognised with wins in 2021 and 2024.
RUSUTSU SKI HOLIDAYS
Japan Ski Experience offers 730+ Rusutsu stays on one platform. Request a quote to receive free, personalised recommendations the next business day from our in-resort ski accommodation specialists, backed by our Best Price Guarantee.
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