Honestly, if you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, everyone and their mother is going to tell you to book a room in Niseko. They aren't wrong—the powder there is legendary. But here is the thing: Niseko is expensive, crowded, and basically feels like a snowy version of Australia at this point.
If you want the real Japanese winter experience, you stay in Sapporo.
You get the world-class food, the neon lights of Susukino, and—this is the part people miss—about six legit mountains within an hour of your hotel lobby. You can have a bowl of miso ramen for lunch and be on a chairlift by 1:30 PM. It is a total game-changer.
The big players: Teine vs. Kokusai
When people talk about ski resorts in Sapporo Japan, these are the two heavy hitters. They’re very different vibes.
Sapporo Teine is the one for the adrenaline junkies. It’s got that Olympic history (1972 games, if you’re a trivia nerd) and some of the steepest in-bounds terrain in Japan. The "North Wall" is basically a vertical drop into a sea of white. On a clear day, you can actually see the Ishikari Bay while you’re carving. It’s surreal. You’re looking at the ocean while skiing through some of the driest powder on the planet.
👉 See also: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
Then there is Sapporo Kokusai. If Teine is the edgy athlete, Kokusai is the reliable friend who always has snacks. It gets absurd amounts of snow. Because it’s tucked deeper into the mountains near Jozankei Onsen, it stays cold and holds the powder longer. It’s mostly wide, mellow cruisers. Perfect for when your legs are shot but you still want to feel the float.
Fair warning though: Kokusai can get windy. Like, "lift-stopped-because-we-might-blow-away" windy. I actually checked the local data for today, January 17, 2026, and while the city is hovering around 32°F with 7 mph winds, those mountain gusts can be double that. Always check the live cam before you pay for the bus.
The "Secret" City Slopes
Most tourists skip the smaller hills, which is a massive mistake.
- Sapporo Bankei: This is the local favorite. It’s literally 20 minutes from the city center. It’s small, but they have a proper halfpipe and world-class moguls. The best part? Night skiing. They stay open until 9:00 PM (10:00 PM on Saturdays). There is nothing quite like shredding under stadium lights with the Sapporo skyline glowing in the distance.
- Mt. Moiwa: For years, this was the "skiers only" mountain. A total throwback. But here is a big update for the 2025-2026 season: Snowboarding is finally allowed. They’ve opened up all courses to boarders, which has flipped the local scene on its head. It’s close, cheap, and has some of the best night views in the country.
- Fu's Snow Area: Kinda tiny, kinda weird, but totally worth it. It’s where the pros go to train for luge and bobsled. It’s got a 38-degree pitch on some runs that will make your teeth rattle.
Logistics: Don't overthink the commute
You don't need a rental car. Driving in Sapporo in January is a nightmare anyway—the snow banks are literally twelve feet high and the "black ice" is no joke.
✨ Don't miss: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
The bus system is legendary. For Kokusai, you can grab the "Kokusai Ski Resort Line" from JR Sapporo Station. It’s about a 90-minute ride, but you can buy a pack that includes the round-trip bus and your lift ticket for around 6,000 yen. That is a steal compared to European or US prices.
For Teine, take the JR train to Teine Station (about 15-20 mins) and then hop on the local bus. It’s seamless.
What most people get wrong about Sapporo skiing
People think "city skiing" means "bad snow."
Wrong.
🔗 Read more: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
The snow quality at Teine Highlands or Kokusai is often identical to Niseko. It’s that dry, "aspirin" powder that Hokkaido is famous for. The difference is the vertical. You won't get the massive 1,000-meter drops here, but you also won't wait 40 minutes in a gondola line.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're sitting in your hotel room right now wondering where to go:
- If it’s a bluebird day: Go to Sapporo Teine. The view of the ocean from the Highland Zone is mandatory for your Instagram.
- If it hasn't stopped snowing for 24 hours: Head to Sapporo Kokusai. They will have the deepest stashes.
- If you just want a quick hit before dinner: Go to Bankei. Take the Tozai subway line to Maruyama Koen, then the "ban.K" bus. You can be back in Susukino for drinks by 8:00 PM.
Check the morning weather reports religiously. For the rest of this week (Jan 18–20, 2026), we’re looking at consistent temps around 25°F to 32°F with snow showers starting Tuesday. That means Wednesday morning is going to be the "sick day" you've been waiting for. Pack the extra lens for your goggles; visibility gets tricky when the dumps start.