There’s a thousand mighty good reasons skiers and snowboarders are flocking to Sapporo, Japan’s ultimate ski city. With five metres of snowfall each year downtown, you know you’re in the hub of the powder island of Hokkaido with easy access to Japan’s best ski fields.
If you love winter, then Sapporo city has your name on it with direct flights from multiple destinations, some of the best beer in the world, seafood plucked from the Japan sea, snow festivals that go next level and Japan’s famed culture and hospitality.
We’ve curated seven reasons why you should take some Sapporo time out on your next ski trip.
So many ski city resorts
Sapporo has a plethora of ski resorts that cater to all levels, from beginner to advanced, making it a great choice for family skiers and boarders looking for both city culture and mountain life.
Base yourself in Sapporo, enjoy all the city has to offer from shopping to dining, culture and more and also explore the city’s own ski resorts all within a 20 to 60 minute drive from downtown.
Sapporo Kokusai is known for its abundant powder snow that advanced skiers can enjoy, as well as courses suitable for beginners. There’s a family course over 100m wide, a 3.6km forest trail and runs for all levels including those groomed to beginner perfection. Head to the lodge restaurant for hot ramen and pizza.
Sapporo Teine is famed as the site of Asia’s first Winter Olympic Games and boasts stunning views across the city of Sapporo out to the Sea of Japan. There are two “zones”, Olympia (beginners) and Highlands (intermediate to advanced) with kilometres of groomed intermediate piste runs including the challenging “North Wall” course.
Sapporo Bankei has one triple and four double chairlifts and one of the largest halfpipes in Japan plus a FIS certified mogul course, English speaking ski and snowboard school and night skiing.. You’ll find the resort a mere 20 minutes from Sapporo downtown.
But wait, there’s more – head to Moiwayama for night skiing and spectacular views of Sapporo city lights. Take the kids to Takino Snow World for the 200 metre long tube sledding slope and some cross-country skiing.
Powder access to Japan’s best ski fields
Sapporo is the natural access point to the world’s best powder skiing, no word of a lie. But it’s more than a place to pass through, it’s a true base town for exploring all of Hokkaido’s ski experiences.
Fly in, ski out as you hit up the glitzy streets of Niseko, the amusement park village of Rusutsu, the famed slopes of Furano and the powder filled paradise known as Kiroro. Head further afield to Tomamu where wave pools, ice villages, ski-in ski-out sushi and big powder await.
With over 100 ski fields in Hokkaido, all accessed via Sapporo, you won’t be searching for turns.
Easy flight access
Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport welcomes flights from around the globe. If you’re flying from Australia then know that Qantas now flies direct to Sapporo from Sydney three times a week over the winter season or fly via Singapore or Tokyo with just one easy stop from multiple cities.
With a mere two hour time difference, there’s no jet lag so you can hit the ground then hit the streets of this thriving snow city.
One word – beer
The spectacular Snow Festival ice sculptures
Sapporo’s Snow Festival is an international event that attracts two million visitors over one week in February. Giant snow sculptures adorn a 1.5km pathway through Odori Park. These carved snow statues are lit up from sun down each night and draws sculptors from around the world.
The festival has grown from a mere six sculptures created by local students in 1950 to the largest winter event in the city with ski demos, snow slides, food trucks and more.
Winter lights
There’s nothing prettier than twinkling lights in a snowy landscape after dark. Sapporo’s White Illumination festival of seasonal lights dates back to 1981 and runs across the city from December until March. Hit up Odori Park and Sapporo Station to marvel at the works of illuminated art.
Or try out the Shiroi Koibito Park’s illuminations – beautiful light displays and a famous local confectionery factory and exhibitions, making it a fun experience for sugar-loving families.
German style Christmas markets
Sapporo is the sister city to Munich in Germany for over fifty years and has been celebrating with Christmas markets every year since 2002. Expect Christmas style stalls, mulled wine, German fare, outdoor concerts and more at Odori Park each December.
Fancy a trip to Sapporo? You know you do. Check out their official website filled with all the information to create the ultimate snow city itinerary and follow them on Instagram.
