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© 2026 SlopeGuide. 2025-2026 season data. Resort information is provided for reference only. Verify conditions with official resort websites before traveling.

  1. Home
  2. Japan
  3. Rusutsu
🇯🇵

Hokkaido, Japan

Rusutsu Ski Resort

Open NowOpen · ~27d left

2025-2026 season dates, 37 trails, lift pass pricing, and monthly snow conditions

Family Friendly
Budget Friendly
Snow Sure

3,304ft

Peak Elevation

2,615ft

Vertical Drop

37

Trails

550"

Annual Snow

Overview

Rusutsu is a ski resort located in Hokkaido, Japan, sitting at an elevation range of 689ft (210m) to 3,304ft (1007m). With a vertical drop of 2,615ft (797m), the resort offers 37 trails served by 18 lifts across 570 skiable acres. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS), approximately 100 minutes by car. Known for exceptional snowfall, Rusutsu averages 550 inches of snow per year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in Japan.

Season Overview

Season Timeline

Late November to Early April

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Opens: Late NovemberCloses: Early April
Peak Open Early Late Closed

Snow Conditions

Powder

Fresh, uncompacted snow. Ideal conditions.

260cm

Snow Depth

(102")

-6°C

-14°C to -6°C

(7°F / 21°F)

550"

Annual Snowfall

(1397cm)

0%

Snowmaking

coverage

Monthly Snowfall

Monthly Snowfall

550"

annual avg

260
Jan
230
Feb
150
Mar
50
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
3
Oct
50
Nov
190
Dec
Peak Open Early Latecm/month

Terrain & Trails

37

Total Trails

18

Lifts

570

Skiable Acres

2,615ft

Vertical Drop

Trail Difficulty Breakdown

30%
Beginner: 11 trails
40%
Intermediate: 15 trails
22%
Advanced: 8 trails
Expert: 3 trails
30%Beginner (11)
40%Intermediate (15)
22%Advanced (8)
8%Expert (3)

Rusutsu offers a balanced mix of terrain with 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 22% advanced, and 8% expert-only runs. The generous proportion of green runs makes this a solid choice for beginners and families learning to ski.

Lift System & Elevation

18

Total Lifts

2,615ft

Vertical Drop

797m

(2,615ft)

Lift Types

Gondola1 (6%)
High-Speed Quad6 (33%)
Fixed-Grip Chair5 (28%)
Surface Lift6 (33%)

Elevation Profile

3,304ft

Peak

689ft

Base

Price Trends

Price Trends

Day pass pricing across the season

$54

avg/day

$59
Jan
$59
Feb
$55
Mar
$45
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
$49
Nov
$59
Dec
Peak Shoulder Off-PeakBest value: April ($45)

Best Month to Visit Rusutsu

Top Pick

March

Deep snowfallLow crowdsGreat value
93
score
150cm
Low
$55/day

March offers the best overall balance of snow quality, crowd levels, and pricing at Rusutsu. Expect reliable powder days with an average of 150cm of fresh snowfall. Lines are short and the mountain feels spacious.

Runner-Up

January

260cm snow, moderate crowds, $59/day

Best Value

April

$45/day, 50cm snow, very low crowds

Monthly Conditions

Monthly Conditions

Best Month

January

Peak Season

260cm

snowfall

-6°/-14°

high/low °C

crowds

$59

day pass

February

Peak Season

230cm

snowfall

-5°/-13°

high/low °C

crowds

$59

day pass

March

Open

150cm

snowfall

-1°/-8°

high/low °C

crowds

$55

day pass

April

Late Season

50cm

snowfall

6°/-1°

high/low °C

crowds

$45

day pass

November

Early Season

50cm

snowfall

2°/-5°

high/low °C

crowds

$49

day pass

December

Open

190cm

snowfall

-4°/-12°

high/low °C

crowds

$59

day pass

Monthly conditions are based on historical averages. Actual conditions vary year to year. Click on any month for detailed weather forecasts, crowd analysis, and packing tips for Rusutsu.

Lift Passes & Pricing

Adult Day Pass

$55

per day

Season Pass

$750

full season

Day pass pricing at Rusutsu varies by date. Peak periods (holidays and weekends) may cost 10-15% more. Purchasing lift tickets online in advance typically saves $10-20 per ticket. Rusutsu is not currently part of a major multi-resort pass. Check the resort website for group rates and multi-day ticket bundles.

Getting to Rusutsu

Nearest Airport

New Chitose Airport (CTS)

Approx. 100 min drive

Location

Hokkaido, Japan 🇯🇵

42.7561°N, 140.5581°E

The drive from New Chitose Airport to Rusutsu takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Consider booking a shuttle transfer or renting a car with winter tires and chains.

Where to Stay

Rusutsu offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. On-mountain lodging provides ski-in/ski-out convenience but typically costs 30-50% more than staying in the nearest town. Budget travelers can find hostel-style accommodations starting around $40 per night, while mid-range hotels and condos average $100-180 per night. Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties can exceed $250 per night during peak periods.

Booking 2-3 months in advance secures better rates, especially for holiday periods. Many resorts offer lift-and-lodging packages that bundle accommodation with multi-day tickets at a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Rusutsu open for the 2025-2026 season?
Rusutsu typically opens in Late November and closes in Early April. Exact dates depend on early-season snowfall and conditions. Check the official resort website for confirmed opening dates.
How much is a day lift pass at Rusutsu?
Adult day lift passes at Rusutsu start at $55 for the 2025-2026 season. Prices vary by date, with holiday and weekend periods typically costing 10-15% more. Booking online in advance often saves $10-20 per ticket.
Is Rusutsu good for beginners?
Yes, Rusutsu is well-suited for beginners with 30% of its 37 trails rated green (beginner). The resort offers ski school programs and dedicated learning areas.
How much snow does Rusutsu get per year?
Rusutsu receives an average of 550 inches (1397cm) of snowfall per year. The resort relies entirely on natural snowfall with no snowmaking.
What is the best month to ski at Rusutsu?
January is typically the best month to ski at Rusutsu, with peak snow conditions, an average of 260cm of snowfall, and moderate crowd levels. January and February generally offer the most reliable conditions.

Quick Stats

Elevation Range
689 - 3,304ft
Vertical Drop
2,615ft (797m)
Trails
37
Lifts
18
Skiable Acres
570
Annual Snowfall
550" (1397cm)
Season
Late November - Early April
Day Pass
$55
Nearest Airport
CTS (100min)

Monthly Guides

JanFebMarAprNovDec

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