Rusutsu Resort (ルスツ) is considered one of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido. It has a large ski area that covers three mountains, each having a variety of long runs with a good mix of groomed trails, great powder and tree runs. It is located close to Lake Toya (Toyako) and is just on the other side of Mount Yotei from Niseko.
At the base of the ski slopes stand two large hotels, the Rusutsu Resort Hotel and the highrise Westin Rusutsu Resort. Several small pensions can be found in the nearby town center of Rusutsu. Besides skiing, Rusutsu Resort offers numerous other attractions, including restaurants and shops, pool facilities and hot spring baths. Summer activities include golf and an amusement park with over 50 attractions, including seven roller coasters.
(November 28, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
Getting there and around
From Sapporo
A shuttle bus connects Sapporo (how to get to Sapporo) and Rusutsu Resort during the ski season. Previously free, the service will charge a fare from November 28, 2026. Fares and reservation details for the 2026/2027 season have not yet been announced.
Donan Bus operates multiple buses daily between Sapporo and Rusutsu Resort throughout the year, while Hokkaido Access Network offers additional buses during the ski season. Buses continue on to Lake Toya (Donan Bus) and Niseko (Hokkaido Access Network). The fares are drastically different between the two companies, with Donan Bus charging 2600 yen (book online) for the one way trip, while Hokkaido Access Network charges 5500 yen. Reservations are required.
From New Chitose Airport
During the ski season, Hokkaido Access Network and the resort's Bigruns buses connect Sapporo's New Chitose Airport with Rusutsu in about two hours and for 5500 yen one way. Hokkaido Access Network buses continue on to Niseko. Reservations are required.
From Niseko
Donan Bus operates buses roughly every 2-3 hours between Rusutsu and Kutchan Station near Niseko around the year. The one way trip takes about one hour and costs 1100 yen. Note that ski buses operating between New Chitose Airport and Niseko via Rusutsu cannot be used for travel just between Rusutsu and Niseko.
From Lake Toya (Toyako)
Around the year, Donan Bus operates buses every 2-4 hours between Lake Toya and Sapporo which stop in Rusutsu along the way. The one way trip between Lake Toya and Rusutsu takes 45 minutes and costs 1400 yen. Reservations are required and can be made via Willer.
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