Sapporo Kokusai (札幌国際スキー場, Sapporo Kokusai Skījō) is a ski resort located on the outskirts of Sapporo. Compared to other nearby popular resorts, Sapporo Kokusai is not the largest with only five lifts and seven courses, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in snow. The resort receives massive snowfalls, rivaling amounts seen at Niseko.

With six of its seven courses rated green or blue, Sapporo Kokusai accommodates beginner and intermediate riders well, but its single black run might not be as appealing for advanced riders in search of steep slopes. However, the resort does feature interesting off-piste and tree areas (many in-bounds) which offer great opportunities for enjoying deep powder snow.

Sapporo Kokusai is situated in the mountains about an hour drive from downtown Sapporo, not far from the hot spring town of Jozankei Onsen. The convenient location makes it a good choice for those with limited time in Sapporo or those looking for an alternative to the mega-popular Niseko resorts. It also means it can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
A small but popular ski resort within easy access from Sapporo and Otaru known for tons of high-quality powder every year. Lift ticket prices are lowered during the shoulder seasons and if purchased online.
Season*
Mid November to early May
(December 1, 2024 to May 6, 2025)
Lifts
4 lifts
Tickets
Full day 5800 yen
Half day 5300 yen
Access
Bus About 90 minutes from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal.
Car About 60 minutes from central Sapporo via Route 230 or about 40 minutes from central Otaru.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.

Getting there and around

From Sapporo

Several morning and late afternoon buses run between the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (located in front of JR Sapporo Station) and Sapporo Kokusai between early December and late March and fewer in the shoulder seasons. The one way ride takes 90 minutes and costs 1800 yen. A ticket that combines the bus round trip with a 1-day lift pass is available for 7800 yen. Reservations should be made in advance.

Alternatively, the resort can be reached by car in about 60 minutes from central Sapporo via Route 230. Winter driving skills are required to drive in Hokkaido in winter.

How to get to and around Sapporo

Hotels around Sapporo

Top rated in Sapporo
Budget:
    • Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO
      Budget-friendly
      Set 6.2 km from Sapporo Station, 10 km from Shin-Sapporo Station and 23 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center, Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO offers accommodation situated in Sapporo. Featuring a bar, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Susukino Station is 4.1 km from the guest house and Sapporo TV Tower is 4.5 km away. Each unit comes with a safety deposit box and some rooms come with city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop and lounge. Otaru Station is 39 km from the guest house, while Sapporo Convention Centre is 4 km away. Okadama Airport is 14 km from the property.
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    • Shabby House
      Budget-friendly
      Shabby House, a property with a garden, is set in Sapporo, 4.7 km from Sapporo Station, 14 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, as well as 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center. With free WiFi, this 1-star guest house offers a 24-hour front desk and free shuttle service. The accommodation offers full-day security and luggage storage space for guests. At the guest house, units are equipped with a shared bathroom. There is a snack bar and lounge. The area is popular for cycling, and free use of bicycles is available at the guest house. Otaru Station is 36 km from Shabby House, while Susukino Station is 3.1 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 12 km away.
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    • The Base Sapporo Susukino
      Mid-range
      Well located in the Sapporo City Centre district of Sapporo, The Base Sapporo Susukino is located 12 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 36 km from Otaru Station. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has city views and free WiFi. The property is 2.7 km from Sapporo Station, and within 700 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At The Base Sapporo Susukino each room has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Susukino Station, Odori Park and Odori Station. Okadama Airport is 9 km away.
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    • BEACH AND FIELD INN
      Budget-friendly
      Offering quiet street views, BEACH AND FIELD INN is an accommodation set in Sapporo, 3.9 km from Sapporo Station and 10 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. This 2-star guest house offers luggage storage space and a shared lounge. Sapporo Convention Centre is 1 km away and Naebo Station is 1.5 km from the guest house. With a shared bathroom fitted with a bidet and slippers, units at the guest house also feature free WiFi. At the guest house, units are fitted with bed linen and towels. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 22 km from the guest house, while Otaru Station is 38 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 8 km away.
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    • VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni
      Budget-friendly
      VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni is situated in Sapporo, 15 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 17 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is set 5.1 km from Sapporo Station. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units feature a wardrobe. Otaru Station is 31 km from VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni, while Hokkaido University is 5 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 8 km from the accommodation.
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    • 41 PIECES Sapporo
      Luxury
      Well situated in the Sapporo City Centre district of Sapporo, 41 PIECES Sapporo is set 12 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 36 km from Otaru Station. This 4-star hotel offers luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is 1.9 km from Sapporo Station, and within 100 metres of the city centre. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, the units at 41 PIECES Sapporo have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a terrace. At the accommodation every room includes bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near 41 PIECES Sapporo include Susukino Station, Odori Station and Odori Park. Okadama Airport is 9 km away.
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    • Hotel Emion Sapporo
      Luxury
      Boasting a bar, Hotel Emion Sapporo is situated in Sapporo in the Hokkaido region, 1.4 km from Sapporo Station and 13 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Emion Sapporo include Hokkaido University, Kita-Juni-Jo Station and Sapporo Clock Tower. Okadama Airport is 7 km from the property.
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    • Pirka Sapporo
      Budget-friendly
      Offering quiet street views, Pirka Sapporo is an accommodation located in Sapporo, 2.7 km from Sapporo Station and 12 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the guest house, all units have a tatami. At the guest house, all units are fitted with bed linen and towels. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 22 km from the guest house, while Otaru Station is 38 km away. Okadama Airport is 5 km from the property.
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    • Guesthouse Erimo Apartment
      Mid-range
      Guesthouse Erimo Apartment, a property with a shared lounge, is set in Sapporo, 11 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, 23 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center, as well as 40 km from Otaru Station. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is situated 5.3 km from Sapporo Station. The air-conditioned aparthotel consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bath and slippers. Towels and bed linen are available in the aparthotel. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance and soundproofing. Susukino Station is 3.3 km from the aparthotel, while Sapporo Convention Centre is 3.4 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 10 km away.
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    • VILLA KOSHIDO ODORI
      Budget-friendly
      VILLA KOSHIDO ODORI features accommodation in Sapporo near Sapporo Clock Tower and Susukino Station. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is situated 2.5 km from Sapporo Station. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. At the hotel the rooms include a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Popular points of interest near VILLA KOSHIDO ODORI include Odori Park, Former Hokkaid? Government Office and Odori Station. Okadama Airport is 10 km from the property.
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Experiences around Sapporo

Top rated in Sapporo