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Edited by: Declan Murphy Recommended: Suggested Itineraries Favorite Hokkaido moments... Best ways to get there Hokkaido Photogallery Newsgroups: fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ Bulletin Boards: Fun/Clubs/Nightlife Accommodation/Discounts Practise your Kanji?

The Sapporo Kokusai ski grounds are near the Jozankei Hot Springs on the outskirts of Sapporo. It is excellent for beginners and for onsen aficionados but intermediate and advanced skiers may be better off going to Sapporo Teine or if time permits, to large ski fields such as Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano.

Sapporo Kokusai is a fairly small field but one that has excellent powder conditions. It is easy to get to from the city (take the subway to Makomanai station and then a bus direct to the site). For beginners Kokusai is attractive because it is a good place to learn and never crowded, there is no one blocking your runs, and most Sapporoans are fairly experienced so you can avoid the hassles caused by beginners from Tokyo etc who for the most part don't come to Sapporo Kokusai. For those already proficient some of the advantages are that the gondola goes straight to the top, there are some good backcountry options (bring your powder skis or board), and plenty of jumps. The food facilities are OK and compared to Moiwa or Sapporo Teine, the night skiing is never crowded except during the Sapporo Snow Festival.

There are some disadvantages. Most intermediate runs end on beginner gelande and if you don't have adequate speed you end up on gradients similar to cross-country. It can be particularly frustrating for snowboarders making the transition from beginner to intermediate. It is a small field, and the runs are a little short. The vertical drop does not compare to Teine.

In summary the powder is good, the facilities OK, and it is a good place for the night skiing, learning or a weekend warmup. However if you have the time you would be better off travelling to the larger resorts further away from Sapporo such as Furano, Rusutsu, or Niseko Ski Resort.

How to get there

Sapporo Kokusai is easy to access. One of the best ways is to take the subway to Makomanai and then the bus. There are some ticket specials available that include lift passes.

Study in Sapporo - It is now possible to study Japanese in Sapporo either during the Sapporo Winter Japanese Course or the Academic Year in Japan Program.
Click here for more information regarding studying Japanese in Sapporo.

Tours - The Japan Discovery Tours visit Sapporo Kokusai.
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this destination.

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