On Valentine’s Day, I had two dates. No, I’m not of the polyamorous persuasion, I just happen to be accompanied by two men for the day. Really, quite a good female/male ratio for the typically testosterone driven skiing world. No offense to the two lovely people in my company, but the day could have been just as good alone (all my single ladies!), whilst I pursued my snow-mance with Japanese powder. My love life aside, Rusutsu Ski Resort provided the perfect backdrop to another surreal day in Hokkaido.
The Good
Three peaks, one resort: who could ask for more? Easy, rolling terrain; fantastic grooming; wide, empty trails; stunning views; no lift lines. I would say that pretty much covers it.
The Great
Typical to Japanese resorts, wooded areas are very ambiguously signed which, to the risk taker, is a bonus. The reason is simple: those less adventurous will forgo the glades altogether, leaving all the fresh lines your heart could possibly desire. I certainly wasn’t complaining about the untouched snow at 2pm.
The Strange
Do you like J-Pop? Do you like it blaring at top volume all along the lift lines? Well, I could have done without, but it did provide a fair few laughs and some epic chair-lift dance moves. Pair that with skiing down to a snow covered amusement park or along an abandoned lift line for a dreamlike experience second to none.
There is plenty of accommodation and dining to choose from at Rusutsu Ski Resort, though most facilities are relatively dated; a definite contrast to the more modern Niseko area. In keeping with most of Hokkaido, lift tickets are very affordable at just 5,300 JPY (approx $55) per day for the 2013-14 season. Just 90 minutes Southwest of Sapporo, you can hop a free bus from the city center: a great start to an even better adventure.
Winter is coming,
Also from the Hokkaido series:
Best Day Ever
Nipple Deep in Niseko Powder
The Smelliest Ski Resort in Japan
Naked Apres Ski