Quick Facts
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Base altitude
- 280m
- Peak altitude
- 994m
- Total pistes
- 42 km
- Total lifts
- 18
- Season
- December 6 to May 6
- Ski pass
- epic
- Nearest airport
- New Chitose (CTS), 1h 30min transfer
- Snow reliability
- 9/10
Plan Your Trip
The closest major airport is New Chitose (CTS), with a ~1h 30m transfer to the resort.
Prices are indicative. Book early for the best fares.
See all resorts near New Chitose (CTS) →
Search Flights on Skyscanner
Compare prices across hundreds of airlines
Powered by Skyscanner. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Budget Planner for Rusutsu
Accommodation tier
Include in estimate
Estimated costs for 2 travelers, 7 nights, Mid-range · via New Chitose (CTS)
Estimates based on typical Japan market rates (pricing multiplier: 0.8x). Prices vary by travel dates, availability, and booking lead time. Always check current prices before booking.
Plan a trip to Rusutsu
Organise flights, accommodation, lift passes, and more in one shareable dashboard.
About Rusutsu
Rusutsu is Hokkaido's best-kept secret — a self-contained resort village spread across three mountains (East, West, and Mount Isola) with tree-skiing that ranks among the finest in Japan. Positioned south of Niseko and receiving the same phenomenal Siberian powder dumps, Rusutsu is far less crowded, meaning the legendary tree runs stay untracked for longer after each storm. The resort is family-friendly, with a dedicated children's park and an indoor entertainment complex that makes it an ideal choice when powder days give way to flat light.
Compare with...
Resort Ratings
Common Questions
Rusutsu: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Rusutsu good for beginners?
- Rusutsu scores 7/10 for beginner suitability, with dedicated nursery slopes and a range of gentle runs suited to those learning. Progressive terrain is available for building confidence through the week. Ski school lessons are available through the resort and well-suited to first-time skiers. Groups with mixed abilities generally find Rusutsu accessible.
- When does Rusutsu open and close for the 2026/27 ski season?
- Rusutsu typically opens in December and runs through May, based on recent seasons. The 2026/27 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed by the resort. Exact dates vary year to year depending on snowfall and conditions. Check the resort's official website as the season approaches for confirmed dates.
- Which ski pass covers Rusutsu?
- Rusutsu is covered by the epic. This pass may also include access to other linked resorts depending on which tier you purchase. Pricing and blackout dates vary by season; check the pass provider's official site for 2026/27 rates and the full list of included resorts.
- How do I get to Rusutsu?
- The nearest major airport to Rusutsu is New Chitose (CTS). The transfer to the resort takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by road. Private transfers, shared shuttles, and rental cars are all available from the airport. Mountain roads can be affected by heavy snowfall in winter, so checking conditions before traveling is advisable.
Japan
