Sapporo: Otaru Asarigawa Ski Resort Day Trip with Gear

Planning a winter escape in Hokkaido? This day trip from Sapporo to the Otaru Asarigawa Ski Resort offers a convenient, all-inclusive way to enjoy the snow without the hassle of full travel planning. Whether you’re new to skiing or a snowboarding enthusiast, this tour provides the essentials to get you on the slopes and enjoying fresh, high-quality snow.

What makes this experience worth considering? First, the professional instruction in both Chinese and English ensures even complete beginners can get started confidently. Second, the full ski gear, including helmets and goggles, means you don’t have to lug your own equipment. And third, daily departures with flexible group sizes make it accessible, whether you’re solo or part of a small group.

The only potential downside? If you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, you might find the slopes a bit gentle. But for those new to skiing or looking for a relaxed, guided day in the snow, this trip hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for travelers who want a straightforward, hassle-free way to hit the slopes with all the basics covered.

This tour suits those who value organized, beginner-friendly skiing experiences and want to maximize their time in Hokkaido without the complexity of arranging transport and lessons independently. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided trips with reliable scheduling and all essentials included.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Package: Includes round-trip bus, gear, lift pass, and instruction.
• Beginner-Friendly: Two-hour lessons in English and Chinese help novices get started.
• High-Quality Snow: Gentle slopes perfect for learning and casual snow play.
• Flexible Schedule: Daily departures, suitable for solo travelers and small groups.
• Optional Skis or Snowboard: Choose between single or double board packages.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Easy access at Sapporo Station with clear instructions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins at the Sapporo Station, specifically the Sapporoekikitaguchi Bus Parking Lot. The meeting process is straightforward—look for the guide holding a sign reading “Ski Day Tour,” and confirm your name before heading to the bus. Since Sapporo Station is undergoing some construction, it’s wise to arrive early and double-check the meeting spot details.

The bus ride to Otaru Asarigawa Ski Resort takes about an hour, offering a comfortable journey through scenic Hokkaido landscapes. It’s a smooth start, especially if you’re traveling solo or with a small group, and the ride often feels like a mini preview of the snowy day ahead.

Arrival and Equipment Setup

Upon arrival, the first stop is picking up your full ski gear, which includes skis or snowboards, boots, poles, helmet, and goggles. The package also offers the option to rent skiwear separately if you want to stay warm and dry during your time on the snow. The equipment is described as high-quality, which makes a noticeable difference for comfort and safety.

Guests typically comment on the efficiency of the gear pickup process and the clarity of instructions from staff. This is where some reviews mention that the staff is friendly and helpful, making it easier for beginners to feel confident about putting on their gear and preparing for lessons.

The Lesson: A Beginner’s Dream

The highlight of the tour is a two-hour professional lesson in both English and Chinese. This is especially appreciated by those new to skiing, as the instructors are well-versed in guiding beginners through the basics. One review even notes that the instructor provided safety advice tailored to each participant’s level before boarding the cable car, which helps to ease anxieties around lifts or unfamiliar slopes.

The slopes are described as gentle and suited for beginners, with high-quality snow that’s soft enough to learn on but firm enough for control. The focus is on fundamentals, such as stance, balance, and turning. Expect to learn from patient, professional instructors who guide you through the basics, making even nervous first-timers feel more at ease.

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Free Time and Practice

After the morning lesson, you’ll have some free time to relax, grab lunch (on your own), and try out your newly acquired skills. For many, this moment is the most enjoyable—being able to practice on the slopes without feeling rushed. The afternoon session offers another two hours to get comfortable, practice turns, or just enjoy the scenic snow-covered landscape.

Guests often mention that the slopes are surprisingly scenic, offering a peaceful, snow-blanketed view of the surrounding mountains and forests. The snow quality is consistently noted as excellent, which is crucial for a good skiing experience.

Return Journey and Overall Convenience

After a full day on the snow, you’ll return your equipment and hop back on the bus to Sapporo, arriving in the early evening. The entire experience is designed for convenience, with the company managing all transport, equipment, and instruction details.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need to Bring

The package covers round-trip bus fare, your gear, a lift pass, and professional instruction. You won’t need to worry about bringing skis, boots, or helmets—these are provided, which is a big plus for those traveling light or unfamiliar with the sport.

However, you’ll need to handle your own lunch, and it’s wise to bring essentials like gloves and personal expenses. Some reviews suggest that while the gear is excellent, bringing your own gloves might be a good idea if you’re very sensitive to cold.

Important Considerations

Safety is emphasized throughout, and instructors will provide safety briefings before boarding lifts. While they guide you on how to ski safely, participants should stay within their ability levels. The tour notes that it’s not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions, which is standard for winter sports. Also, the tour can be canceled due to weather, but full refunds are offered if that happens—so it’s a low-risk option.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $182, the tour delivers a lot of what beginners and casual snow fans seek: professional instruction, quality gear, scenic slopes, and a hassle-free experience. It skips the need to book transport and equipment separately, saving time and reducing stress.

Guests particularly appreciate the small group atmosphere and the flexibility of daily departures, making it easier to fit into your overall trip schedule. Plus, the option to choose between single or double board packages allows you to tailor the experience to your comfort level.

Final Thoughts

This day trip is an excellent choice for those new to skiing or snowboarding who want a guided, all-inclusive experience. The focus on beginners, the good quality snow, and the friendly instructors create an environment where you can learn and enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. For travelers with a little more experience, the slopes may feel a bit tame, but the convenience and professionalism compensate for that.

If you’re visiting Sapporo in winter and want to try skiing without committing to a multi-day lesson or complicated arrangements, this tour offers solid value and a chance to enjoy the snow in one of Japan’s most picturesque regions.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, it includes a round-trip bus from Sapporo Station to the ski resort.

What equipment do I receive? You get skis or a snowboard, boots, poles, a helmet, and goggles, all included in the package.

Can I rent skiwear? Yes, skiwear rental is available as an optional extra.

Is this suitable for beginners? Absolutely, with professional lessons designed specifically for newcomers and gentle slopes.

What language are the instructions in? Lessons are provided in both Chinese and English.

How long is the total tour? The trip starts early morning and returns by early evening, with about 2 hours of instruction in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.

Do I need to bring my own lunch? Yes, lunch is not included, so bringing your own or purchasing on-site is recommended.

What is the group size? The instructor guides up to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

Is the tour available daily? Yes, with a minimum of 1 person, departures happen daily.

What if the weather is bad? The tour can be canceled due to weather or other force majeure, with a full refund if that occurs.

This comprehensive, beginner-friendly day trip packs everything you need to enjoy a snowy day in Hokkaido, making it an appealing option for those wanting hassle-free, guided fun in the snow.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby