Skiing is big in Sapporo, site of the 1972 Winter Olympics and easily accessible by plane from many cities in Japan -- there are slopes within city limits and more than a dozen skiing areas less than 2 hours away, most open from early December to late April. On the west edge of town are Okurayama Jump Hill and Miyanomori Jump Hill, both sites of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Here, too, is the Sapporo Bankei Ski Area (tel. 011/641-0071), just 20 minutes from downtown Sapporo and popular for after-work skiing. You can reach them by subway to Maruyama Koen Station, followed by a 15-minute bus ride. Just 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) south of Sapporo Station is Nakajima Park (Station: Nakajima Koen), with free use of cross-country skis in winter.
Farther afield to the west, the Teine Highland and Olympic Zone ski areas (tel. 011/681-3191) were the site of the alpine, bobsled, and toboggan events for the Olympics. A new lift joins the two areas, creating Hokkaido's longest run (6km/3 3/4 miles). A 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour lift pass costs ¥3,650 ($30/£15), ¥4,100 ($34/£17), or ¥4,550 ($38/£19) respectively; ski-rental equipment is available from ¥4,950 ($41/£21) in the day and ¥2,940 ($25/£13) at night. Snowboarding gear costs ¥3,800 ($32/£16) per day. Keep in mind that gear sizes are generally smaller than in the West (ski boots up to 30cm, size 12 in U.S., and snowboard boots up to 28.5cm, size 10 1/2 in U.S.). Take a JR train from Sapporo Station 20 minutes to Teine Station and then take bus no. 70 to Teine Olympia-mae.
Niseko (www.niseko.ne.jp), a 3 1/2-hour bus ride west of Sapporo, is considered by our skiing friends as the best ski resort in Hokkaido, both for its fine powder and extensive night skiing. Three skiing regions, joined by lifts and shuttle buses that provide easy exploration of the different areas, offer variety for skiers of all levels. An 8-hour lift ticket costs ¥4,800 ($40/£20), with rental prices comparable to those at Teine. To get there, reserve a seat with Chuo (tel. 011/231-0500) or Donan (tel. 0123/46-5701) bus company; both go to Niseko from either Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station and cost ¥3,850 ($32/£16) round-trip. Alternatively, you can also go by JR Niseko Express train from Sapporo Station to Niseko in about 2 hours, followed by a shuttle bus. JR offers a great Niseko package for ¥4,900 ($41/£20) that includes the round-trip train and shuttle bus from Sapporo, an 8-hour lift ticket, and ski or snowboard rental with boots. For more information on skiing around Sapporo, stop by the Hokkaido-Sapporo Tourist Information Center in Sapporo Station or go to www.snowjapan.com.
