I have 7 days at a hotel in Sapporo City (Feb 2023), and am planning to do 3 non-consecutive days of solo skiing, but I have 2 questions regarding which slopes to visit, and the logistics of rental equipment.
I’m strongly considering visiting Mt Moiwa Ski Resort as well as Moiwayama Ski Jo Minamishamen due to their proximity to Sapporo City and my hotel (can bike from the hotel easily enough).
From what I can tell, they are somehow associated being so closely located, as the Northern Slope (Mt Moiwa Ski Resort) has a rental shop for equipment and the Southern Slope (Moiwayama Ski Jo Minamishamen) doesn’t; recommending you start at the “Northern Entrance” if you need rentals.
My first question is: if I rent equipment for 3 days, do I need to pick up and return it from the Northern Slope each time, or can it be taken away as long as it is returned by the due date? The website states “return your gear[…]when you are done.” Am I correct in thinking this means I pick up/drop off once only?
My second question is a little more opinion-based; the Northern Slope seems more beginner friendly and I can buy lift passes in advance, but the Southern seems to have more to do and is cheaper.
If you had to choose, how would you spread out the 3 days? 1 Day at Northern Slope, 2 at the Southern? 2N, 1S? 3N/3S? 1 at each and 1 at another location?
Thanks for your time and thoughts!
2 comments
Couple thoughts…. First of all will you have your own vehicle?..or depending on shuttles or taxis?
Moiwa as a whole is a much smaller and very simple ski area. They are along the ‘edge’ of Niseko (proper) where the majority of the tourism, skiing and night life is. (Estimating tens of kilometres away..)
While I’ve stayed at the bottom of the ski area at Moiwa I have not stayed where you are describing. I will say the the roads are snowy, they are snow covered with limited street lighting and no side walks. It is mixed forest there. There is public bus at times and very limited night shuttle buses (your hotel may have limited shuttles)
I have no idea your skiing ability, your level of comfort in snow and cold or if you live in a region without snow. What I can tell you is they get huge snowfalls and at times ‘storm bound’ snowfalls. You are very much at the foot of a volcano. Consider all of this having to pick up/drop off and lugging around gear.
Niseko United – the other three really large ski areas – are about a 45 min bus ride in the morning and busses returning later in the afternoon. I mention this because if you decide to visit Niseko your options to return are limited later in the day. I’m guessing a local taxi would be a hundred USD to take you back after hours (purely a guess)
You may have found a good deal on a hotel and ski package and likely the price is reflective of the experience. If you are a beginner and excited to visit there go for it. If you want real challenging turns, nightlife and services ..then down the road towards Niseko is where it’s at.
Many hotels & Inns in the region had their own dinner service and breakfast restaurants which are likely included with the hotel package. Other wise I can comment that any local restaurants and even ‘Combini’ convenience stores are very limited there.
To give you perspective, I have visited the Niseko region three times. I’d point you to a Japan ski subReddit, but there is not one specifically (..but there should considering the interest)
> can bike from the hotel easily enough
No, you can’t. You are misjudging the amount of snow on the ground in the city when Mt Moiwa slopes have enough snow for skiing. There is no chance you can bike in the city outdoors during snow season.