Mountain Facts

• Number of lifts 9 • Number of courses 21 • Vertical 610 mtrs • Highest point 1180 mtrs • Steepest run 30 c • Difficulty o Advanced 32% o Intermediate 30% o Beginner 38% • Annual snowfall 13 mtrs • Night ski Yes • Terrain park Yes • Kid’s park Yes • Kiddies daycare Yes

Kiroro Ski Resort

Hokkaido, Japan

Kiroro Ski Resort is a medium ski resort close enough to Sapporo and Niseko to do day trips from either. It is comprised of 2 mountain peaks, Nagamine and Asari and is best suited to beginners and intermediates due to it's lack of steep terrain. It does have reliable consistent snow, and combine that with few competition for the off piste runs and it is easy to get freshies most days. It is best to stay close to the groomers for the first few off piste runs until you get a feel for the place so you can easily return if you strike a flat patch. There is a specific off piste zone called appropriately the "Powder Zone", apart from that it is not specifically permitted to be off piste but like a lot of resorts in Hokkaido the patrol tend to turn a blind eye. You do need to be responsible for your own safety of course so have the appropriate avi gear and training and use common sense. The best tree runs are probably those found on the Asari side in between the Asari Lift #2, and the gondola. Be careful to rejoin the groomers at the Yoichi A course or you will be left with a very tough hike out. Kiroro is half way between Niseko and Sapporo city. The closest town is Otaru, and access is from Otaru Chikko station, from where there are free shuttle buses. See here for accommodation options in Otaru or if you want to splash out and stay at the resort itself then you can book it from here.