6 Days in Rusutsu

Touchdown in Rusutsu: our adventure begins! 

Day 1: Arrival to Rusutsu

We finally arrived in New Chitose Airport and got on the Hokkaido Resort Liner where we were whisked away to the winter wonderland of Rusutsu! Nestled on the northern island of Hokkaido, Rusutsu is famed for its deep powder and breathtaking landscapes. Our home for the next 6 days is the Rusutsu Resort Hotel. 

As we checked into our rooms, we can already feel the excitement in the air with the anticipation of hitting the slopes tomorrow. We organised our rental gear and went for a hearty meal offering plenty of local cuisine and produce. We were then off to get a good night's sleep, ready to make the most our first day on the snow. 

Day 2: Hitting the slopes

We woke to a fresh blanket of snow, and headed out early to catch the first lifts! The conditions are truly perfect - crisp, cold air and powder so light it feels like we are skiing on clouds. We spent the day exploring the terrain Rusutsu has to offer, from gentle beginner slopes to the more challenging black runs. Every run was an exhilarating experience, with stunning views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding landscapes. After a truly epic day on the slopes, we decided to go to the hotel's onsen to soak our tired muscles in the hot spring and reflected on a great day on the slopes. 

Day 3: Deep in the woods 

Today we decided to venture into Rusutsu's famed tree runs. The resort is known for its perfectly spaced trees, that create plenty of natural playgrounds for skiers and snowboarders alike. The powder is even deeper here, and as we weaved through the trees it was both challenging and thrilling. Every turn we experienced, there was new lines and fresh perspective on this magical place. By the end of our day all of our legs were burning, but we are loving everything Rusutsu has to offer. Tonight we decided to go to Kakashi Izakaya for dinner. The restaurant offered fresh seafood, fine sake and had tables featuring (seating that is low to the ground with a footwell for comfort) and partitions. Our top dishes were the various potato dishes and grilled fish as well as the warm hot-pot cooked with seasonal ingredients. 

Day 4: Powder and parks 

Today, we decided to mix things up with a visit to the terrain park! Rusutsu actually has 2 terrain parks so there was plenty of options for us. The parks are well-designed with features for all skill levels, from small jumps and boxes to more advanced rails and kickers.  We spent the morning mastering our freestyle skills, practising our tricks all while enjoying the friendly atmosphere. After a lunch break at Pub Cricket (offering freshly grilled meats, seafood and vegetables plus craft beer) we headed back to the mountain for more powder. We got some of the best runs we've discovered so far and finding a few new favourites. The combination of the terrain parks and powder makes for an incredibly fun and varied day out on the mountain. 

Day 5: Beyond the resort 

We woke feeling extremely confident in our abilities, and decided to explore the backcountry areas of Rusutsu with a guide (who let us safely explore some of the finest powder we have every seen). We ventured into untouched powder fields and hidden valley. The serenity of the backcountry areas are awe-inspiring, and the powder is unbelievably deep. After a long day out on the mountain we headed to Hokkaido Buffet for something simple and easy, as we were exhausted but knew we had a very special day on the slopes. 

Day 6: Farewell to Rusutsu

Our final day in Rusutsu has come around very quickly, and we were determined to make the most out of it. We went back out on the slopes to go on our favourite runs, savouring the breathtaking views one last time. The snow continued to be perfect all week and it didn't disappoint today. For our final dinner we decided to go to Sushi Kappo Sekkatei (reservation is required) where the chef carefully curated sushi and seafood dishes with select ingredients just for us. Rusutsu has exceeded all our expectations, and as we pack up our gear, we know that we will back time and time again creating more memories!