Can I snowboard at Moiwayama Ski Resort?

No, Moiwayama is Hokkaido's only ski resort that prohibits snowboarding. The resort is exclusively for skiing and maintains this policy to preserve its identity as a dedicated skiers' destination. If you're looking to snowboard, you'll need to visit one of Sapporo's other ski areas.

How do I get to Moiwayama from Sapporo city center?

Take the subway green line to Makomanai Station, which is the terminal station, then catch a bus or taxi for a 10-15 minute ride to the resort. The total journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. Direct shuttle buses operate from the city with limited morning departures. A taxi directly from Sapporo Station costs around ¥3,000.

Is Moiwayama suitable for beginner skiers?

Yes, Moiwayama offers excellent terrain for beginners, including the Sightseeing Road Course which spans 2.6 kilometers with gentle slopes. The resort features wide, family-friendly runs that are popular with local children learning to ski. The uncrowded conditions also make it less intimidating for those new to the sport.

Can I rent equipment at the resort?

Yes, ski equipment and winter gear rental is available at the resort for approximately ¥5,000. This includes skis and necessary winter clothing. However, be prepared to use cash for all transactions as the resort does not accept credit cards for rentals or any other services.

Moiwayama Ski Resort

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Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort opened in 1960 on the slopes of Mount Moiwa and has since become a beloved local destination for Sapporo residents. Situated in Minami-ku, this ski area holds the unique distinction of being Hokkaido's only slope that prohibits snowboarding, maintaining its identity as a dedicated skiers' paradise. The resort has operated continuously for over six decades, establishing itself as both a training ground for local school groups and a convenient destination for visitors seeking an accessible ski experience near Japan's fifth-largest city.

The resort's proximity to downtown Sapporo makes it exceptionally convenient, located just 20 minutes by car or approximately 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. Mount Moiwa itself serves as a symbol of the city, and the ski area capitalizes on its urban-adjacent location by offering spectacular nighttime skiing with panoramic views of Sapporo's cityscape, often described as one of Japan's best night skiing experiences. The mountain provides 360 meters of vertical descent across 158 acres of terrain, with 10 distinct courses catering to all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced skiers.

Visitors can experience a range of slopes designed specifically for skiing. The Dynamic Course challenges intermediate and advanced skiers with dramatic descents that create the sensation of diving into the city below. For beginners, the Sightseeing Road Course spans 2.6 kilometers and offers a gentle, trekking-style route with sweeping views of urban Sapporo. The wide, family-friendly slopes are popular with local children and provide an accessible introduction to Hokkaido's renowned powder snow. When fresh snow falls in the city, the resort receives excellent powder conditions, and off-piste opportunities attract experienced skiers, particularly near gates 6 and 10.

Access from central Sapporo requires taking the subway green line to Makomanai Station (the terminal station), followed by a 10-15 minute bus ride or taxi journey costing approximately ¥3,000 from Sapporo Station. The resort operates direct shuttle buses from the city, though schedules are limited with only a couple of morning departures, contributing to sparse crowds and an uncrowded skiing experience.

Admission tickets include 7-hour passes for ¥4,100 (adults) and ¥2,900 (children), 5-hour passes for ¥3,500 (adults), and 3-hour passes for ¥2,900. Night skiing tickets cost ¥2,200 from 16:00 or ¥1,600 from 18:00. Equipment rental is available for approximately ¥5,000 for skis and winter gear. The resort operates cash-only facilities with no credit card acceptance, and visitors should note that basic amenities include vending machines and a canteen on the second floor with Japanese-language ticketing machines.

Moiwayama Ski Resort

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What other travelers are saying about Moiwayama Ski Resort

Good ski area for beginners. Less than an hour from Sapporo city center. We had a private 2-hour English lesson. Wasn’t able to explore other areas though. Take note of the free shuttle schedule to and from Makomanai station since booking a taxi can be hard.

Oscar Kevin Castro

Jan 30, 2025

One of the best places Ive ever been to ski. The views are scenic. 360 degree view of Sapporo. Views get more spectacular during sunset. Night skiing is available. Many tracks and many chairlifts. Couple of runs available for beginners. And couple of runs available for the advanced. There’s a green route that goes down from the top of the hill, passing through trees and turning left and right. Very fun place to ski. There’s one black route which was closed. We went there on late March and the snow was still fluffy. There’s no halal food in the cafeteria, and very less vegetarian options. Suggest you bring your own food. Rentals available. Equipments are high quality. Can’t use card for lift tickets. 🥲There are seasonal free bus shuttle from Makomanai subway station. The biggest downside is you have to show your lift ticket everytime and it’s inconvenient (also possibility of lost tickets)

Not crowded and well maintained ski area. They can store your personal ski for many days with a small fee. We skied for 3 days and spent 800 JPY for storing our ski kit. Otherwise, it would have been tough carrying it daily.

We rented with out two kids. Only ski mountain, no snowboards. Rentals for 5-hours are around ¥5000 per adult and ¥3000 per child. For lift ticket we did the adult and child package for about ¥80,000. Food was good and reasonable. I felt the trails were harder than most mountains with a lot of advanced skiing and not too much intermediate skiing, but we had a lot of fun. We took the 0830 bus from Makomanai Station that took up to the ski resort. The bus runs infrequently so I would call for schedule.

They got night skiing ⛷️! because other ski resorts in Hokkaido usually close at the late afternoon. Opt for the after 4pm ticket rental admission Spend 6600 yen for the ski equipment, google & ski pants Addition 1600 yen to take the ski lift (purchase it from Beside the food dining area) don’t lose the ticket 🎫 ‼️if not you have to buy again. Happen to me 😭 Very beginning friendly slope indeeed!