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Rusutsu resort information & après-ski
Après-ski
Après-ski in Rusutsu is low-key. Visitors may like to start the evening with a visit to the traditional onsen (men and women shower and bathe separately in the communal volcanic pools, but they might then meet up in a mixed-sex thermal pool).
Alternatively, opt for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the Dolce tearoom, or visit one of the karaoke rooms for a bit of a knees-up.
There are half a dozen bars and night spots in the Rusutsu Resort Hotel, including the Obrist bar; or for sports events, check out the bar named after the one sport guests are unlikely to see played here, Cricket.
Each of the 12 restaurants in Rusutsu is located within the large Rusutsu Resort Hotel building. However, the resort does manage to offer a great range of global cuisine, enabling guests on half-board deals to eat at a different establishment every night.
For traditional food from the local Hokkaido region, try Kazahana in the Rusutsu Tower. The restaurant specialises in Japanese cuisine made using fresh and natural ingredients. Kazahana also features a traditional Japanese Teppanyaki bar where you can watch the chef cook, serving up food straight from a large hot plate.
There are more options in the huge hotel’s north and south wings, including the Bellevue (South Wing), which offers French cuisine. Additionally, there’s Italian fare on offer in the Costa Terrazza (North Wing) and a popular Bavarian-themed “Oktober Fest” buffet restaurant, also located in the North Wing - the cuisine is Japanese, but there's a Bavarian band for entertainment.
Resort Information
Although Rusutsu is largely made up of one giant hotel complex, it’s a very well equipped facility with lots to do besides ski and board.
On the snow, there's cross-country skiing, snow rafting (riding down the slopes on large inflatable rafts), snow tubing, horse riding, orienteering, snowmobiling, and dog sledding to choose from.
Options in the warmth range from the chance to try traditional Japanese methods of bread baking to participating in a Japanese arts and crafts class. The giant Rusutsu Resort Hotel offers numerous indoor activities, including a gym, swimming pool with wave machine, amusement arcade, games room and a carousel ride. There is also an indoor bouldering wall for climbing practice.
No visit to Hokkaido is complete without a soak in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot-spring baths), which can be found in the resort.
Rusutsu ski resort is a good choice for families due to the safe and convenient nature of the giant complex as well as its easy-to-ride lifts, high service standards, affordable dining and non-ski family fun activities.
Rusutsu’s ski school can provide group and private lessons for children aged four and above, who can then progress on to the numerous green runs when proficient.
The hotel has an indoor nursery for children up to four years old (closed for an hour over lunch) and there’s also a large leisure pool complex and games room for older kids.
All of the shops in Rusutsu are within the hotel complex, concentrated in a central retail shopping centre. This manages to accommodate nearly 30 shops, so most needs can be met. A ‘premium rentals’ store sells and rents premium ski gear and equipment on site. Local products to look out for include wood and leather crafts.
A day trip to provincial capital Sapporo is a worthwhile outing and is relatively easy to reach by bus (although it's best to be accompanied by a Japanese speaker). The annual Sapporo Snow Festival (www.snowfes.com) sees the creation of amazing snow carvings the size of large buildings. This week-long event, which is usually held during the month of February, attracts visitors from around the world.
Hotels
The Rusutsu Resort Hotel is the main - and in most respects only - option in terms of accommodation in Rusutsu, albeit with a number of options to suit different tastes and budgets within the giant complex. There are however, log cabins and other budget accommodation options available in the vicinity. Alternatively, it is also possible to stay in the nearby village and drive to the slopes.
This 4-star hotel can accommodate more than 2,000 guests and has a staggering range of facilities, from swimming pools to games rooms. The hotel’s accommodation is divided into three main sectors (the Rusutsu Tower is now under separate management as the Westin Rusutsu): the North and South Wings both offer fairly conventional hotel rooms, while the third option offers Canadian-style log chalets.
13 Izumikawa,
Rusutsu,
Japan
This 4-star hotel is the tower section of the huge complex, which has been taken over by international hotel operator Starwood and re-branded as a Westin in 2016. The Westin offers the most luxurious accommodation in the giant resort hotel, with 210 rooms over 23 floors, and offers a superb selection of facilities.
133 Izumikawa,
Rusutsu,
Japan
The resort’s Log Houses are available to rent for larger groups of six to 24 people. They provide an interesting contrast to the giant hotel complex and are well equipped, snug, wooden buildings.
13 Izumikawa,
Rusutsu,
Japan
These cosy stand-alone buildings sleep up to six guests and are built on earthquake proof pillars, allowing guests to sleep even more soundly. All of the cottages are ski-in/ski-out.
13 Izumikawa,
Rusutsu,
Japan
Providing clean but functional western or Japanese-style rooms, the Highland Lodge is ideal for those looking for conveniently located budget accommodation.
13 Izumikawa,
Rusutsu,
Japan
A family-run guest house within walking distance of the lifts, Pension Lillet Husset is known for its wonderful hospitality and filling breakfasts.
144 Izumikawa, Abuta-gun,
048-1711,
Rusutsu,
Japan
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