Kiroro

Kiroro Resort, near the coast of Hokkaido, is a purpose-built resort with modern facilities. If Japanese powder and off-piste skiing is what you’re looking for, then go no further than Kiroro Resort. Kiroro has a few restaurants and limited nightlife, because this place really is all about the powder, powder and more powder. Niseko ski resort is close by.

Difficulty

Beginner	37%
Intermediate	37%
Advanced	26%

At a Glance

Terrain Area

451ha

Summit

1,180m

Mt. Vertical

610m

Season

Dec-Apr

Lifts

Accommodation Kiroro

Accommodation in Kiroro is limited to just two hotels – the Sheraton Hotel and the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel. There are no self-contained apartments or lodges at this picturesque resort. The Kiroro Sheraton, at the resort base, offers the most luxurious ski-in-ski-out accommodation and is best suited to couples and small groups. If you are travelling with children, you’ll probably find that the Kiroro Tribute is your best option. Here you’ll be closer to Kiroro Town, which is where you’ll be able to find a massive choice of activities for children, from kids’ snowmobiles, snow rafts, and an amusement park through to a nursery and ski school.

Skiing & Boarding

With somewhere between 14 and 21 meters of snow every season and 120 hectares of skiable terrain, Kiroro is the ultimate for skiers and boarders alike, regardless of ability. Crowds are dispersed quickly around this fantastic mountain thanks to several high-speed lifts, and the 3.3km Kiroro Gondola. Kids on skis for the first time can gain confidence on the magic carpet and snow play area before venturing onto the gentle groomed slopes at the mountain base… then it’s on to manageable but more challenging intermediate terrain off the Kiroro. Here there are plenty of long groomed runs as well as some more challenging ungroomed, powder coated runs and moguls to cut their teeth on. If you’re an advanced skier or boarder, head to the back country, preferably with a guide or, if you’ve got the required gear, register yourself and head off-piste for some nail biting tree skiing. Kiroro has night skiing most nights, and terrain parks complete with jumps.

Activities

At Kiroro there’s as much fun off the mountain as there is on it, especially when it comes to families. Within the Kiroro Town, kids will love kid-sized snowmobiles, snow rafts, snow Segways, snow buggies, a snow bubble ball and snow banana boats. Then there’s the amusement park, known as the Granship, which has a pirate world, climbing wall, games, table tennis and karaoke – you’ll never get them away! At the mountain centre there’s also a kids play room (for kids with their parents), a nursery and a fantastic ski school. More grown up? Soak yourself in the hot springs, or if you’re feeling energetic, workout in the gym, swim laps in the 25m pool then relax in the jacuzzi and sauna. If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience, take a trip to the historic port area of Otaru to explore arts and crafts, or dine on some of Japan’s best sushi.

Getting There & Around

To get to Kiroro, simply fly into Sapporo New Chitose airport and from here it’s about two hours by bus. Within Kiroro itself, it’s easy to get around on foot and there’s also a complimentary shuttle service.