The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Sapporo Moiwa operates 10 runs across 86 acres on Mount Moiwa's southern slopes, with a base elevation of 173 metres rising to 448 metres and 275 metres of vertical drop. The resort receives 8 metres of annual snowfall and operates from early December through late March. Historically a skiers-only area since opening in 1960, Sapporo Moiwa now welcomes snowboarders from the 2025-26 season. The resort sits just 20 minutes by car from downtown Sapporo, making it the closest ski area to the city centre.
Terrain divides 40 per cent beginner, 40 per cent intermediate, and 20 per cent advanced across two base areas connected by the 2.6-kilometre Tourist Road Course. The Dynamic Course delivers an 840-metre run with gradients reaching 35 degrees, whilst the Karamatsu Course peaks at 38 degrees. Seven of the 10 runs operate for night skiing until 9pm, illuminated against the cityscape below. The south slope features mellower terrain whilst the north area houses the steeper advanced pitches.
The resort maintains an uncrowded, local atmosphere with minimal lift queues even during peak periods. Facilities remain functional rather than polished, with equipment rentals and ski school operating from the north lodge. Elementary-age children and younger ski free when accompanied by adults. Night skiing draws crowds seeking views over Sapporo's 2 million residents, with the city lights visible from most runs during evening sessions.
Full-day lift passes cost 3,800 yen regular season and 4,200 yen peak dates, with half-day and night passes available at reduced rates. Season passes retail for 38,000 yen. The resort suits beginners exploring their first powder days, intermediate skiers seeking convenient after-work sessions, and families based in Sapporo wanting quick mountain access. Advanced skiers will find limited challenge beyond the handful of steep mogul runs.
275m
Vertical
10
Runs
86 acres
Skiable
8m
Annual snow
The Terrain
10 runs across 86 acres skiable
Sapporo Moiwa spreads 10 runs across 86 acres skiable of terrain. It leans beginner at 40%, with 4 beginner runs to find your feet and 2 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
10
runs
10 runs across 4 grades
Beginner4 runs · 40%
Intermediate4 runs · 40%
Advanced2 runs · 20%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Sapporo Moiwa
The 2025-26 season opens 5 December 2025 and closes 29 March 2026, spanning approximately 16 weeks. This aligns with typical Sapporo city ski areas, which open mid-December as snowfall accumulates and close before April as spring conditions set in. Operations run daily through mid-March, with night skiing available until 9pm except on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The season length depends on natural snowfall with no extensive snowmaking infrastructure.
The resort averages 8 metres of annual snowfall, benefiting from Hokkaido's northwest winter systems that dump consistent light powder from December through February. Low base elevation at 173 metres and south-facing slopes reduce snow retention compared to higher Hokkaido resorts, with average mid-winter base depths around 120 centimetres. December sees accumulation building, whilst January and February deliver peak powder conditions when city snowfall translates directly to skiable terrain. March brings spring corn snow as temperatures moderate.
Optimal timing runs mid-January through mid-February when snowfall peaks and cold temperatures preserve powder quality despite the modest elevation. Weekday visits avoid school groups that can crowd the area during holiday periods. Night skiing sessions offer lighter crowds and firmer snow surfaces after evening temperatures drop. Early December and late March shoulder periods present inconsistent coverage and variable conditions as the season transitions.
Sapporo's annual Snow Festival runs each February, drawing crowds to the city and creating busy periods at local ski areas. The resort's 20-minute proximity to downtown makes it popular for after-work sessions amongst Sapporo residents. Night operations represent a signature offering, with eight illuminated courses allowing skiing against the glittering cityscape. Weekend and holiday periods see increased visitation, though rarely reaching capacity given the local-focused market positioning.
Season 2025-2026
5 Dec 2025
Opens
29 Mar 2026
Closes
114
Days open
8 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Sapporo Moiwa, and where to stay
The resort occupies the southern slopes of Mount Moiwa in Chuo Ward, 5 kilometres southwest of Sapporo Station within city limits. Mount Moiwa rises to 531 metres, with the ski area operating on terrain between 173 and 448 metres elevation. The location sits within Sapporo proper, a city of 2 million residents and Hokkaido's capital, positioned on the Ishikari Plain with the mountain forming part of the city's southwestern boundary. Two separate base areas access the mountain from Route 230.
The north base lies 8.8 kilometres from Sapporo Station, reachable in 20 minutes by car via the Minami 36-jo intersection on Route 230. Makomanai Station on the Namboku subway line provides the nearest public transport hub, 10 to 15 minutes from the resort by taxi or shuttle bus. The south base accesses via Route 230 toward the tourist road with free parking at both locations. Sapporo's grid street system simplifies navigation from downtown hotels and the Susukino entertainment district.
Route 230 provides the primary road access, connecting Sapporo with southwestern Hokkaido destinations. The resort requires no mountain passes or extended rural driving, distinguishing it from more remote Hokkaido ski areas. Travel time from central Sapporo runs 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. Snow tyres remain mandatory during winter months, with November through April representing the typical requirement period for Hokkaido road travel.
New Chitose Airport sits approximately 45 to 50 kilometres southeast of Sapporo, requiring 60 to 80 minutes by road from the resort depending on traffic. JR Rapid Airport trains connect the airport to Sapporo Station in 40 minutes for 1,230 yen, departing every 15 minutes throughout the day. From Sapporo Station, visitors access the resort via taxi, rental car, or the Namboku subway line to Makomanai Station followed by the daily shuttle bus service introduced for the 2025-26 season. Bus service from Makomanai operates approximately hourly during the ski season, with a 15-minute ride to the north slope base.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Sapporo Moiwa, powered by Stay22.
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Sapporo Moiwa Lift Tickets
Sapporo Moiwa lift tickets & passes
The 2025-2026 season at Sapporo Moiwa closed on Mar 29, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from ¥2,500, with peak rates up to ¥4,200.
6 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult 1-Day Pass
¥3,800up to ¥4,200 peak
Full day access to Moiwa's 10 courses in central Sapporo with convenient city location. Perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers wanting easy access from downtown.
Buy passSenior 60–99
Senior 1-Day Pass (60+)
¥3,200up to ¥3,600 peak
Senior discount for ages 60+ at Moiwa in central Sapporo. Full access to 10 courses with city convenience and reduced pricing for mature skiers.
Buy passChild 0–12
Child (Elementary & Under)
Free
Free skiing for elementary students and younger at Moiwa when accompanied by adult. Complimentary access to beginner-friendly terrain in central Sapporo.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Half-Day Pass
¥3,000up to ¥3,300 peak
Half-day skiing at Moiwa starting from 1:00pm. Perfect for afternoon sessions in Sapporo with convenient city access and affordable pricing for shorter visits.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Night Skiing Pass
¥2,500up to ¥2,800 peak
Evening skiing until 9:00pm at Moiwa with full course illumination. Perfect for after-work skiing in Sapporo with city convenience and spectacular night views.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 18–64
Season Pass (Adult)
¥38,000
Unlimited access to Moiwa all season with city convenience. Perfect for Sapporo residents wanting easy access to skiing with night skiing benefits until 9pm.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Sapporo Moiwa day pass cost?
Sapporo Moiwa day passes range from ¥2,500 to ¥4,200 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Sapporo Moiwa lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Sapporo Moiwa lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Sapporo Moiwa, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Sapporo Moiwa lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Sapporo Moiwa - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Sapporo Moiwa lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Sapporo Moiwa offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Sapporo Moiwa directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Sapporo Moiwa.
More Sapporo Moiwa intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.